Win an Edge Pass and ski, hike or ride the Peak-2-Peak gondola at Whistler Blackcomb in 2009/10
Written by: Julie Ovenell-CarterThe Georgia Straight, in its recent “Best of” edition, wryly suggested that “total denial” was the best coping strategy for Vancouverites during BC’s upcoming Olympic games: just ignore the party in your living room and get on with normal life.
Well, if your normal life includes snow sports, you may find a lot of sense in that strategy now that Whistler Blackcomb is pushing back against so-called “Olympic aversion” with a best-price-in-a-decade season pass offer.
Buy before October 12 and you’ll score an adult pass for just $1,099–$430 less than last year.
When I was up in Whistler two weeks ago, I spoke to a lot of locals who are laughing because they think they’re finally going to have the slopes to themselves because many people believe the mountains will be the sole turf of Olympians and their hysterical fans.
But it’s just not true: 90% of the runs will remain open to the public during the Winter Games. And okay, parking will likely be a nightmare during February (unless you have a hotel reservation that includes parking), but that’s why God made buses folks.
So go ahead: live in denial and buy a pass.
Want to win two one-day Edge Cards to Whistler Blackcomb for the 2009/10 season?
Just leave a comment below about why you want to win two passes to ski, hike or ride the Peak-2-Peak gondola. I’ll do a random draw on October 12 at 8 pm Vancouver time.
Tweet this contest (there’s a Twitter button just over there on the right) for a second chance to win!
Update: This contest is now closed.
Congratulations to Erika Wah of Vancouver, BC who made this plea:
“I will need those passes to make up for the days my 6 year old begs me to take her out to ski, and I lose a perfect day of powder on the glacier to ski blue all day 
“
Erika Wah
on October 1st, 2009I will need those passes to make up for the days my 6 year old begs me to take her out to ski, and I lose a perfect day of powder on the glacier to ski blue all day
Murray Atherton
on October 2nd, 2009I have the world’s best neighbour, a retired teacher who takes on TOC (substitute teaching) jobs ONLY to be able to ski at Whistler. He works so hard on our neighbourhood roads, water and just is there for everyone, I’d love to be able to present these passes to him as a thank you.
Jan Parker
on October 2nd, 2009It would be great to win. My skiing career ended in 1992 with a water skiing accident. I’d like to give it a go again now. (not the career, just to get on the mountain again)!
Alan
on October 2nd, 2009I will kill myself if I don’t win!
err, this is a random draw, right?
Lorraine Ashdown
on October 2nd, 2009I have this crazy goal, now that I am almost at the end of my 49th year, to take back my ski legs which I lost a few years ago. Up until then, since the age of six, I had been a pretty darned committed skier. So I want the “attack back”, remembering the beauty of the mountain vistas and the intoxication of the clear, crisp air.
Julie Ovenell-Carter
on October 2nd, 2009Brownie’s honour, Alan, it is a random draw…I use random.org to choose the winner…
Penny Naldrett
on October 2nd, 2009I’m not nearly as altruistic as Murry. I just want a chance to hit the slopes….please.
John Dumbrille
on October 2nd, 2009I’d take my littlest, Nel, up for the 1st time. Awwww
Sharon Roberts
on October 2nd, 2009I LOVE to ski (and snowboard)!!! What more of a reason do you need
robyn borland
on October 2nd, 2009i would be really happy?
Mark Edmondson
on October 2nd, 2009Passes would be lovely because I can take my girlfriend into the Blackcomb Glacier to ski like on our first date.
Fawn Mulcahy
on October 2nd, 2009Free passes to Whistler would totally make my day!
FCWhistler
on October 2nd, 2009…It would make a nice Christmas Gift (I’m a lousy shopper)
Celia Robben
on October 2nd, 2009Our ski trip to Whistler 5 years ago was 1 of the key reasons we moved to this area. Love to have the chance to get on the mountain regularly this year.
David Chan
on October 2nd, 2009A pair of free passes could be the thing that motivates my girlfriend into learning snowboarding!
Tyler
on October 2nd, 2009More time at Whistler Blackcomb the more fun can be had this winter season and the better I can get at snowboarding! A great present to the girlfriend too!
Joyce Lo
on October 2nd, 2009I broke my ankle last season and couldn’t go up. I’d love to go now but I can’t afford it with hockey league fees
Scattered Mom
on October 2nd, 2009I have never skied at Whistler/Blackcomb, and would love to give my teenager the opportunity to enjoy the mountain. For us the cost of a ferry, rentals, etc is just a bit too steep.
With a free edge pass, we would definitely go!
Janis
on October 2nd, 2009I want to ride the Peak-2-Peak! And snowboard, and take lots of pretty photos while I’m at it.
leah p
on October 2nd, 2009i’ve lived in vancouver my entire life and have only been able to scrape up the $ to ride at whistler less times than i can count on one hand. for a struggling young professional, this would make my year!
