WHISTLER MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK OPENS FRIDAY, MAY 17 WITH MOST OPENING DAY TERRAIN EVER

Ideal Early-Summer Conditions Allow Bike Park To Open A-Line, Crank-it-Up, And Crabapple Hits As Part Of The Biggest Opening Day Ever

WHISTLER, BC May 13, 2013 – To say anticipation is running high for the opening day of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park would be an understatement and this week, the wait is finally over. On Friday, May 17 the Whistler Mountain Bike Park will open for summer operations with much of the lower park open and buffed.

In contrast with the past two spring seasons where cool spring temperatures and a deep mid-mountain snowpack made clearing trails a difficult task, this spring has been much more forgiving. The month of May has already seen a number of days with temperatures in the high 20C and even 30C range, meaning much of the snow on the lower slopes of the bike park has been melting on its own.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park Manager Brian Finestone says, “The ultimate goal is to have Dirt Merchant open for day one. The snow has been removed from the trail, allowing the dirt to settle and dry out nicely. If it continues to be warm, and mostly dry, we should be able to make Dirt Merchant accessible to riders, setting a record for its earliest opening ever.”

The official list of trails to open on May 17 will be confirmed the day before opening, but riders can expect to shred A-Line, B-Line, Crank-it-Up, Ninja Cougar, Karate Monkey, and even Crabapple Hits. Opening day terrain in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is recommended for at least intermediate to advanced riders. The bike park crew will continue to work hard to open more beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails as this season gets off to a quick start.

Beginning May 17, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park will be open daily from 10am – 5pm. Access will be available via the Fitzsimmons Express Chairlift. Upload via the Whistler Village Gondola will begin Saturday, May 25 when summer sightseeing operations commence. Extended Play hours 10am – 8pm kick off June 15 and will run through August 18.

Early Bird Bike Park Season Passes will be available until May 16 for $599 CAN (plus tax). Riders who purchase their Season Passes before May 16 will receive one free early season bring-a-friend ticket, valid until June 14. After May 16, regular priced Season Passes will be available for $639 CAN (plus tax).

Twilight Passes gives lift access any day after 5pm, June 15 thru September 2, includes three full days in the park, and offers a discounted rate on all other days. Early Bird Twilight Passes are available until June 14 with Adult, Youth/Senior, and Child passes available for $282, $262, and $218 CAN (plus tax) respectively. Riders who purchase Twilight Passes before May 16 will also receive a free early season day, valid until June 14, and a special 3-Day load option for $109 (Youth/Senior $99, Child $59).

Triple Play Cards include three days of riding any time during the season, discounted rates for each additional day at the lowest possible/available rate, and direct to lift convenience. Early Season Triple Play Cards will be available until June 14 with Adult, Youth/Senior, and Child passes available for $153, $133, and $89 CAN (plus tax) respectively. Passes purchased by May 16 will include a free early season day valid until June 14, a 3-Day load option for $109 (Youth/Senior $99, Child $59), and the opportunity to add on the Twilight Pass for $129.

Guests can purchase all passes and cards online at whistlerblackcomb.com, in person at Village Guest Relations, or by calling 1-800-766-0449.

For guests looking to rent bikes and gear, Garbanzo Rentals in the Whistler Gondola building will be carrying a selection of GIANT full suspension downhill mountain bikes including the Glory and Reign, Kali full-face helmets and Alpinestars body armour. Garbanzo Bike and Bean will be open from 10am – 6pm for rental and repair services, and features a retail section filled with top-end mountain bikes, clothing, bike gear, and a cappuccino bar.

Riders can also practice indoors in the Air Dome starting May 18. The Air Dome is an 8,400 square foot covered indoor bike training facility with various jumps, wooden ramps and a foam pit.  Full details can be found online at www.whistlerbike.com/information.

To connect with the Whistler Mountain Bike Park on Facebook, go to facebook.com/WhistlerBikePark. Follow @WhistlerBikePrk on Twitter and check out @whistlerbikeprk on Instagram to keep up with daily updates and photos.

More information on the weather conditions and spring accommodation deals and packages can be found by visiting www.whistlerblackcomb.com.

Photos: Mark Mackay