May 18, 2004 – Whistler is the epitome of fun and adventure every day of the year. But this holiday weekend, Whistler Blackcomb is offering much, much more than the usual excitement. Here are the top five reasons to visit Whistler Blackcomb, May 22 to 24:

1. Ski or ride for free on Queen Victoria's Birthday – May 24 In honour of her majesty Queen Victoria's birthday, the first 50 people who dress up like Queen Victoria or Freddie Mercury (from the band Queen) will receive a free lift ticket (valid for May 24, 2004 only). Meeting time for queens is 9:00 a.m. sharp on the patio of the Garibaldi Lift Company at the base of Whistler Mountain.

In addition, anyone named Victor, Victoria, Vicky or Vic will receive a $10 discount on a full priced single day lift and $10 discount on a full priced single day bike park ticket at any Whistler Blackcomb ticket window.

2. Celebrate bike season at Bike Bash '04 – May 22-24 To give bike season the kick off it deserves, Whistler Blackcomb and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park present Bike Bash '04.  The event will hail the official opening of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and feature the Crud to Mud Downhill, the Grand Opening of Garbanzo Bike and Bean bike shop, and a massive Bike Expo, Demo and Display in the village.

3. Ski, snowboard or bike?  Do it all in the same day – May 22-24 Can't decide whether to ski, snowboard or bike?  Why not do it all? Extended Play starts Saturdays – only on May 22, meaning the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is open until 8:00 p.m.  Ski or snowboard through the morning and ride the Bike Park through the early evening.

For competitive skiers, snowboarders and bikers, the Third Annual Crud to Mud Downhill takes place on Monday, May 24.  Participants ski or snowboard from the top of Whistler Mountain to the bottom of the snowline, where their bikes lay waiting.  Once competitors are clicked into their bike pedals, they race through A-Line in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

4. Jib (or watch) at the Showcase Showdown – May 22-23 Check out the final snowboard event of the season from the top of the Emerald Chair on Whistler Mountain.  The event's jib jam format allows snowboarders a certain number of minutes to ride a large feature covered in rails and kickers.  The rider with the biggest airs and the smoothest style wins. Sponsored by Showcase Snowboards.

5. Take advantage of DEALS galore – Spring season until June 6 The spring season is an awesome time to visit the slopes. The sun is shining, the snow is soft and the prices just can't be beat. Lift tickets are already reduced for spring, but coupon clippers will thrill to the discounts, deals and specials available by visiting: http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/email_deals/may_coupons_2004.asp.

To find out more about Whistler Blackcomb, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and all of these long weekend events, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com or call Whistler Blackcomb, toll free, at 1-800-766-0449.