Jeff Fredrksen
on October 2nd, 2009I want to wait in the massive lineups the mountains will have due to the Olympics. I want to be charged almost $20 for my burger and beer when I take a lunch break.
I want to listen to all the little groms curse and swear in the lift lines and show a total lack of respect for those around them.
I want to pay $280/night to stay in a hotel that would be classified as 3 star if it was anywhere else but Whistler.
Is that enough to get the passes or should I keep going?
Shane Birley
on October 2nd, 2009I am trying to learn to ski so that I can ski along with my partner. She loves to ski, while I hold her back from taking part. Any time I can get on the slopes gets me closer to a happy grin on her face. Sounds corny, I know, but it is the truth. She wants to ski and I can’t…
Laura
on October 2nd, 2009These tickets would be a perfect 3rd wedding anniversary for my wife, we spent our honeymoon with both sets of in-laws in Whistler….. so keen to create new memories!
Steve Boehmke
on October 2nd, 2009I’ve only experienced Whistler in the summer… need to get out on that powpow!
Jason Schmidt
on October 2nd, 2009I would really like to win your passes. I need a lot of practice and would use these All the time. Thx again. J
Julie Ovenell-Carter
on October 2nd, 2009Hey Jeff, you got a bad case of Olympic aversion going on. Repeat after me: denial, denial, denial…;-)
Eryn H.
on October 2nd, 2009To be honest, my husband and I haven’t snowboarded once since our “local” mountain, Hemlock, mysteriously shut down its operations a few years back. Schlepping our gear to another hill with two little kids in the back seat didn’t sound like a party. Now that the kids are old enough to stay with the grandparents for the day, we’re ready to rock the slopes again!
Brad C.
on October 2nd, 2009As “Unkie Rat” two passes will give me the perfect opportunity to teach my year 9 old nephew the ways of Whistler.
Noah
on October 2nd, 2009I think I should win the Edge Card! Why? I’m from out East (Montreal), used to ski every weekend and weekday storm/sick day, and only skied out west 3 times last winter since moving to Vancouver. That is pathetic! Save me from that mediocrity.
Rosanna
on October 2nd, 2009Would love to win free passes. thx for the opportunity
Dagmar Wandinger
on October 2nd, 2009I have to check out canadian snow while I am here this winter, can it keep up with what I am used to in the Swiss alps?
Rosanna
on October 2nd, 2009Lol at Jeff’s comment.
my last comment didnt show. but id like to win
Julie Ovenell-Carter
on October 2nd, 2009No worries Rosanna–it’s a moderated blog so your post shows now. You’re entered! Good luck!
Andrew
on October 2nd, 2009Because I’m broke.
Debs
on October 2nd, 2009I want to win those passes to offset the cost of riding the bus up to Whistler during the Olympics when I can’t take my car.
Peter Louwe
on October 2nd, 2009Because with worries many locals have about crowding during the Winter Games, Whistler Blackcomb needs my business!
Daniel
on October 2nd, 2009During the winter, a substantial portion of my income is dedicated to necessary ski expenses. Free skiing would give me money for other luxuries, like dinner.
Max
on October 2nd, 2009It’s the first year in four years that I’ll be skiing a full season! It’s the reason I’m in Whistler! WOOOOO!
Tim Lloyd
on October 2nd, 2009Oh man, what could i do with these passes? A massive boost for my career would automatically appear and i could concentrate on the things i love most; riding and shooting (of the photography kind!)
Chaucer
on October 2nd, 2009I want to win so I can go skiing with my son.
Kay
on October 2nd, 2009I spent thirteen years living too far from the snow and with too little money to be able to ski. Now that I finally live within driving distance of the world’s best ski hill and have a partner who’s willing to come and play on the mountain with me, both my knees are shot and I probably only have a couple of seasons left in them. The passes would enable me to make the most of the time I have left on snow.
Lynn
on October 3rd, 2009I am designing a sticker to put on the back of my new ski helmet to promote the use of helmets by skiers (older ones, read retro!) and would love to profile it in Whistler before the full season!
Kim Brady
on October 3rd, 2009Would love to win! This would help get me back on the mountain!
John Egan
on October 3rd, 2009I need the passes because I’ve been selected to run in the Torch Relay between Whistler and Merritt. Since I have to mortgage my house to pay for 2 nights in Whistler the weekend before the Games, I’d at least like to get a few runs in.
Louise loik
on October 5th, 2009please pick me…please…
Randall Shirley
on October 6th, 2009Because the $500 ski boots I bought last season need a mountain to call home.
chris devries
on October 7th, 2009I need the passes to get away from the hectic life and enjoy heaven!!!!
chris devries
on October 7th, 2009I need the passes to get to heaven! I love whistler
paul devries
on October 7th, 2009Im addicted to whistler and need a fix
Jason
on October 7th, 2009I can’t wait to head to BC this February. Excitement galore (may require endless energy drinks).