Visionaries

VISIONARIES WHISTLER BLACKCOMB AND THE PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA

1.800.766.0449 whistlerblackcomb.com

VISIONARIES WHISTLER BLACKCOMB AND THE PEAK 2 PEAK G

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VISIONARIES WHISTLER BLACKCOMB AND THE PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA

1.800.766.0449 whistlerblackcomb.com

VISIONARIES WHISTLER BLACKCOMB AND THE PEAK 2 PEAK G

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THE VISIONARIES WHISTLER BLACKCOMB HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE WHERE ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN. A place where boundaries are pushed and possibilities are unlimited. A place of unparalleled freedom and of Olympic proportions.

This is the spirit of Whistler Blackcomb—our catalyst for transforming big ideas into even bigger realities. For over 25 years we have strived to maintain Whistler Blackcomb’s position at the forefront of progressive thinking. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is the consummate expression of this goal. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is more than a world record-setting tourism icon. It is a testament to the human spirit that resides in those who believe in innovation. It is proof of the power of optimism. It is a monument to creativity, ingenuity and, above all, the vision that it takes to see beyond what many cannot. This story highlights the experiences of a few of the many people responsible for envisioning, creating and seeing the infinite possibilities of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. We present to you “The Visionaries.”

VISION Great ideas aren’t formulated easily—they are a delicate equation comprised of passion, ingenuity and boldness. They are the result of vision, and with faith and conviction, the vision behind an idea has the power to change the way people perceive the world around them. Meet our idea people, those who embraced the concept of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and set the stage for an even larger group of people to bring it to life.

CREATION It takes more than concrete and steel to turn a progressive idea into something as remarkable as the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. As a three-time record-breaking engineering marvel, it stands as a tribute to all the people whose hard work and dedication built it. Because, while ideas may be set in motion by a select few, it takes the perseverance and passion of many to execute something of this magnitude. Meet the people who turned an unbelievable idea into reality.

EXPERIENCE The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is, without a doubt, an impressive engineering feat. For some however, the truly impressive nature of this lift is more than its world record-setting statistics or its bold structural breakthroughs.

Some see the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola as the key to unlocking Whistler Blackcomb’s endless potential.

These forward-thinkers are skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, environmentalists and local legends.

They are the people who see into the future of Whistler Blackcomb and imagine a world of infinite possibilities.

P: ERIC BERGER

P: ERIC BERGER

ELEVEN YEARS AGO, WHILE ON A TRIP TO EUROPE

with Paul Mathews of Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners,

Hugh Smythe found himself standing in the shadow of the Matterhorn at the Swiss ski area of Zermatt. While gazing up at a tram connecting the picturesque village to the towering mountain above, Smythe and Mathews were struck by an idea of significant proportion—Whistler and Blackcomb would no longer have to be separate entities connected only at their bases. With a gondola connecting their peaks, Whistler and Blackcomb could truly become Whistler Blackcomb.

“I wanted to finally bridge the gap and bring the two mountains together,” says Smythe, “but finding support for the idea wasn’t easy.” For more than a decade Smythe worked to overcome both the naysayers and the constant difficulties of conceiving a lift that challenges convention. ”We brainstormed with engineers to find the perfect combination of design, structure and technology,” and then inspired hundreds of people to lift the dream into the sky.

HUGH SMYTHE SENIOR VP // INTRAWEST MOUNTAIN RESORTS P: PAUL MORRISON

ELEVEN YEARS AGO, WHILE ON A TRIP TO EUROPE

with Paul Mathews of Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners,

Hugh Smythe found himself standing in the shadow of the Matterhorn at the Swiss ski area of Zermatt. While gazing up at a tram connecting the picturesque village to the towering mountain above, Smythe and Mathews were struck by an idea of significant proportion—Whistler and Blackcomb would no longer have to be separate entities connected only at their bases. With a gondola connecting their peaks, Whistler and Blackcomb could truly become Whistler Blackcomb.

“I wanted to finally bridge the gap and bring the two mountains together,” says Smythe, “but finding support for the idea wasn’t easy.” For more than a decade Smythe worked to overcome both the naysayers and the constant difficulties of conceiving a lift that challenges convention. ”We brainstormed with engineers to find the perfect combination of design, structure and technology,” and then inspired hundreds of people to lift the dream into the sky.

HUGH SMYTHE SENIOR VP // INTRAWEST MOUNTAIN RESORTS P: PAUL MORRISON

THE CHALLENGES OF BUILDING a project as ambitious as the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola are numerous, but Whistler Blackcomb President and COO Dave Brownlie was certain the final product would be worth the mountain of effort invested. “I was convinced this was an opportunity to solidify our reputation as the pre-eminent mountain resort in the world and I knew we had to make it happen.”

