NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release - December 15, 2006

Contact: Public Relations
604-938-7668
publicrelations@intrawest.com

First movement of Symphony Express lift today at Whistler Blackcomb

$9.2 million lift opens to a powder masterpiece in the Symphony Amphitheatre

WHISTLER, B.C. December 16, 2006 - Whistler Blackcomb opened their new Symphony Express high speed detachable quad today for scores of eager skiers and riders. The new lift, accessing 1,000 acres of pristine alpine bowls and gladed sub-alpine forest filled with thigh deep snow, began turning shortly after 11am.

Grand opening celebrations included an official ribbon cutting ceremony with Gordon Hogg, the Province of British Columbia's Minister of State for ActNow BC, and Whistler Blackcomb's Chief Operating Officer, David Brownlie.

"This new lift is a sign of the evolution and development of British Columbia as we move towards hosting the Winter Olympics in 2010," says Hogg. "On behalf of the Premier and all British Columbians I would like to thank Whistler Blackcomb for their contributions towards the province's goal of increasing tourism."

Coming in at a cool $9.2 million, the new Doppelmayr lift transports guests 6,929 feet (2,112 metres) and climbs 1,670 vertical feet (509 vertical metres) to the peak of Piccolo at 6,673 feet (2,034 metres). Panoramic views of Garibaldi Provincial Park and views across to Blackcomb Mountain are available from the summit.

A series of strong Pacific storms have blanketed the area with 61cms/24" in the last 48 hours. Skiers and riders carved their inaugural lines into the unbroken powder that filled the 1,000 acres of intermediate and advanced terrain in the newly crowned Symphony Amphitheatre. The terrain encompasses steep alpine bowls and cruising groomers filled with gentle rollers and forested tree clusters, all leading to the final pitch where trails meander through the magical Coast Mountain forest back to the Symphony Express base.

"Aesthetically and ecologically, the trail design of the Symphony Amphitheatre has mimicked the natural growth of the sub alpine forest in a way that works really well with nature," says Derek Bonin, a registered professional forester who advises on watershed planning initiatives. Bonin was a key expert in the development of the Symphony trails and has ski-toured through this area over the past two decades. "Trees at this altitude naturally cluster and with time, grow into thick forested areas to create a protected growing climate. Whistler Blackcomb has thinned out these areas to create a wonderful intermediate gladed experience, but without upsetting the natural ecosystem. The habitat is maintained; young trees have the ability to continue to grow and older trees to die."

A team of highly experienced planners and engineers are credited for the development of this project. "Special thanks needs to go to the team at Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners in Whistler, who were instrumental in the early stages of trail design, Whistler Blackcomb's Arthur DeJong who interpreted the theoretical design into the actual field design and, of course the whole team at Doppelmayr who worked with us throughout this process," says Doug Forseth, Whistler Blackcomb's senior vice president of operations. "In addition, a number of key individuals at Whistler Blackcomb as well as a variety of local contractors have applied their expertise, passion and tireless dedication to this project. We could not have done this without them."

For up to date weather information, guests can call the Whistler Blackcomb snow phone at 604-932-4211 (Whistler), 604-687-7507 (Vancouver) or toll-free at 1.800.766.0449. Last minute deals on hotel rooms are available for as low as $123 per night at whistlerblackcomb.com.

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests, and is about to open the Symphony Express, a new high speed quad accessing further into Whistler Mountain's spectacular high alpine for the 06/07 season. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the spectacular 'Sea to Sky' Highway, this resort is home to the continent's two greatest vertical-rise ski mountains – Whistler and Blackcomb. With over 17 alpine bowls, four glaciers, 200 trails, 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and a one mile vertical rise, the choices of where and what to ski/ride at Whistler Blackcomb from beginner to advanced terrain are staggering. Joined at the base by a vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this four season resort is spectacular. Check it all out at www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Intrawest ULC is a world leader in destination resorts and leisure travel. The company has interests in 10 resorts at North America's most popular mountain destinations, including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Intrawest owns Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, and an interest in Abercrombie & Kent, the world leader in luxury adventure travel. The Intrawest network also includes Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with nine locations throughout North America. Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe. Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com.

Proud to be a venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

Please credit - Photographer: Randy Lincks, Location: Symphony Express, Whistler Mountain, British Columbia.

Please credit - Photographer: Randy Lincks, Location: Symphony Express, Whistler Mountain, British Columbia.

MEDIA NOTE: Whistler Blackcomb is pleased to provide high resolution photos available for editorial use, and downloadable at the following link http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/photo/index.htm.