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Whistler Blackcomb releases details on early mountain opening

Five lifts will be running, providing access to 1,800 vertical feet of skiing
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POW WOW Excitement is ramping up for Whistler Mountain's opening day on Nov. 19. Photo by Paul Morrison / Courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler Blackcomb has released details on its limited early-season opening, which kicks off Nov. 19.

Five lifts will be running, offering access to 1,800 vertical feet of skiing on opening day.

“We’ve had a good start to the season here so far with 155cm of snow since Nov. 1 as measured at the Pig Alley Weather Station on Whistler Mountain,” said mountain operations director Doug MacFarlane in a release. “Thanks to that natural snow and the combined efforts of our snowmaking team, guests can expect some fun early-season conditions tomorrow."

Guests can upload to the Whistler Village Gondola or Creekside Gondola beginning at 8:30 a.m. Last upload is at 2 p.m., with mandatory download in effect.

Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz's Chair lifts will be running, providing access to nine groomed runs, including Green Acres, Jolly Greent Giant, Ego Bowl, Upper Whiskey Jack, Pony Trail, Porcupine, Orange Peel, Upper Bear Cub, Upper Franz's, as well as a small terrain park at the top of the Emerald Express chair.

Guests can stay up to date on lift status information at www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain-info/snow-report#lifts-and-trails or from mobile devices via the Whistler Blackcomb Live app.

“With all the excitement of opening day, we want to remind guests early-season conditions will apply, especially off piste,” said MacFarlane. “It is important to obey all mountain signage, ski and ride on open runs only and stay within the operational area marked by ‘Temporary Boundary’ signage.”

Whistler Blackcomb dining options on opening day include the Roundhouse Lodge, Dusty's Backside for breakfast only, the GLC, Essentially Blackcomb Cappuccino Bar, starting at 7:30 a.m., and Garbo's Grill in the Carleton Lodge, from 6:30 a.m.

Guest Relations in the village will operate from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, while the Blackcomb Day Lodge and Creekside Guest Relations will operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Blackcomb Day Lodge will close between Nov. 22 and 25 before reopening in advance of Blackcomb's Mountain's opening on Nov. 26.

To mark its 50th anniversary, Whistler Blackcomb will be celebrating opening day Thursday with live music from The McQuaid's between 7:30 and 10 a.m. and an apres session at Dusty's, featuring Ruckus Deluxe, from 2:30 to 5 p.m.