Friday, January 26, 2007

Whistler Just Got Bigger And Better

New High Speed Lift Provides Access to Symphony Amphitheatre, one of the Most Spectacular High Alpine Areas Available in North America

Whistler Blackcomb announced that the new lift-accessed area in the high alpine of Whistler Mountain will be crowned the Symphony Amphitheatre to reflect its spectacular natural amphitheatre-like terrain. The area will be accessed by the newly named Symphony Express.

The Symphony Amphitheatre brings to the fore one of Whistler Mountain's favorite in-bounds backcountry experiences. Long referred to by locals as the Musical Bumps, Piccolo, Symphony and Flute Bowls are the encore to Whistler's Harmony Bowl, but until now have been reserved for those willing to hike for their turns. This winter, the Symphony Express will provide access to over 1,000 acres of this intermediate and advanced terrain.

The zone's new name was inspired by the area's natural theatre-like setting with its unmatched views, vast open bowls, deep snow and gladed finales. Following the theme, the area also features new run names such as Rhapsody Bowl, Adagio, Founders’ Run, Staccato Glades, Glissando Glades, Encore Ridge, Flute Bowl, North Flute Bowl and Hidden Chute. These new trails add to the established runs in the region such as Burnt Stew Trail, Symphony Bowl, Sun Bowl, Harvey's Harrow, Robertson's Run and Crescendo. Founders' Run will be dedicated to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation who will auction the run name annually to the highest bidder.

Construction is well underway on the new Symphony Express and the lift towers are expected to be flown in by mid-September in time for the lift to open with the winter season this November. For the leagues of Whistler Blackcomb faithful, this year's expansion announcement is music to their ears. For those less familiar with North America's largest winter resort and its unmatched high alpine experience, the unveiling of the new Symphony Express lift and Symphony Amphitheatre region will serve as added motivation for exploring everything Whistler Blackcomb has to offer.

News Releases:
November 22, 2006: Whistler Blackcomb's Symphony Express Grand Opening set for December 16, 2006
August 22, 2006: New High Alpine Area Crowned Symphony Amphitheatre
May 25, 2006: Piccolo Construction begins
March 31, 2006: NEW Piccolo Express Lift announced for 2006/07 winter
Symphony Amphitheatre Facts & Stats
Type of lift: High Speed Detachable Quad
Length: 2112m/6929ft
Vertical Rise: 509m/1670ft
Top Elevation: 2034m/6673ft
Bottom Elevation: 1525m/5003ft
Terrain: 1000 skiable acres
Terrain Type open bowl, glades, two cut trails
Terrain Grade low intermediate to expert


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