September 18, 2007

Intrawest announces the best vacation deals of the season at four of canada's most popular winter resorts

New "Destination: Snow" Packages Deliver Unprecedented Pre-season Savings and Selection for Winter Vacation Travelers in Canada

Vancouver, B.C. - September 18, 2007 – Intrawest today unveiled details for its early season "Destination: Snow" vacation package deals for the 2007-2008 winter season.  Now through November 15, travelers will save up to 44% with the season's best prices and best selection at four of Canada's most popular winter resorts—Blue Mountain, Mont Tremblant, Panorama Mountain Village and Whistler Blackcomb.

Intrawest is experiencing a steady growth in the number of resort guests who are booking their winter vacation packages early in the season to take advantage of special pre-season offers.  This year, more than 40% of travelers will finalize their vacation plans before the beginning of the ski season.  The new "Destination: Snow" packages reflect this growing industry trend and provide significant savings and selection for travelers seeking the best deals of the season on lift tickets, accommodations and exclusive airfare offers.

"Each year, more and more savvy travelers are realizing the value of booking their winter vacations early in the season in order to maximize their travel plans," said Erik Austin, vice president of Intrawest Central Reservations.  "In the past, the concept of the 'last minute deal' may have seemed attractive on the surface, but often led to frustration over lack of availability, limited choice and ultimately paying higher rates.  With Intrawest's 'Destination: Snow' packages the notion of the 'last minute deal' is quickly becoming a thing of the past as travelers are able to book early to get the best selection and the best deals of the season."

The increase in early bookings is also a reflection of the variety of vacation activities and amenities for guests to enjoy throughout Intrawest's destination resorts.  In addition to top-rated skiing and snowboarding, Intrawest resorts provide a vibrant village experience with an array of dining and shopping options, a rich calendar of entertainment and nightlife, spa amenities, instructional programs, guided tours and numerous family-friendly programs.

One of the largest customer segments that are driving the change in early booking behaviour is families.  Mr. Austin explains, "Our destination resorts offer an incredible amount of activities for the entire family, both on the mountain and in our resort villages.  What sets Intrawest apart is the fact that we deliver affordable vacation options that provide an economical way for families to spend quality time together, reconnect and share experiences and memories to last a lifetime."

All of Intrawest's resorts are preparing for the 2007-2008 winter season with new activities, village enhancements and a host of on-mountain improvements.  In British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb and Panorama are casting an optimistic gaze towards the coming season after last year's epic snowfall levels—Whistler Blackcomb experienced the resort's second snowiest year on record with a total snowfall of 14.16 metres (46.5 feet).  In Quebec, Tremblant was recently voted the #1 ski resort in Eastern North America for the eleventh consecutive year by Ski Magazine.  Blue Mountain is the premiere mountain resort in Ontario boasting an extensive state of the art snowmaking system that continues to provide the best ski and snowboarding terrain in the province.

This winter, Tremblant will be more accessible than ever with Continental's new daily direct flight from Newark (EWR).  Skiers and snowboarders departing from New York and New Jersey will land at Tremblant's International Airport (YTM) in just 90 minutes.

To take advantage of the "Destination: Snow" vacation packages, reservations for travel during the 2007-2008 winter season must be made between September 18 and November 15, 2007.  Rates range from $94 per person, per night at Blue Mountain; $82 per person, per night at Panorama; $98 per person, per night at Tremblant and $80 per person, per night at Whistler Blackcomb. Rates are subject to availability, blackout dates, and are based on minimum night stays. To book, guests should either visit each resorts website or call Intrawest Central Reservations at 1-866-787-1977.

  • Whistler Blackcomb is consistently ranked as North America's top ski and snowboard resort. With the landmark Peak to Peak Gondola project underway, the return of the popular Symphony Amphitheatre, and a host of other on-mountain improvements, this winter promises to be one of the most exciting yet.  With over 17 alpine bowls, four glaciers, 200 trails, 8,171 acres of skiable terrain and a one mile vertical rise, the choices of where and what to ski/ride at Whistler Blackcomb from beginner to advanced terrain are staggering. The resort is joined at the base by a vibrant pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. Whistler Blackcomb is a proud host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.  www.whistlerblackcomb.com/snow 
  • Mont Tremblant has been voted the #1 ski resort in Eastern North America for an unprecedented eleven consecutive years by Ski Magazine.  One visit is all it takes to fully appreciate the Tremblant experience.  The moment you arrive, you realize the mountain is simply where the fun begins.  Every night you'll have a different story to tell.  Every minute you'll be living to the fullest.  In the heart of the pedestrian village and steps away from the slopes, live the total Tremblant experience: entertainment, activities, shopping, restaurants, restaurants and bars.  Some people consider it magical.  Others simply say Tremblant.  www.tremblant.ca/snow
  • Panorama invites guests to reconnect with family and friends. At Panorama Mountain Village, high-speed chairlifts lead to a slower pace of life.  The intimate ski-in, ski-out village places you steps away from the lifts and miles away from the crowds.  With 4,000 feet of vertical and almost 3,000 acres of snow-covered inspiration, and incredible slope-side hot pools, it's the best kept secret only two hours form Banff. www.skipanorama.com/snow
  • Blue Mountain is Ontario's ultimate winter playground. Located only two hours North of Toronto, the resort spans over two miles wide, 253 skiable acres and boasts Canada's best snowmaking system. Welcoming and exhilarating, the newest Intrawest Village is the heart of the resort and features a variety of lodging from slopeside studios to luxury boutique suites.  From adrenaline-filled days on the slopes to a relaxing evening of après, there's something for everyone. www.bluemountain.ca/snow


About Intrawest ULC
Intrawest is a world leader in experiential destination resorts.  The company has interests in eleven resorts at North America's most popular mountain destinations including Whistler Blackcomb, a host venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.  The Intrawest network also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays, the largest heli-skiing operation in the world, Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort in Florida and Club Intrawest—a private resort club with locations throughout North America.   In addition, Intrawest develops real estate at its resorts and at other locations across North America and in Europe.  Intrawest is headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia. For more information, visit www.intrawest.com

For further information, please contact Ian Galbraith, director, corporate communications, at (604) 643-1586 or at igalbraith@intrawest.com. Or contact our mountain resorts at:

Blue Mountain
Kelly O'Neil, Public Relations Specialist
Tel: (705) 445-0231 Ext. 6052
koneil@bluemountain.ca
www.bluemountain.ca/snow

Tremblant
Virginie Barbeau, Public Relations Supervisor
Tel: (819) 681-3000 Ext. 46553
vbarbeau@intrawest.com
www.tremblant.ca/snow

Panorama Mountain Village
Marke Dickson, Marketing Manager
Tel: (250) 341-3035
mdickson@intrawest.com
www.panoramaresort.com/snow

Whistler Blackcomb
Michelle Leroux, Senior PR Officer
Tel: (604) 938-7349
mleroux@intrawest.com
www.whistlerblackcomb.com/snow