Canadian Ski Council Industry Recognition and Excellence Research Award Awarded at annual conference

WHISTLER, BC, July 28, 2008 Whistler Blackcomb’s employees were recently recognized for delivering exceptional guest service during this last winter season. The company has been named National Winner of the 2008 Canadian Ski Council Industry Recognition and Excellence Research Award, awarded recently at the Canadian Ski Council’s (CSC) annual conference.

Whistler Blackcomb ranked highest amongst Canadian ski resorts for customer loyalty, customer satisfaction and a strong commitment to boosting participation in skiing and snowboarding. Results were based on customer service and satisfaction questions that were included in the CSC national consumer profile and satisfaction survey.

“I’m very proud to receive this award on behalf of our 3,800 employees and 800 volunteers,” says Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Operating Officer for Whistler Blackcomb. “Our commitment to guest service forms the foundation of everything we do, and it’s wonderful to receive such positive recognition directly from our guests. Without the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of our employees and volunteers, we could not achieve such results. Congratulations and a heartfelt thank you goes out to each and every member of our team.”

Each year, ski areas from each province or region in Canada receive awards for their proven customer service excellence. This year Whistler Blackcomb ranked highest in the British Columbia category, and received the “highest grades” across the country.

Whistler Blackcomb has consistently received top rankings from many industry publications, including No. 1 ski resort in North America for 11 years in a row by SKIING Magazine. Meanwhile, TransWorld SNOWboarding Magazine has ranked Whistler Blackcomb No.1 overall ski resort in North America for two years in a row, while SKI Magazine’s annual “Top 50 Resort Guide” ranked Whistler Blackcomb No. 3 last year. Condé Nast Traveler magazine awarded Whistler the top spot in its 2007 “The Best Places to Ski & Stay in North America” reader survey. Sunset Magazine recently ranked Blackcomb Mountain’s Crystal Hut one of North America’s Top Ten Mountain-Top Restaurants.

Consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort, Whistler Blackcomb elevates summer adventure to new heights. On-Mountain activities include high alpine hiking and sightseeing via the Peak Chair on Whistler, epic riding in North America’s number one ranked lift-accessed mountain bike park, and summer skiing and riding on Blackcomb’s Horstman Glacier. In the valley, sparkling mountain lakes and beaches, four championship golf courses, and Whistler’s vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafés, shops, galleries and spas are all surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Whistler Blackcomb continues to raise the level of mountain excitement for its guests, introducing a world-record breaking Peak to Peak Gondola connecting Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain’s alpine. Opening December 2008, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will revolutionize the winter skiing and riding as well as summer sightseeing and alpine hiking experience. Located a scenic two-hour drive north of Vancouver up the spectacular Sea to Sky Highway, this four season resort is truly spectacular by nature. Check it out at whistlerblackcomb.com.