|
Whistler Blackcomb is a major ski resort in North America with 8,171 acres of terrain and a summit elevation of 2,184 meters. It is located two hours north of Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada. Originally, Whistler and Blackcomb were two separate resorts until they merged in 1997. Whistler was initially conceptualized as part of a bid to win the 1968 Winter Olympics, which was later awarded to another city. Nevertheless, construction of the resort commenced and it first opened to the public in January of 1966. The developer of Blackcomb purchased Whistler resort and merged the two resorts together.
Some of the most outstanding features of this ski resort include Whistler’s 37 lifts: 16 surface lifts, 1 double chair, 5 triple chairs, 13 high speed quads and 3 high speed gondolas. This includes the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which serves as a connection to Blackcomb Mountain to its north.
There is a little bit of everything for everyone at Whistler Blackcomb and it is highly accessible to local and foreign tourists via the Vancouver International Airport, which is just 137 km away. The mountains are accessed through three different gondolas, coming from the village and the south side of the area. Guests flock to this part of the country from everywhere for the exciting outdoor experience and top notch skiing activities. They rent a cabin or chalet to immerse in the colorful and electrifying Whistler Blackcomb atmosphere and try one of the numerous outdoor activities the resort offers, including heli-skiing, the Peak 2 Peak gondola, glacier skiing and riding, dog sledding, snowshoeing, running and hiking, treks, and a run at the Coca-Cola Tube Park in Base 2 Zone. Those who are traveling with children can also try a couple of family activities, including bike rentals, adventure day camps, where children can sign up for five-day ski lessons, summer glacier camps, ecology tours and bear viewing, mountain top barbeques or a stop at the Family Adventure Zone. There are also a number of on-hill restaurants.
There is an assortment of activities tailor-made for those who are not up to so much extreme physical action. These visitors can take a tour of the Whistler Village and participate in the numerous activities and celebrations hosted at the area all year round, some of which include the Whistler Film Festival happening in December and the Fall Festival aptly called Cornucopia, slated for November where visitors can enjoy sampling food and sipping wines. Those who love the nightlife can party the Whistler way by trying out a couple of pubs and bars located in the village, feast on tapas and drink sake from one of the many local sushi houses.
A visit to Whistler Blackcomb is never complete without checking out the array of high-end shops available in the village. Popular ski brands line the street, including Columbia, Roxy, Quicksilver and The North Face. |
