Whistler+Mountain


 * Whistler

Introduction**

Whistler is a world class resort known for its skiing, mountain biking and other mountain activities. It is located in British Columbia, just two hours away from Vancouver. The name might sound familiar to those who watched the 2010 Winter Olympics because Whistler Mountain actually co-hosted them (Vancouver). Aside from the Olympics, the mountain has many festivals and races every year. To many, Whistler seems like an outdoorsman’s dream destination.


 * What is the History behind Whistler?**

People have known whistler to be an ideal vacation spot since 1920, when fishing at Rainbow Lodge attracted people from all over. In 1960 a group of business men formed Garibaldi Lifts Limited. Their main goal was to develop skiing on London Mountain, so that they could host the 1968 Olympic Games (Intrawest). Unfortunately, their dream didn’t come true until 2010, and even then Whistler only co-hosted it (Vancouver). Soon after the development of London Mountain, they named it “Whistler” after the marmot that makes a whistling noise to communicate (Intrawest). Whistler Mountain soon had a rival very close by. Blackcomb Mountain boarders Whistler and was developed in 1980. They soon merged in 1997 after competing against each other for the better mountain (Vancouver). Soon after the skiing, the biking followed. Whistler trails were created for people to ride by people who needed a place to ride. Many of the trails developed from hiking trails or game paths in Whistler Valley. Over the years, this formed a conglomerate of trail systems. It took the help of WORCA (Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association) to sort them out and settle the legal disputes over land. Then Whistler Park opened on Blackcomb Mountain, offering some of the best lift access trails in the world. Whistler is only getting better as the years go on (Lay of The Land).


 * What are some of the activities available at Whistler?**

Whistler offers a large variety of recreational activities, but they are most famous for their skiing. The resort claims to have the best park and pipes in North America. They also have great heli-skiing that allows people to reach peaks that are only accessible by helicopter. If for some reason a person feels like skiing in Whistler even though it’s July they can go to their glacial skiing park where one actually rides on a glacier (Intrawest). The mountain biking in Whistler also draws crowds. The lift service on Blackcomb Mountain takes the rider to the top and all they have to do is ride down on some heart-pounding, adrenaline-boosting trails. Of course, cross country trails may be more likable for those who don’t like to go “too fast” (Intrawest). For those looking to just relax, a nice round of golf on one of the finest signature golf courses in the world, is just a short drive away. Hiking is another relaxing option to get in shape and be stress free (Vancouver). If you like heights there is a peak to peak gondola ride that stretches from the peak of Whistler Mountain to the peak of Blackcomb Mountain. The gondola breaks three world records for having the longest unsupported span, highest lift, and longest continuous lift. If that isn’t fast enough from point a to point b, try one of Whistlers Zip lines that shoots you at up to 60 miles per hour (Intrawest).
 * What are some of Whistler’s physical characteristics?**

Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Resort has the most skiable terrain in North America. It has over 7000 acres with 200 runs and 33 different ski lifts. At the peak of Whistler Mountain the elevation is 7,160 feet, while Blackcomb mountain is a little bit higher at 7,494 feet. Just below the mountain lays Whistler Village, with over 10,000 residents(Vancouver). Getting around the village is easy with a bike or a good pair of shoes (Lay of the Land). There are many hotels in the village that are located within 500 feet of the lifts so finding a place to stay shouldn’t be a problem (Vancouver).


 * Works Cited**

“Lay of The Land." Web log post. Whistler Bike Guide. VentureWeb Design Ltd., 28 June 08. Web. 16 Apr. 10. .

"Vancouver, Southwest British Columbia, Canada." Vancouver Island and Victoria BC Tourism Travel Guide: British Columbia, Canada. Shangaan Webservices Inc., 2010. Web. 26 Apr. 2010. . Intrawest. Web. .