NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release - February 28, 2007

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB AWARDED ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE TOURISM AWARD

Annual awards gala recognizes Whistler Blackcomb for environmental protection efforts surrounding new chairlift construction

WHISTLER, BC, February 28, 2007- Whistler Blackcomb was recently awarded the Environmentally Responsible Tourism Award at the annual BC Tourism Awards gala held February 22, 2007. The award recognizes Whistler Blackcomb for its commitment to developing high levels of environmental and social stewardship programs through its Environmental Management System, in place since 1992. In particular, Whistler Blackcomb was recognized for its efforts surrounding the construction of the $9.2 million Symphony Express chairlift that opened this past December. The awards, recognizing innovation and excellence in the province's tourism industry, are presented in partnership by Tourism British Columbia and the Council of Tourism Associations of British Columbia.

"We are privileged and honoured to have received such accolades," says Arthur DeJong, Whistler Blackcomb's mountain planning and environmental resource manager who attended the ceremony to accept the award. "A great deal of effort went into minimizing our environmental footprint on the construction of the Symphony Express and it's wonderful to see that the results of that effort are being recognized.

The new Symphony Express 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). This huge lift accesses steep alpine bowls, cruising groomers studded with forested tree clusters, and a final pitch where trails meander through the Coast Mountain forest back to the Symphony Express base.

A team of highly experienced planners and engineers both from inside and outside of Whistler Blackcomb are credited with the development of this project on everything from trail design to heli-logging, and included professional foresters, biologists and bear specialists. Much of the early construction was achieved over snow and helicopters were deployed extensively to minimize impact. All in all, the planning team reduced a footprint that was originally estimated at 40% down to less than 5%.

"Whistler Blackcomb has a long history of protecting our land area and adhering to habitat management practices," continues DeJong. "A number of areas with high ecological values have been set aside for conservation within the ski area and include wetlands, black bear habitat zones noted for denning and food supply, and coastal mountain black-tailed deer ranges. In addition to these protected areas, every other on-mountain project will be scrutinized in the same way the Symphony project was to ensure that our footprint is as minimal as possible."

Whistler Blackcomb's Environmental Management System has evolved over the past several years through the inclusion of principles and practices laid out in such recognized programs as the National Ski Areas Sustainable Slopes program, The Natural Step framework and Whistler's 2020 Sustainability strategy. The document outlines watershed, waste and energy management, habitat protection and restoration, vehicle use and emissions reduction, hazardous materials management and wildlife management.

Recent highlights include:

• Two major PowerSmart projects in partnership with BC Hydro resulting in a reduction of more than three million kilowatt hours of electricity per year through the installation of programmable logic controls in all lift stations (enough electricity to power 300 homes in BC for a year);
• Extensive planning to review the potential of a "run of the river" generation station in Fitzsimmons Creek between Whistler and Blackcomb that could generate what is consumed annually as a ski operation;
• Installation of a small turbine in Flute Creek on Whistler Mountain to power the Symphony Express lift station heating and lighting plus the public washrooms;
• Installation of MET towers to monitor wind patterns to determine the potential for wind power;
• Reduction of emissions through vehicle fleet maintenance and an employee carpooling program that saves more than 585,000 pounds of emissions annually;
• Comprehensive waste management system to reduce waste sent to landfill, which saw 100 tonnes of organics composted into garden materials in 2005.

With year round staff dedicated to environmental issues, more and more initiatives will be implemented and studied. "We realize that this is only one step in the right direction and we need to engage in an all out effort to combat such global issues as climate change," stresses DeJong. "But with a strong commitment from all levels of our company to ensure that the Environmental Management System continues to provide the vision for new projects, we believe that we are taking steps in the right direction."

Since 1998, Whistler Blackcomb has received 16 major awards pertaining to its environmental commitment including November's Best in Mountain Environment award, awarded by England's First Choice Responsible Tourism Awards, two Golden Eagles and six Silver Eagles presented by the US-based National Ski Areas Association.

From left to right, Whistler Blackcomb's Environmental Management Team with the award in Victoria: Kathy Jenkins, Arthur DeJong, Allana Hamm.

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 has introduced the Symphony Express, a new high speed quad accessing further into Whistler Mountain's spectacular high alpine this 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 is a world leader in experiential destination resorts. The company has interests in ten resorts at North America's most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest-a private resort club with nine locations throughout North America. In addition, 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

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