Whistler Blackcomb Ranked #1 By SKIING Magazine and TRANSWORLD SNOWBOARDING Magazine

Whistler BC - Whistler is the best of the best again according to Skiing Magazine and Transworld Snowboarding Magazine with #1 rankings by each publication in their respective annual reader surveys.

"Whistler simply scored better across the board, in every category-vertical drop, acreage, reader and athlete surveys (which included steeps, powder, and après)-than any other resort. "It's enormous, varied and has a world-famous party scene and that's what our readers are looking for," says Mike Kessler, Executive Editor of Skiing Magazine. Besides ranking #1 overall for the eighth year running in Skiing Magazine, Whistler was also awarded the highest accolades for Vertical and Après and #6 for Snow.

Whistler Blackcomb's #1 overall ranking and #2 for Park and #3 for Pipe by the readers of Transworld Snowboarding Magazine illustrates the mountain's commitment to providing a Parks and Pipes experience for skiers and riders that is literally second to none. The addition of the new Super Night Pipe on Blackcomb Mountain will keep riders stoked day and night.

In January 2005, Whistler Blackcomb will host the FIS Snowboard World Championships to be held in North America for the first time. With 400 of the world's best athletes from over 40 countries travelling to Whistler to compete in Halfpipe, Big Air, Snowboard Cross, Parallel Giant Slalom, and Parallel Slalom events, Whistler Blackcomb will be the epicentre of the snowboarding world this winter.

"Skiing Magazine and Transworld Snowboarding Magazine are the leading magazines in their categories and Whistler Blackcomb coming out on top early shows we offer more of what skiers and riders are looking for than any other resort in North America," says Stuart Rempel, Whistler Blackcomb Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing. "With the addition of our new terrain and our new focus on value, we are confident that we will continue to deliver an award-winning product."

This season Whistler Blackcomb has also garnered a #1 ranking with the Daily Mail Ski & Snowboard Magazine for Best New North American Resort Development 2004. The developments encompass the 1100 acre terrain expansion, and the redevelopment of Creekside, Whistler's original base area. Whistler Blackcomb is also the proud recipient of the Best North American Winter Resort and the Best Worldwide Winter Resort from www.snowawards.co.uk. These independent awards were determined by the votes of over 20,000 UK skiing and boarding public last season. The Roundhouse Lodge, located at the top of Whistler Mountain, was ranked 3rd Best Winter Mountain Restaurant by the Snow Awards website.

In SKI Magazine's 17th annual "Reader Resort Survey" (October 2004), Whistler Blackcomb ranked #1 for terrain and earned the title of "Best Singles Adventure" for the variety of nightlife, terrain, and off-hill activities. Overall, Whistler Blackcomb placed fifth among resorts in North America.

"We'd like to thank the skiers and snowboarders, as well as the pro athletes and editors who have consistently enjoyed our mountains and rated us their favourite. We appreciate their support and Whistler will continue to strive to meet their high standards," said Barrett Fisher, President of Tourism Whistler. "And for this season, Whistler has many exciting developments to check out: riding the newly opened areas on Whistler and the downhill race runs for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, watching the world's best at the FIS World Snowboarding Championships in January, and experiencing new hotels, spas and winter activities."

Opening Day for Whistler Blackcomb is November 25, 2004 with the more than $14.2 million in on-mountain improvements this season, including 1100 acres of new terrain on Whistler Mountain: a unique backcountry in-bounds experience in the Flute Bowl, and the new Peak to Creek Zone with four new, huge runs and 5020' vertical. Whistler Blackcomb continues to define new product development that will give skiers and riders of all abilities an even bigger experience than in years past.