From the moment he was approached with the idea until the groundbreaking ceremony, Brownlie dealt with the skepticism of those who believed the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola was too ambitious. “Any project that goes against the grain is inevitably subject to criticism. It draws skeptics like flies,” says Brownlie. “You just have to keep your focus and believe in what you do.” Throughout it all, Brownlie has held the role of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola’s chief trailblazer—from the initial discussions over its engineering feasibility to convincing investors of its financial viability, he has stayed the course. “From the beginning, I have felt that this project defines us. This is what we’re all about— experiencing the mountains and pushing the envelope. My standard answer to our critics’ questions is ‘why wouldn’t we do it?”

DAVE BROWNLIE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB P: RICK TEMPLE

THE CHALLENGES OF BUILDING a project as ambitious as the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola are numerous, but Whistler Blackcomb President and COO Dave Brownlie was certain the final product would be worth the mountain of effort invested. “I was convinced this was an opportunity to solidify our reputation as the pre-eminent mountain resort in the world and I knew we had to make it happen.”

From the moment he was approached with the idea until the groundbreaking ceremony, Brownlie dealt with the skepticism of those who believed the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola was too ambitious. “Any project that goes against the grain is inevitably subject to criticism. It draws skeptics like flies,” says Brownlie. “You just have to keep your focus and believe in what you do.” Throughout it all, Brownlie has held the role of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola’s chief trailblazer—from the initial discussions over its engineering feasibility to convincing investors of its financial viability, he has stayed the course. “From the beginning, I have felt that this project defines us. This is what we’re all about— experiencing the mountains and pushing the envelope. My standard answer to our critics’ questions is ‘why wouldn’t we do it?”

DAVE BROWNLIE PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB P: RICK TEMPLE

P: PAUL MORRISON

P: PAUL MORRISON

COMING UP WITH THE IDEA of building something as cutting-edge as the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola takes a stretch of the imagination. Actually engineering it is another endeavour altogether. When engineer Peter Luger stood at the foot of Whistler Blackcomb for the first time, he witnessed the enormity of the project.

“I knew this was going to be an extremely challenging project when I saw the gap between Whistler and Blackcomb,” says Luger. “I knew it was possible, but it wasn’t going to be easy.” Over three years of intensive survey, drafting, calculation and troubleshooting went into the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola engineering, with Luger overseeing every single aspect of the $52-million, world record-setting project. “Each day I would spend the full day dealing with PEAK 2 PEAK logistics in the Austrian office, then I would go home just in time for the phone calls to start pouring in from the North American crew.

I didn’t sleep very much,” says Luger. “But as an engineer, this is an accomplishment unlike any other and it’s been worth every minute I’ve put into it.”

PETER LUGER HEAD OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT // DOPPELMAYR P: JOANNA JOHNSTONE

COMING UP WITH THE IDEA of building something as cutting-edge as the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola takes a stretch of the imagination. Actually engineering it is another endeavour altogether. When engineer Peter Luger stood at the foot of Whistler Blackcomb for the first time, he witnessed the enormity of the project.

“I knew this was going to be an extremely challenging project when I saw the gap between Whistler and Blackcomb,” says Luger. “I knew it was possible, but it wasn’t going to be easy.” Over three years of intensive survey, drafting, calculation and troubleshooting went into the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola engineering, with Luger overseeing every single aspect of the $52-million, world record-setting project. “Each day I would spend the full day dealing with PEAK 2 PEAK logistics in the Austrian office, then I would go home just in time for the phone calls to start pouring in from the North American crew.

I didn’t sleep very much,” says Luger. “But as an engineer, this is an accomplishment unlike any other and it’s been worth every minute I’ve put into it.”

PETER LUGER HEAD OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT // DOPPELMAYR P: JOANNA JOHNSTONE

WHEN RICK TEMPLE AND BARB HOUGHTON PAIRED UP

to lead the team in charge of the PEAK 2 PEAK

Gondola construction, they had no idea just how talented and diverse the team would become. Over the 18 months of construction, Temple and Houghton have worked with hundreds of highly-trained specialists from around the globe in order to bring this phenomenal project to completion.

