Whistler — bigger, better, and born of Olympic dreams
In the early 1960s, a group of Vancouver businessmen had a big dream. They wanted to see the 1968 Olympic Winter Games in British Columbia. After thoroughly exploring the rugged Coast Mountain range north of Vancouver, they found the perfect mountain: at the time known as London Mountain, it is now called Whistler. Whistler didn’t host the Games in 1968, but nearly forty years later, Olympic dreams have come true as Whistler and its neighbour, Blackcomb Mountain, move onto the world stage as the site of several of the events in the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
With over 1,609 vertical metres from top to bottom and 3,307 hectares of skiable terrain, Whistler-Blackcomb has the longest lift-serviced vertical in North America, the largest skiable terrain on the continent, and consistently ranks at the top of the list in terms of winter resorts worldwide. In 2005, SKI Magazine’s annual "Top 50 Resorts Guide", the definitive ranking of North American ski resorts, named Whistler Blackcomb number one for its variety of terrain.
The secret of Whistler’s success is a combination of weather, geography and human ingenuity. “Whistler is only 50 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean, so we receive a lot of precipitation,” says Oliver Flaser, Director of Marketing for Tourism Whistler. “Thanks to the towering peaks of the Coast Mountain range that means lots of snow in the winter. And thanks to engineering and technology, if there isn’t enough natural snow, Whistler-Blackcomb can make it with their vast snowmaking system.”
With over 200 runs, 33 lifts, and a wide selection of on-mountain dining facilities, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain can satisfy the most demanding skier or snowboarder. From vast open glacier runs to exhilarating powder in the trees, the mountains keep hearts pounding and legs burning. At the same time, the glacially-carved volcanic terrain also has gentle rolling slopes perfect for the most timid beginner.
And, off the slopes, the resort community of Whistler has something for everybody. For fine dining with a fresh Pacific Northwest flare, there are over 100 restaurants. For après-ski and after dinner, Whistler has a vibrant, exciting range of bars and nightclubs. Shopping is a delightful wander down the brick-paved lanes of the pedestrian-only village.
Whistler offers lots of opportunities for other snowy adventures. Visitors can take a trip through time with a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride or a tranquil snowshoe trip through the forest. More adventurous thrill-seekers can zip along a cable suspended above a glacial creek or ski pristine powder accessed by a helicopter.
While Whistler is well-known as a premier winter destination, savvy travellers are increasingly discovering the year-round wonders of Whistler. With five lakes and four championship golf courses in the area, Whistler is the perfect destination to experience the best of the Canadian wilderness with the ultimate in comfort and convenience.
“We are starting to see more destination visitors coming to Whistler during the spring, summer and fall,” says Flaser. “There is a saying amongst Whistler residents: people come here for the winter, but they stay for the summer. With glacier skiing, world-class mountain biking, golfing and all the other activities, visitors can enjoy an incomparable experience for an incredible value.”
Even the journey to Whistler is spectacularly beautiful. The 120 kilometre drive along the Sea-to-Sky Highway has been called “One of the Most Romantic Drives in the World” by Robb Report Magazine. The road hugs the edge of a stunning glacial fjord with the ocean on one side and the mountains on the other. Winding through ancient rainforests, the highway sets the tone for a very special adventure. Visitors may find that Whistler is easy to get to and hard to leave.
