Snowboard World Cup Hits Whistler-Blackcomb, BC slopes This Weekend

Centralrez.ca offers discounted whistler accommodation, activities and lift tickets during the Whistler World Cup

Whistler-Blackcomb, BC, Canada (PRWEB) December 9, 2005 -- The best Halfpipe and Snowboard Cross competitors from around the world are in Whistler this weekend in an attempt to qualify for their Olympic teams.

The Whistler weather this week has been exceptional allowing organizers for the Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup the opportunity to make snow and fine tune the Halfpipe and Snowboard Cross courses on Blackcomb Mountain. Nearly 220 athletes from 25 countries will be vying for podium spots in this critical event many countries are using as a qualification for the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy.

“Fans of World Cup snowboarding who can’t travel to Torino for the Winter Olympics have a fine opportunity to see Olympic level competition on the slopes of Whistler Resort, BC at this event,” says Duncan Bradley, events editor for centralrez.ca. “The competition will be groundbreaking as athletes from Mongolia and China will be competing in a World Cup event for the first time in history.”

Snowboard fans in Whistler will get to watch two of the most exciting disciplines featured on the Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup Tour: The Nissan Snowboard Cross on December 8-9 and the TELUS Halfpipe on December 10-11. The following weekend sees two Parallel GS events hosted at Le Relais, Quebec. Canadian favourites going into Whistler’s events include Jasey-Jay Anderson, Drew Neilson and Maelle Ricker in the Snowboard Cross along with Crispin Lipscomb, Brad Martin and Mercedes Nicoll in the Halfpipe.

The winter season kicked off strong at Whistler-Blackcomb this year, with the lifts opening early for skiers and riders, but unseasonably mild and dry conditions put some pressure on event organizers. Last week the temperatures dropped and cold, clear temperatures had the snowguns firing on all cylinders.

“Rob Price and his dedicated crew from Whistler-Blackcomb’s Events Department have done an exceptional job based on how early in the season this World Cup is scheduled,” Bradley says. “Because of his commitment to course quality, safety and exciting racing, Price must be given some severe props. I’m amazed they even try to hold an event on Blackcomb before Christmas. If you have the time, check out centralrez.ca for some last minute discounts on Whistler accommodations and lift tickets, you will not be disappointed.”

Those who can’t make it to Whistler-Blackcomb this weekend can catch all of the event action from the Nokia Snowboard FIS World Cup on CBC Television Dec. 17, 2005.

NOKIA Snowboard FIS World Cup Schedule

• Thursday, December 8 Snowboard Cross #1 Finals
• Friday, December 9    Nissan Snowboard Cross #2 Finals
• Saturday, December 10 TELUS Halfpipe #1 Finals
• Sunday, December 11 TELUS Halfpipe #2 Finals

For more information contact:
Heather Leary
1.866.926.6522

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