“We realized quickly that both the size and location of this project would require a special team,” says Temple. With one of the deepest winters in Whistler Blackcomb history threatening to delay the project on a daily basis, the duo were kept on their toes dealing with the Coast Mountains’ legendary snowfall. “We were faced with transporting 4,344 cubic metres of concrete up the mountain to build the towers and terminals. That’s about 600 truck loads getting caught in storms, stuck on the access roads, and grinding to a halt with broken axles,” says Houghton. “We had tractors pulling the trucks up the mountain through snowbanks—it wasn’t pretty.” The end result, however, is something the team can find beauty in. “I’ve been working in mountain operations for 45 years; and this project is, without a doubt, the pinnacle of my career,” says Temple. “And I think everyone I’ve worked with on this shares the same excitement in building a worldrecord breaking project—that is something you can take pride in.”

BARB HOUGHTON & RICK TEMPLE PEAK 2 PEAK PROJECT MANAGER AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

P: RICK TEMPLE

WHEN RICK TEMPLE AND BARB HOUGHTON PAIRED UP

to lead the team in charge of the PEAK 2 PEAK

Gondola construction, they had no idea just how talented and diverse the team would become. Over the 18 months of construction, Temple and Houghton have worked with hundreds of highly-trained specialists from around the globe in order to bring this phenomenal project to completion.

“We realized quickly that both the size and location of this project would require a special team,” says Temple. With one of the deepest winters in Whistler Blackcomb history threatening to delay the project on a daily basis, the duo were kept on their toes dealing with the Coast Mountains’ legendary snowfall. “We were faced with transporting 4,344 cubic metres of concrete up the mountain to build the towers and terminals. That’s about 600 truck loads getting caught in storms, stuck on the access roads, and grinding to a halt with broken axles,” says Houghton. “We had tractors pulling the trucks up the mountain through snowbanks—it wasn’t pretty.” The end result, however, is something the team can find beauty in. “I’ve been working in mountain operations for 45 years; and this project is, without a doubt, the pinnacle of my career,” says Temple. “And I think everyone I’ve worked with on this shares the same excitement in building a worldrecord breaking project—that is something you can take pride in.”

BARB HOUGHTON & RICK TEMPLE PEAK 2 PEAK PROJECT MANAGER AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

P: RICK TEMPLE

THE PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA IS NO REGULAR GONDOLA. It breaks world records for being the highest above the valley floor, and for having the longest freespan for a lift of its kind. Each spool of cable – 28 kilometres in total - weighs 90 metric tonnes.

Each of the terminal stations supports the equivalent force of four Boeing 747-400 jetliners in flight. So when it came time to build terminals for this record-setting lift, a company with a vast amount of experience was needed. As General Superintendent of Vancouverbased Timberline Construction, Steve Pattitucci came to the table with a highly specialized, hand-picked team that was prepared to think outside the box. “With the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, we had to rethink our standard approach and set a new benchmark,” he says.

“The adverse weather, the tight timelines, the innovative construction, all the challenges involved made this a very rewarding experience.”

STEVE PATTITUCCI GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT // TIMBERLINE CONSTRUCTION P: RICK TEMPLE

THE PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA IS NO REGULAR GONDOLA. It breaks world records for being the highest above the valley floor, and for having the longest freespan for a lift of its kind. Each spool of cable – 28 kilometres in total - weighs 90 metric tonnes.

Each of the terminal stations supports the equivalent force of four Boeing 747-400 jetliners in flight. So when it came time to build terminals for this record-setting lift, a company with a vast amount of experience was needed. As General Superintendent of Vancouverbased Timberline Construction, Steve Pattitucci came to the table with a highly specialized, hand-picked team that was prepared to think outside the box. “With the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, we had to rethink our standard approach and set a new benchmark,” he says.

“The adverse weather, the tight timelines, the innovative construction, all the challenges involved made this a very rewarding experience.”

STEVE PATTITUCCI GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT // TIMBERLINE CONSTRUCTION P: RICK TEMPLE

UELI SCHMID HAS SPENT DECADES WORKING ON THE WORLD’S LARGEST LIFTS, but when it came to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Schmid was faced with a challenge unlike any he had dealt with before. With a world record-setting 3.024-kilometres of unsupported cable between towers two and three, the gondola presented a unique obstacle to overcome—how to string 28-kilometres of cable across the massive span between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The answer? With skill, determination and a good pair of hiking boots. Schmid’s team spent over six months planning, measuring and pulling cable and haul ropes across the valley from Blackcomb to Whistler. Using a team of 13 highly-trained Swiss specialists, Schmid installed the cables using an intricate system— threading five progressively larger cables one at a time down the mountain, across the valley bottom and up the other side until four 56-millimetre (2.2 inch) diameter cables and the haul rope were in place and ready to be spliced together. Schmid himself walked across the vast valley countless times proving that to truly be the best, you have to go the extra distance. “It is a lot of hiking but there’s simply no other way to do it,” says Schmid with a smile. “In the end, the blisters are worth it.”

