Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Hosting the Olympic Games does not guarantee a banner year for a ski resort. Many find local visitation threatened by fears of oversized lift lines and powder stashes usurped by race courses and competition venues. Whistler Blackcomb is combating local fears by offering the lowest pass rates in a decade.

Whistler Blackcomb season ski passes are on sale through Oct. 12. The resort not only dropped their season pass rate, but added benefits as further incentive.

The early bird price for adult season passes is $1,099. That rate is $430 below last year's price. The post-sale rate is $1,529. Families that purchase one adult or senior pass plus a kids pass can receive 10 percent off the total.

Passholder benefits have increased, too, for this winter. Season passes are valid for the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola this year. The first 2,000 purchasers of unlimited adult or senior passes will receive two free 2010 Olympic Winter Games victory ceremonies tickets for watching medal ceremonies. Season passholders also get discounts on food, hot drinks, rentals, lessons, tubing, and heli-skiing.

Whistler is also combating the assumption that the Olympic events will cover both mountains. The resort has promised that 90 percent of the terrain will be open to the public with access up both mountains from three of four base locations during the Games.

More information. Or call 866-218-9690.