Whistler Blackcomb

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Talent and a commitment to excellence help set this resort apart

Austin Ross lives the kind of charmed life that few people outside of Whistler can imagine. He's a big mountain skier who has landed roles in Sherpas Cinema's Into The Mind and has a multitude of sponsors, ranging from Arc'teryx clothing to Blizzard skis – and even Soul bamboo ski poles. He has his own website (www.austinross.ca) and plays mandolin and banjo.

Ask him about what makes Whistler Blackcomb truly special and he brings up one word: talent.

"There are some dedicated, highly skilled folks from all walks of life calling Whistler home. I can think of actors, actresses, musicians and entertainers, movie directors and writers, athletes and artists. There must be something about the magical mountain air that inspires people in their respective pursuits," he says.

At Whistler Blackcomb, skiers and snowboarders from around the world can see both talent and a commitment to excellence everywhere they go.

This winter, Whistler Blackcomb – site of the 2010 Winter Games alpine skiing events and North America's premier destination resort – has spent over $18 million in upgrading its already world-class trail system and lift infrastructure. Retracing the same line as the previous Harmony chair, the new Harmony 6 high-speed lift will increase uphill skier capacity by 50 per cent, from 2,400 skiers per hour to 3,600 per hour. The Harmony Zone represents over 1,200 acres of Whistler Blackcomb's awe-inspiring 8,171-acre terrain.

On Blackcomb, a new high-speed quad chairlift in the Crystal Zone will be 1,708 metres in length, with a vertical rise of 535 metres. Skier carrying capacity will increase by a whopping 65 per cent over the current fixed grip lift. The new quad will deliver skiers and riders to the same location as the current triple chair next to the Crystal Hut. However, the aspect of the new lift line is dramatically different and will give skiers and riders the opportunity to lap the entire Crystal Zone – from undulating cruisers to gladed zones riddled with natural terrain features and snow-caked trees that remind of a Dr. Seuss book. The name of this innovative new lift will be determined through a competition to be announced by Whistler Blackcomb later this winter.

"This lift expansion clearly demonstrates our commitment to continuously enhance the skiing and riding experience on both mountains," says Dave Brownlie, president and CEO, Whistler Blackcomb. "Each zone the new lifts will service is unique and much-loved by Whistler locals and destination guests alike. The capital we are investing to enhance our already amazing experiences will make Whistler Blackcomb even better."

Predictably, Austin Ross can't wait either. "I'm really excited to ride the new lifts at Whistler Blackcomb this winter. The Crystal Ridge zone is the place to be on deep snow days, especially when the alpine is closed – having a new high-speed lift should alleviate the time spent waiting in line and get us back up to the top for another lap!"

Ross even has an insider tip for you: Open your mind to Whistler's endless possibilities. "Take a chance, ride a chairlift and ski off down a run without looking at a map. I look around and see too many people worried about which direction to go, with their faces buried in their smartphones. Follow your heart and your sense of exploration for an authentic experience, and you won't be disappointed."