WHISTLER BLACKCOMB PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA TO LAUNCH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 12

On-mountain launch ceremony and Grand Après in Skiers Plaza celebrate the day

Whistler Blackcomb’s PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will officially open to the public December 12, 2008.

The official ceremony will get underway at 10:30am on both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains at the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola terminals. There will be large Video screens broadcasting the inaugural launch at the base of both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains..

 The lucky first guests (officials, politicians, winners of the Ride Of Your Life contest) will depart the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola from both terminals on opposite side after the official ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am.

The Gondola will run throughout the afternoon on its first day of operations, open to all guests – skiers, snowboarders, and sightseers – until 3pm.

Those who can’t make the launch can still check out all the action as a live webcast will broadcast the launch ceremony.  The live webcast will launch at whistlerblackcomb.com/webcast at 10:30am PST.

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Launch Schedule – December 12, 2008

7:30am - Fresh Tracks Breakfast presented by Nature’s Path

8:30am - Mountains open for skiing and riding

10:30am – Official Opening Ceremony gets underway at the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola terminals on both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains

11:00am – Official Ribbon cutting at the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola terminals on both Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, and the first rides begin. And get ready for the ultimate thrill, as Red Bull drops in and gives wings to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Launch.

First Cabin from Blackcomb to Whistler – “Ride of Their Life” contest winners; 22 locals nominated as those who most deserve to be on the first ride;

11:30am to 1:30pm – Open House in the Roundhouse Lodge featuring an Artist Gallery, a Technology Zone, and a Kids’ Corner.

3pm to 5:30pm – Grand Après celebrations take place in Skiers Plaza including the Sugga DJ and video screens courtesy of Red Bull, a live art showcase, plus a kid-friendly performance by well known entertainer Norman Foote from 3:15pm to 4:15pm.

3pm to late – The ultimate après locations – Merlins, Dusty’s and the Garibaldi Lift Company – will celebrate the launch well into the night