This is a letter sent out on March 13, 2009 by Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Operating Officer for Whistler/ Blackcomb, updating season pass holders on the 2010 Winter Olympic games transportation plan for Whistler.
Dear Season Pass holders,
The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Winter Games released their transportation plan this week for travel to, from and around Whistler during February 2010. We wanted to take the opportunity to pass along some of our thoughts for next winter as they relate to our most loyal guests - you - and provide some clarity as to how you will be able to access the mountains for skiing and riding.
The great news, Whistler Blackcomb will be open throughout next winter from mid-November through May offering close to 200 days of skiing and riding. Even during the month of February the mountains will still be 90% open.
We have always known that life in Whistler during February 2010 will be anything but normal. Our daily habits may need to change for a number of weeks. At the same time we expect that we'll experience some of the most memorable moments in our lives as our community hosts the world for the Olympic Games. Our Village will be vibrant and alive with the atmosphere of the Games. Six "celebration sites" will be located throughout the Village for the public to watch the competitions broadcast live, and to experience a wide range of world-class entertainment.
As you may be aware, the single biggest challenge will be that parking will be substantially reduced in Whistler next February. In fact, all the skier day lots 1 to 8 will be closed to the public.
For in-resort residents and guests, a vastly enhanced public transit system will ensure that a bus will pick you up within a short walk from your home or accommodation every five to ten minutes throughout the day. New routes and 135 buses (increased from the current 39) running 24 hours a day will help to ensure that your commute into the village and to the mountains will be as convenient as possible. Squamish and Pemberton residents will also have access to this same bus system as a network of buses will bring skiers and commuters in to Whistler daily.
For our Lower Mainland and Washington guests, travel will be a little more involved. If you have a place to stay in Whistler, you will be asked to avoid peak hours, but you will be able to drive to Whistler along Highway 99 and proceed to your accommodation. Carpooling will help everyone out, as parking will be limited to driveways and private hotel parking lots. Once here, you'll need to jump on that enhanced bus system to access the Village and the mountains.
For day visitors, your options will involve private bus transportation and likely a park-and-ride scenario. Details regarding the capacity and schedules of the buses are still being worked out. Please be assured that we are working with our partners in the resort to maximize the capacity on these buses for you to have the opportunity to experience Whistler during the Games.
Having now had the chance to review the Transportation Plan, we can start to get a sense of how our guests will be able to move around the resort and travel to where they need to go in February 2010. We will be spending the next several months identifying ways to ensure the most convenient and efficient access for you to the mountains.
We look forward to you being our guest next season and sharing in the excitement of the Games with us. Stay tuned for much more detail over the coming months.
Thank you,
Dave Brownlie
President and Chief Operating Officer
Whistler Blackcomb