UELI SCHMID CHIEF CABLE ERECTOR // GARAVENTA SWITZERLAND P: RICK TEMPLE

UELI SCHMID HAS SPENT DECADES WORKING ON THE WORLD’S LARGEST LIFTS, but when it came to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Schmid was faced with a challenge unlike any he had dealt with before. With a world record-setting 3.024-kilometres of unsupported cable between towers two and three, the gondola presented a unique obstacle to overcome—how to string 28-kilometres of cable across the massive span between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The answer? With skill, determination and a good pair of hiking boots. Schmid’s team spent over six months planning, measuring and pulling cable and haul ropes across the valley from Blackcomb to Whistler. Using a team of 13 highly-trained Swiss specialists, Schmid installed the cables using an intricate system— threading five progressively larger cables one at a time down the mountain, across the valley bottom and up the other side until four 56-millimetre (2.2 inch) diameter cables and the haul rope were in place and ready to be spliced together. Schmid himself walked across the vast valley countless times proving that to truly be the best, you have to go the extra distance. “It is a lot of hiking but there’s simply no other way to do it,” says Schmid with a smile. “In the end, the blisters are worth it.”

UELI SCHMID CHIEF CABLE ERECTOR // GARAVENTA SWITZERLAND P: RICK TEMPLE

P: BLAKE JORGENSON

P: BLAKE JORGENSON

THE PROGRESSION OF A PARK SKIER OR RIDER IS AN INSPIRING JOURNEY. From the first awkward grab to the first stomped switch cork 7, the sensation of putting daylight between p-tex and snow is the reason many are drawn to the mountains.

As the terrain park supervisor for Whistler Blackcomb, Brian Finestone understands this lure. He and his team are responsible for conceiving, crafting and maintaining the perfectly manicured pipe, jumps and features that Whistler Blackcomb has become world famous for.

With the arrival of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Finestone is stoked for the new easy access to all of the terrain parks in his domain. “For park riders, it’s all about minimizing the time it takes to get you from the bottom of the park run to the top. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola stations are situated at the entrances to our two main terrain parks,” says Finestone. “With this lift, a rider can work his or her way up from the small boxes and hits of an easier park to the massive tables and kinked rails of the expert park…on opposite mountains. A Gondola like this is a park rider’s dream come true—I like to call it the ‘PARK 2 PARK.”

BRIAN FINESTONE TERRAIN PARK SUPERVISOR, BIKE PARK MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB P: BRIAN FINESTONE

THE PROGRESSION OF A PARK SKIER OR RIDER IS AN INSPIRING JOURNEY. From the first awkward grab to the first stomped switch cork 7, the sensation of putting daylight between p-tex and snow is the reason many are drawn to the mountains.

As the terrain park supervisor for Whistler Blackcomb, Brian Finestone understands this lure. He and his team are responsible for conceiving, crafting and maintaining the perfectly manicured pipe, jumps and features that Whistler Blackcomb has become world famous for.

With the arrival of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Finestone is stoked for the new easy access to all of the terrain parks in his domain. “For park riders, it’s all about minimizing the time it takes to get you from the bottom of the park run to the top. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola stations are situated at the entrances to our two main terrain parks,” says Finestone. “With this lift, a rider can work his or her way up from the small boxes and hits of an easier park to the massive tables and kinked rails of the expert park…on opposite mountains. A Gondola like this is a park rider’s dream come true—I like to call it the ‘PARK 2 PARK.”

BRIAN FINESTONE TERRAIN PARK SUPERVISOR, BIKE PARK MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB P: BRIAN FINESTONE

THEY CALL HIM THE GODFATHER OF FREESKIING, and for good reason—Mike Douglas has been a part of Whistler Blackcomb’s freeski scene since the early days. So early in fact, that he’s credited for sparking the freeski fire and inventing the revolutionary twin tip ski. Since then, Douglas has been instrumental in the progression of the sport and the history of Whistler Blackcomb.

From the steep and deep of Whistler’s Peak to the insanely exposed chutes of Blackcomb’s Gem Bowls, Douglas has explored this resort inside out. As a result, Douglas knows each mountain intimately. “Whistler and Blackcomb are two huge mountains—both with unique personalities. Before the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola you could ski both mountains in a day but it wasn’t practical. Now the possibilities for my dream day have exploded exponentially. Fresh tracks on Whistler Peak in the morning, lunch at Blackcomb’s Glacier Creek Lodge followed by a Highest Level park session, then back over to Whistler for a sunset run down the Kyber Pass right to my doorstep.”

