Whistler Blackcomb's "You Name It" competition has officially come to a close and the new high-speed quad chair in the Crystal Zone on Blackcomb Mountain will be named the Crystal Ridge Express.
The winning entry came from Whistler resident Kevin Welsh. He will receive a choice of either a 2013/14 Unlimited Winter Season Pass or a $1,000 Whistler Blackcomb Gift Card. In addition, Welsh and three friends will have the opportunity to take the first public ride up the new chairlift.
The competition, which was open to the public, had an overwhelming number of entries paying homage to the original lift name.
"The Crystal Zone is truly an iconic area on Blackcomb Mountain and our decision was made easy with so many submissions to name the new quad the Crystal Ridge Express," said Stuart Rempel, senior vice president of marketing and sales at Whistler Blackcomb.
"The overwhelming number of entries in the You Name It competition is a testament to how passionate our guests are about skiing and riding the Crystal Zone. We are extremely excited to introduce both the New Crystal Ridge Express and the new Harmony Six Express."
The You Name It competition ran for two weeks and with so many "Crystal Ridge Express" entries submitted, a draw had to be conducted to select Welsh as the winner.
The new high-speed quad chairlift in the Crystal Zone will be 1,708 metres (5,604ft) in length, with a vertical rise of 535 metres (1,755ft). The top of the new high-speed Crystal Zone quad will have the same location as the current fixed-grip, triple chair next to the Crystal Hut.
The aspect of the new lift line is dramatically different and will originate along the Blackcomb Glacier Road. This bottom terminal location will allow for access to many Crystal Zone trails including Ridge Runner, Rock 'N' Roll, and gladed trails like Outer Limits without having to return to the Excelerator Express.
The new quad's location will also make it quicker and easier for skiers returning from Spanky's Ladder and the Blackcomb Glacier.
For a more in-depth look at Whistler Blackcomb's new chairlifts visit http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/new-lifts <http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/new-lifts/index.aspx>;
