Straight from a manager at Whistler-Blackcomb...

" MASSIVE WINTER STORM HERALDS EARLY OPENING AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB Whistler Mountain set to open this Saturday, November 18  WHISTLER, BC, November 13, 2006 – A massive winter storm that has blanketed Whistler resort since Thursday night in 75 centimeters or 30 inches of snow, has precipitated the announcement that the resort will open earlier than expected. Whistler Mountain will open for the season this Saturday, November 18 from 8:30am to 3pm. Blackcomb Mountain will open as planned on Thursday, November 23. “This latest weather system has been a huge boost for our early season conditions, helping to create excellent opening weekend conditions, as well as building a solid base for the rest of the season,” says Doug MacFarlane, Whistler Blackcomb’s mountain operations manager. “We couldn’t be happier with what we can offer our guests this coming weekend.” Weather forecasters are predicting that this is only the beginning of a period of snowy, stormy weather over the next several days in the resort. Environment Canada’s forecast calls for snow throughout the week. Bestskiweather.com is also reporting an active weather pattern for Whistler well into late November. Whistler Mountain will open on Saturday with access from the Whistler Village base. The Whistler Village Gondola, the Emerald Express and the Big Red Express are all scheduled to open. The resort’s new fleet of grooming machines will be hard at work this week preparing the slopes for skiers and riders. Guests should be aware that early season conditions will exist off-piste and so extreme caution should be exercised when venturing beyond the ropes.