Whistler (BC), Canada – The ski season was off to a strong start at Whistler Blackcomb.

The B.C. ski giant recorded 604,000 visits through January 3, the highest visits to date in the company’s history. This compared to 514,000 visits for the prior fiscal year through January 4, 2015.

Also as of January 3, the company generated C$40.1 million in 2015-16 season pass and frequency card sales, a 1% increase in sales compared to the same period last year and a 4% increase in sales compared to the same period in fiscal 2014.  Forward bookings in Whistler’s accommodation sector as of January 3 were pacing approximately 4% ahead of bookings at the same time the previous year and 10% ahead of bookings at the same time in fiscal 2014.

“Fiscal 2016 is off to an excellent start,” said Whistler President and CEO Dave Brownlie. “Considerable momentum from both destination and regional markets combined with excellent winter conditions resulted in a busy Christmas holiday period and the highest year to date visitation in our history. Looking ahead, we are optimistic about 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.”