Whistler Blackcomb’s summer and winter seasons will have an overlap of almost two weeks, the mountain operator revealed this week, giving local residents and visitors the option to ski, bike or both in late May.
In a press release issued Tuesday (April 12), it was announced that the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is scheduled to open on May 20. On Wednesday (April 13), another release stated that the spring skiing season on Blackcomb Mountain has been extended to May 30 thanks in part to massive snowfall through the winter.
The original closing date for Blackcomb was to be May 23, but with 2011 shaping up to surpass last winter as the second-snowiest season on record and nearly a four-metre snow base, conditions will remain optimal for skiers and snowboarders.
“This winter has been incredible for skiers and snowboarders but people are definitely ready for spring,” said Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb mountain operations manager, in Wednesday’s release. “Goggle tans, Gaper Days and Slush Cups are all classic elements of spring skiing and riding and we haven’t been able to enjoy any of these with the mid-winter conditions that keep pummeling the mountains.
“The decision to keep Blackcomb Mountain open one week longer so we can all enjoy some of the best spring conditions we’ve ever had; it’s a no brainer.”Winter operations on Whistler Mountain will coincide with the end of the Telus World Ski and Snowboard Festival on April 24. Meanwhile, WB staff is working to prepare the bike park for an opening date that is just five weeks away.
“Our team is hard at work getting ready for the 2011 Bike Park season and this summer is looking to be one of the best yet,” said park manager Brian Finestone in Tuesday’s release. “With snow still covering the trails, it’s going to be a real chore to dig them out this year but the anticipation of bike season fuels us.
“A lot of great work was done last fall upgrading some popular trails as well as creating Scottish Hammer and Fade to Black; all of which will soon be uncovered for our riders to enjoy.”
Early bird bike park passes and Triple Play cards go on sale Friday (April 15). Preparations are also underway for some popular events in the bike park, as Kokanee Crankworx is set to return July 16 to 24. Once the lower half of the park is cleared out, construction will commence on “the most unbelievable Slopestyle course in Crankworx history,” said the release.
Meanwhile, the Crud 2 Mud Downhill race, a combined ski/snowboard and bike event, is scheduled for May 29. Registration for the race will open on April 25. In a new feature for this summer, the Carleton Lodge will have a high-performance demo centre that will let guests try out a selection of 14 different bike models from eight brands.