SKIING Magazine readers have named Whistler-Blackcomb the No.1
ski resort in North America for the 12
th
year in a row.
“These top rankings are a very encouraging indication that we
are continuing in the right direction and are a great start to this landmark
winter season,” said Stuart Rempel, senior VP of Marketing and Sales for
Whistler-Blackcomb.
“Whistler-Blackcomb continues to strive for innovation and
guest service excellence. On Dec. 12, the grand opening of the Peak 2 Peak
Gondola will set us even further apart from other North American resorts.”
Whistler-Blackcomb also received several other top rankings including third in SKI Magazine’s annual “Top 50 Resort Guide” for the second year in a row.
And Transworld Snowboarding awarded Whistler top spot in its
resort poll and Best Park, beating out four-year champion Park City, Utah.
SKIING’S Best Après Scene award also went to
Whistler-Blackcomb, with the Garibaldi Lift Company receiving accolades for its
great food and variety of live concerts. Whistler-Blackcomb also received a Top
5 ranking for Backcountry Access, Steeps, and Park; as well as a Top 10 ranking
for Trees.
“We survey our readers annually and ask them what they think is the best
resort. But this year we tweaked the question. We asked readers where they
would go if money were no object. Essentially, where they want to ski most,”
said Jake Bogoch, editor of SKIING Magazine.
“The answer was Whistler-Blackcomb. On a personal level, I get
it. I’ve skied at Whistler for the past seven winters and can’t seem to stay
away.”
In addition to a No.3 overall ranking in SKI Magazine’s Top 50
Resort Guide, Whistler-Blackcomb also received a Top 5 ranking in eight
categories: Terrain/Variety (No.1), Après-Ski (No.2), Off Hill Activities (No.
3), Lifts (No. 3), Lodging (No. 3), Dining (No. 4), Terrain/Challenge (No. 5)
and Terrain Parks (No. 5).
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola received the award for best North American Resort
Development 2008 by a leading UK publication, Where to Ski and Snowboard.
Hardy's Skiing and Snowboarding Guide 2009, another UK-based publication,
has given the Garibaldi Lift Company the award for Best Après-Ski Venue in
North America. The awards are judged by a panel of experts, including the
authors of the guide, and take into account nominations supplied by readers.
Opening day this winter is Nov. 27, with the Peak 2 Peak set to
go Dec.12.
Guests who book by Nov. 15 can receive up to 33 per cent off their holiday. As part of the family package, kids 12 and under stay, ski, rent, and transfer for free.