Whistler Racing Toward a Record-Setting Year

The latest financial reports came as good news for the business side of Whistler Mountain.

On Wednesday, Whistler Blackcomb Holdings Inc., which owns and runs the majority of the mountain, reported record financial results for their first quarter, which ended when 2016 began.

Compared to last year, first quarter revenue increased by almost 70 per cent to $17.2 million—setting a first quarter record.

Total visits for the year, as of February 8^th 2016, were 1.14 million. That’s the highest number in the company's history and an increase of 21 per cent compared to last year.

Season pass and frequency cards sales are also up, by around 4 per cent, to $46.2 million.

Within the next year, they’re planning to invest $8 million in growth projects.

Dave Brownlie, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company said they’ve had the highest total visits in their history for the year to date period.

"Looking ahead, we are positioned well for the remainder of the ski season as both season pass and frequency card sales and hotel room bookings are pacing ahead of the same time last year,” said Brownlie, in a statement.

Their next step will be investing in upgrades to the Garibaldi Lift Company restaurant and the Roundhouse Lodge restaurant, enhancements to ski and snowboard learning terrain and infrastructure on Whistler Mountain, and adding summer hiking trails and decks for sightseeing—all which they are planning to complete by the start of the 2016-17 ski season.

"The growth projects that we have announced today highlight our continued focus on our long-term strategy of upgrading and expanding our on-mountain facilities and infrastructure, expanding our non-ski business and executing on other strategic investments,” continued Brownlie.

According to their financial report, they had more visitors over the Christmas holiday, with more locals coming in than last year.

In fact, management estimated that total skier visits to date were comprised of approximately 58 per cent regional guests and 42 per cent destination guests.

As at February 2016, the company's 2015-16 season pass and frequency card sales were up 4 per cent since last year to over $45 million.