New for the 2011/12 season, Whistler Blackcomb is proud to introduce several key elements, each certain to provide a more enjoyable visit to the resort.  Visitors can expect to experience the benefits of the following:

• The Max 4 Program - The new Max 4 Program at Whistler Blackcomb Snow School means there will never be more than four people in any daily adult Snow School group lesson. The change will ensure all guests, whether skiing or snowboarding for the first time or a seasoned expert, will receive quality one on one time with their instructors. Guests will be divided into groups that better tailor to their abilities which will increase their confidence and help them learn faster. Whistler Blackcomb has also reduced the class size for all Whistler Kids Snow School programs for all of the same reasons; beginning this winter, there will never be more than six children to one instructor.


• New Snow School Programs - This winter Whistler Blackcomb Snow School will introduce a new specialty camp: The Bilodeau All Mountain Workshop. Available December 9-11, 2011 and April 13-15, 2012, the Bilodeau All Mountain Workshop is designed for experienced skiers looking for technical improvement in a relaxed social setting. In addition to Canadian skiing legends Don and Heather Bilodeau, all workshops will be led by Whistler Blackcomb’s level four ski instructors. New this winter, a three Day Whistler Kids Adventure Camp will be available to guests in Whistler Creek. The Monday to Wednesday camp guarantees the same instructor and same classmates throughout the entire camp.


• Grooming - Whistler Blackcomb grooms 1,200 to 1,500 acres of terrain each night over our lengthy season which is more than any other resort in North America. To help perfect the acres of groomed terrain, Whistler Blackcomb has invested over $2.5 million in new grooming equipment for the upcoming winter season. The new equipment includes three new winch cats, three regular groomers, one park cat and one new summer mower. The new equipment will be added to Whistler Blackcomb's already impressive grooming fleet which includes the state of the art 22-foot Global Pipe Cutter. The new grooming equipment, coupled with Whistler Blackcomb's state of the art snowmaking system, a legacy from the 2010 Olympic Games, will help get an early start to the season which means guests can get an even better quality ski experience sooner.


• Technology - This winter complimentary wireless internet will be available to guests at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain and at the Rendezvous Lodge and Glacier Creek Hut on Blackcomb Mountain. This new amenity in partnership with TELUS, allows guests to access the web free of charge, making it even easier to stay connected while on the mountain. Recognizing the importance of keeping guests informed of the latest on-mountain operation information, Whistler Blackcomb has installed a number of flat screen televisions in many of Whistler Blackcomb's restaurant facilities displaying grooming information, lift status, special events and more. This new communication system has been designed to help keep guests up-to-date on the latest operation news and to improve their experiences on the mountains.


• Terrain Parks and Training Facilities - A number of new features will be added to all five of the terrain parks at Whistler Blackcomb this winter. In partnership with Arena Snowparks for rail fleet production, Whistler Blackcomb plans to perform a major overhaul of all the jib features and will build new entrances to help give the terrain parks a new look and ease of entrance courtesy of Nintendo. With Ski Half Pipe announced as a new event at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, as well as skier and snowboard cross introduced at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, Whistler Blackcomb will continue to serve as an elite athlete training ground by focusing on a renewed Snow Cross Track and the 22-foot Olympic Size Half Pipe on Blackcomb Mountain. Whistler Blackcomb will also build out a 14-foot half pipe on Blackcomb allowing guests to progress into the 22-foot feature. A new Dave Murray National Training Centre is being constructed in the Ptarmigan area on Whistler Mountain as part of the 2010 Olympic Legacy. This area will operate under the direction of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club and will serve as a training ground for guests and future Olympians.


