Whistler Blackcomb is rolling out an updated master plan with the possibility of more lifts being added and it wants to hear from you.
The company is holding an open house this Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Whistler Conference Centre, with a presentation starting at 3:15 p.m. The purpose is to gather public input for the company's future development plans, as part of a process mandated by the provincial Ministry of Natural Resource Operations.
The master plan, available to the public at http://www.tti.gov.bc.ca/resort_development/resort_plans/list_of_plans.htm, includes a series of changes that Whistler Blackcomb plans to bring to the mountains if they were to reach build out. The plans are by no means final, nor has it been determined which, if any, proposals will actually be seen through.
Future plans, according to a Master Plan update drafted by Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners Ltd., include new lifts and trails in Symphony Bowl, in the area of Flute peak and on Whistler Mountain's west and south flanks.
The plan also includes upgrades to existing lifts, improving existing trails and adding more access capacity. Beginner zones could be expanded and renovated to help enhance the ski and snowboard experience for learners in ski school.
As part of Phase 15 of development of the mountains, Whistler Blackcomb expects to upgrade and expand learning facilities around Olympic Meadows, upgrade the lifts at Emerald and Harmony and add a lift called the "Yellow Express," plans that could increase skier circulation in Whistler Mountain's most popular areas.
Further down the mountain, Whistler Blackcomb hopes to increase staging capacity out of Creekside Base, meaning they hope to increase the capacity of skiers and snowboarders going up the mountain from there, as well as replace Franz's Chair and expand lift service into Bagel Bowl.
The company may also look into adding new "snow play" structures similar to its existing Tree Fort.
Whistler Blackcomb could not be reached by deadline.
