Whistler (BC), Canada – After previously announcing that it will open Whistler Mountain to skiing and riding six days ahead of schedule, Whistler Blackcomb Resort today confirmed that at total of five lifts will start this Friday for the season debut.n“Couple the great natural snow with the truly incredible snowmaking infrastructure, hosting the Games afforded us, we’ll have a great opening weekend at Whistler,” says Doug MacFarlane, mountain manager at Whistler Blackcomb. “Early season conditions will apply, and we want to remind people, though opening weekend is full of excitement and fun, guests need to pay attention to and obey all mountain signage so we have a safe start to the season.”

Whistler Mountain will open at 8:30 a.m. on Friday with access from the Creekside Gondola and the Whistler Village Gondola. Skiing and riding will be available from Emerald Express, Big Red Express and Franz Chair. A collection of parks features will be at the top of Emerald as well as a beginner area for those guests in a lesson. Guests will download either gondola to return to the Village.

Despite Whistler’s early opening, Blackcomb Mountain will still open open on Thursday, Nov. 25, Whistler Blackcomb’s “official” opening day.