• Environmental Initiatives - Whistler Blackcomb continues to work towards its goal of one day achieving a zero operating footprint. Key areas of focus include: energy conservation, waste reduction as well as staff and guest involvement. Last season Whistler Blackcomb participated in three new energy conservation projects representing over 1.3 million kilowatt hours (kWh) in electrical savings including: a behavioral program in partnership with BC Hydro to reduce energy use in all on-mountain buildings; a Continuous Optimization program at the Roundhouse Lodge to save an estimated seven per cent in energy; and an efficient lighting project in Whistler Blackcomb’s staff housing. The Fitzsimmons Creek Renewable Energy Project which was launched in 2009 also continues to be an incredible asset. The micro hydro project was built in partnership with Innergex Inc. and Ledcor Power Inc. and produces the equivalent of Whistler Blackcomb’s annual energy demand.
  
  

After a full day on the slopes be sure to check out the many activities that Whistler/Blackcomb has to offer. Visit the tube pack which offers fun for all ages, or experience the quiet beauty of the mountains on a snowshoe tour. Cathc fresh tracks or have the ultimate powder experience heli-skiing. Another must try activity is the ziptrek eco-tours. There is no end of great things to do at Whistler/Blackcomb.

	Heli-Skiing/Boarding
	If you’re looking for the ultimate winter adventure, fresh untracked snow and amazing mountain terrain then heli-skiing is for you. Whistler Heli-Skiing brings together 25 years of experience with friendly licensed heli-ski operators to provide you with the highest possible quality of experience. Book today and take the trip of your dreams.

	Fresh Tracks
	Itching to get on the mountain first? The Fresh Tracks adventure program starts your day with a hearty breakfast buffet then gets you on the mountain up to 1.5 hours before the lifts are open to the public. As soon as Ski Patrol give the ok you are welcome to hit any of the open runs on the upper half of the mountain.

	Tube Park
	The Coca Cola Tube Park is truly fun for all ages. This eight lane adventure park requires no skill from the rider, simply a sense of adventure and a craving for fun. For the convenience of all ages the tube park features a conveyor lift making your trek to the top almost as much fun as the ride down.

	Snowmobiling
	Canadian Snowmobile Adventures is dedicated to providing exciting tours for riders of all ages while maintaining the highest possible safety level and offering programs for every skill level. Tours range from simple terrain rides to full day backcountry expeditions.

	Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides
	The classic winter activity, Whistler sleigh rides each start and end with a hot beverage around a crackling outdoor fire. Enjoy a cozy half-hour tour through the breathtaking mountain scenery of British Columbia. Each sleigh includes plenty of blankets to keep warm no matter how crisp the mountain air.

	Zip Trek Ecotours
	Believe us when we say you have never experienced anything like this before. Glide along think cables from platform to platform high above the forest floor while suspended from a mountain climbing type harness. The expert guides will give you full instructions on how to use this equipment safely, then send you on your way for the thrill of a lifetime.

	Dog Sledding
	Come join the pack for a dog sled ride through the backcountry. This team of Alaskan Huskies will take you on a thrilling winter journey through the Soo Valley Wildlife Reserve stopping for snacks and a chance to interact with the dogs. If your feeling extra adventurous there is an opportunity for you to drive the sled.

	Snowshoeing
	There is no more peaceful way to take in the beautiful scenery and breathtaking mountain vistas of the Whistler Blackcomb area then by trekking through them on snowshoes. Professional guides offer a variety of tours for each ability level. This is definitely an experience you will never forget.

	Sno-Limo Mountain Tours
	Finally a way for non-skiers and snowboarders to enjoy the same thrill of gliding along the snowy mountain trails. Join friends and family in comfort as your Sno-Limo chauffer takes you with an exciting and enjoyable tour of the mountain. Parents and grandparents especially enjoy this service as it gives them a chance to watch their children on the hill regardless of personal ability.

	Cross Country Skiing
	Whistler offers over 28km of premium cross-country trails. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Lost Lake Park, Nicklaus North and the Chateau Whistler golf courses. Alternate routes are available for skiers of all ability levels. Visit the sports shops throughout the village for trail maps and rental equipment.