Intrawest, the parent company of Whistler Blackcomb (WB), last week announced an unspecified number of layoffs at its ski resorts in the United States and Canada in a move that a company spokesman said was related to the economic downturn.

Ian Galbraith, who made the announcement in a statement issued last Wednesday (Nov. 19), declined comment when asked for a ballpark figure on the number of layoffs that were planned at U.S. resorts, or whether any had occurred at WB and other Canadian resorts.

“I just can’t comment outside of that,” Galbraith, referring to the company’s statement, told The Question on Friday (Nov. 21). “I’m not in a position to comment.”

In the statement, which was widely reported in the U.S. media, Galbraith wrote that Intrawest has “taken the difficult step of reducing and realigning our workforce” in a move that was meant to “preserve our ability to be competitive and ensure our future success.

“Although these are difficult decisions for us, our vision remains consistent and we are committed to delivering exceptional experiences for our guests, homeowners and employees.”

Galbraith told The Question in a statement that the layoffs mostly occurred in “non-guest-facing positions in business units/resorts across the company.”

The layoffs came on the eve of the 2008-’09 season. WB is scheduled to open for skiing and snowboarding on Thursday (Nov. 27).

In a separate move, Fairmont Hotels and Resorts announced that the company was assuming the management of two private residence clubs that were formerly part of Intrawest’s Storied Places portfolio, At Nature’s Door in Whistler and Fairmont Heritage Place Inspiration, Miramar Beach in Sandestin, Fla.

The addition of the two fractional-ownership properties brings to five the number of locations in the Fairmont Heritage Place portfolio. Together, the five properties consist of 200 luxury homes and more than 2,000 homeowners.

At Nature’s Door features 22 fully furnished luxury townhomes with ski-in, ski-out access to the Dave Murray Downhill run, site of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic competitions.

Galbraith said the move “will deepen Fairmont’s brand presence at Whistler Blackcomb. Moving forward, Intrawest will continue to seek opportunities to partner with Fairmont to design, build and operate new and innovative real estate projects.”