On the Mountains
Whether you’re a seasoned alpinist or a card-carrying flatlander, there’s something magical about being on top of a mountain that soars so high above the town below. Breathing the air, smelling the high alpine and, of course, viewing the sights in every direction is reward enough for many. Fortunately, there’s more to do than just look around. A lot more.
Span the big drop between Whistler and Blackcomb on the Peak 2 Peak gondola. How big? From tower 2 to tower 3 you’ll glide smoothly across the longest unsupported span anywhere in the world, 3.024 kilometres (1.88 miles). At the midway point, the lowest point on the trip, you’re 436 metres (1,430 feet) above the valley floor. That thread of a creek down there is way wider than you can hop across.
And if you want to see what makes it work, new this year is the Peak 2 Peak Viewing Gallery. Climb up the catwalk in the Whistler terminal and gawk at the gears… and wheels… and enormous, complex, thousands of bits that make it all go. Touch screens will fill in many of the details of this wonder and you’ll learn what you always wanted to know.
Speaking of wonder, last winter’s Wonder Routes proved such a hit Whistler Blackcomb have created special hiking and running Wonder Routes for the summer months. Drawing on the network of over 50 kilometres (30 miles) of trails on both mountains, six routes have been created with waypoints and stops to help navigate the mountains. One, on the Highnote Trail, will be a dedicated running route. Runner’s high?
Naturally, Whistler’s Bike Park will be in full flight, offering over 200 kilometres (120 miles) of trails to suit all abilities... and with the addition of kid-size mountain bikes in the rental fleet, all sizes and ages. Family fun!
Didn’t ski enough in the winter? Horstman Glacier on Blackcomb will be open from June 22 to July 28, you diehard.
Two new chairlifts are going in this summer for next year’s skiing so keep an eye out for construction activity around the top of Harmony. You can stay in better touch with the enhanced Wi-Fi on the mountains.
And whatever you do, don’t miss the bear viewing tours, the fun activities in the Adventure Zone at the base of Blackcomb and my favourites, the Winemaker Dinners and Mountain Top BBQ. Fridays at the Roundhouse they go whole hog, literally, followed with prime rib Saturdays and seafood Sunday.
Get all the details at Whistlerblackcomb.com
