BY DRIVING Sea-to-Sky Highway — or taking B.C. Rail — a couple of hours north of the North Shore, travellers will find themselves in what resort in North America. The Whisder area first vained its popularity through its ski hills, Whistler and Biackcomb moun- tains, where some of the best ski- ing — not only in B.C or Canada — is found, but some of the best in the world. . Although famous for the downhill slopes, the Whistler area also holds an abundance of cross-country ski trails as well as snowboarding and a hosi of other artivities throuchout the area. Try fishing, heli-skiing, ice skating, paragliding, snowmobil- ing, snowshoeing, or almost atiy other winter activity. Although gaining popularity as @ year-round resort with scenic terrain io keep the outdoor adven- turer happy, skiing is still the most popular winter pastime in Whistler, and another season of it has just begun. Blackcomb opened Sunday for pre-season skiing and Wiistler ras been rated the best ski By Pamela Lang Features Reporter was scheduled to open today, and although not all of the runs are Open yet, recent snewfalls — sup- plemented by the snow-rmaking equipment on both mountains — will enable more runs to open as the week progresses. Both mountains officially open tomorrow with 28 lifts (nine are high-speed) servicing more than 200 runs over 6,090 acres of ter- rain. Whistler/Biackcomb was recent- ly rated No.l by Snow Country Magazine in their ranking of the top 50 ski resorts (beating out Vail, Colorado for the first time), explained Liz Carson, Media Relations Coordinator for the Whistler Resort Association. The association says Snow Country Magazine rates resorts in ~~ 170,900 & ® Hot tubs ° Fireplaces VALHALLA In the new & exciting WHi LOCATED AT NESTER’S SQUARE 1% MELE NORTH GF WHISTLER VILLAGE e full selection of groceries ¢ © fresh produce ¢ full service -— PAEAY, DELI, SEAFOOD ~~ “Locally owned and operated” ; OREN SUN-WED. 86, THURS SAT OS NESTERS MARKET WHISTLER BC. # PRICES | Canada and the U.S. based on their size as well as readers’ opi- nions of their resort experiences in categories such as scenery, night life, dining, and lodging. Along with ski-area measure- ments; vertical drop, snowfall, snow-making capabilities, and lifts were taken into consideraiion. A quote from the ski magazine says: ‘‘Whistler/Blackcomb offers the kind cf skiing found nowhere else in North America. Long a favorite with hard-core powder skiers and backcountry adven- turers, Whistler Resort... was crowned the premier ski destina- tion on the continent.” Runs on the two mountains break down to 20% beginner, 55% intermediate, and 25% ad- vanced and the average snowfall for the mountains is 9.14 metres (360 inches). Open since 1980, Blackcomb has a top elevation of 2,284 metres (7,494 fect), a base of 675 metres (2,214 feet), and a vertical rise of 1,609 metres (5,280 feet). With the addition of a new high-speed quad chair this year, the mountain now has a lift ca- pacity Gf 26,400 skiers per hour. Blackcomb’s season will extend to May 24. Their snow report number is 687-7507. Whistler Mountain — open since 1966 ~- has recently added five kilometres of new trails covering 25.5 acres. It has a top elevation of 2,182 metres (7,160 fect), a base of 652 metres (2,140 feet), and a vertical rise of 1,536 metres (5,020 feet). Whistler’s lift capacity is 22,295 skiers per hour, with a season scheduled to end April 25. For Whistler’s snow report, call 687-6761. Both mountains offer downhill skiing lessons. Rental of both downhill and cross-country equipment can be obtained at Whistler Resort, as well as back- country tours and ‘‘flightseeing’’ (air tours of the area). Whistier Mountain wiil also fost this country’s only Wor!d Cup race, scheduled for Feb. 27 and 28. The Whistler Resort Association can give visitors general informa- tion at 1-932-3928, and reserva- tions for many Whistler-area hotels can be obtained by calling 685-3650. Looking for informa- tion on things to do once there, call the Whistler A.ctivity and In- formation Centre at 1-932-2394 WHISTLER ie Sea to Sky Condominium / * Renials | Book (ow for Winter 92/93 We have basic to deluxe condomiriums, with locations and prices to suit every need. 1-3 bedrooms avaiable, fireplaces, pools, jacuzzis, kitchens, parking. | OPENING SPECIAL! | | CALL TODAY j VANCOUVER DIRECT | 6$2-2430 TOLL FREE 1-800-688-8864 J LONE SKIER : a heads 4 @ On ep The Fireplace Inns in the heart of Whistler Village NEWS photo Torry Peters down Blackcomb’s Catskinner run, backdropped by Whistler Mountain. 3 Day Ski Package from? 72 co per ni minimum stay - 3 nights per person ight Valid November 30 - Dec. 17 Reservations 1-800-663-6416 VALUE SKi SPEC. 3 NITE *209* ppp INC. 3 NITES STUDIO, 3 DAY DUAL LIFT OR DINNER SPECIAL 5116” ppp INC, 2 NITES STUDIO, 1 DINNER ARAXIS 1 DINNER TRATTORIA DI UMBERTO RESERVATIONS BLACKCOMB LGDGE MOUNTAINSIDE LODGE 669-0560 1-800-777-8146 PoE 681-6710 1-800-777-8135 EARLY SKI/DINE | SPECIALS VALID TIL DEC. 18/92 foe