That’s a big day, even for the godfather.

MIKE DOUGLAS PROFESSIONAL SKIER P: PAUL MORRISON

THEY CALL HIM THE GODFATHER OF FREESKIING, and for good reason—Mike Douglas has been a part of Whistler Blackcomb’s freeski scene since the early days. So early in fact, that he’s credited for sparking the freeski fire and inventing the revolutionary twin tip ski. Since then, Douglas has been instrumental in the progression of the sport and the history of Whistler Blackcomb.

From the steep and deep of Whistler’s Peak to the insanely exposed chutes of Blackcomb’s Gem Bowls, Douglas has explored this resort inside out. As a result, Douglas knows each mountain intimately. “Whistler and Blackcomb are two huge mountains—both with unique personalities. Before the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola you could ski both mountains in a day but it wasn’t practical. Now the possibilities for my dream day have exploded exponentially. Fresh tracks on Whistler Peak in the morning, lunch at Blackcomb’s Glacier Creek Lodge followed by a Highest Level park session, then back over to Whistler for a sunset run down the Kyber Pass right to my doorstep.”

That’s a big day, even for the godfather.

MIKE DOUGLAS PROFESSIONAL SKIER P: PAUL MORRISON

BEHIND EVERY GREAT RESORT IS THE GLUE THAT HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER. While Whistler Blackcomb’s bond lies in its unbelievable skiing and snowboarding, there’s one other facet of this place that has cemented its reputation —the après and party scene. From the mid-afternoon buzz of the GLC patio après to the late-night manic energy of the village’s club scene, Whistler is a resort unlike any other. Mike Varrin, the unofficial mayor of Whistler and a party legend himself, has been at the raucous centre of the après scene for the past 13 years, watching over the three best party venues in town: Merlins, Dusty’s and the iconic Garibaldi Lift Company. Predictably, Varrin views the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola as the vehicle to good times. “If someone asked me for a list of must-do’s in Whistler I’d tell them they need a Belgian waffle breakfast at Crystal Hut, a cold one and BBQ at Dusty’s for lunch, nachos with the Hair Farmers at Merlins for après and then a live show at the GLC for a little taste of the Whistler wee hours…and the PEAK 2 PEAK is the best way to set that up.”

MIKE VARRIN REVEREND J. MICHAEL VARRIN, ESQ., MANAGER OF BARS // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB P: BRUCE ROWLES

BEHIND EVERY GREAT RESORT IS THE GLUE THAT HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER. While Whistler Blackcomb’s bond lies in its unbelievable skiing and snowboarding, there’s one other facet of this place that has cemented its reputation —the après and party scene. From the mid-afternoon buzz of the GLC patio après to the late-night manic energy of the village’s club scene, Whistler is a resort unlike any other. Mike Varrin, the unofficial mayor of Whistler and a party legend himself, has been at the raucous centre of the après scene for the past 13 years, watching over the three best party venues in town: Merlins, Dusty’s and the iconic Garibaldi Lift Company. Predictably, Varrin views the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola as the vehicle to good times. “If someone asked me for a list of must-do’s in Whistler I’d tell them they need a Belgian waffle breakfast at Crystal Hut, a cold one and BBQ at Dusty’s for lunch, nachos with the Hair Farmers at Merlins for après and then a live show at the GLC for a little taste of the Whistler wee hours…and the PEAK 2 PEAK is the best way to set that up.”

MIKE VARRIN REVEREND J. MICHAEL VARRIN, ESQ., MANAGER OF BARS // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB P: BRUCE ROWLES

AS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB’S

long-time

environmental advocate, Arthur DeJong knows better than anyone the ecological wonder that is Whistler Blackcomb. With the installation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola DeJong sees an opportunity to educate guests on the environment, while offering new outdoor options to reinforce the experience. Whistler and Blackcomb will now combine to provide over 60-kilometres of some of the best hiking in B.C., with trails bordering the pristine wilderness of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

From the gondola Sky Cabins high above Fitzsimmons Creek, guests will view Whistler Blackcomb’s ‘run-ofriver’ renewable energy project, as well as safely and unobtrusively view Green Acres, a dense concentration of berry-rich terrain which attracts the largest population of bears on Whistler Blackcomb. “I see the PEAK 2 PEAK as an experience to get people, who might not normally have the chance to view ecologically rich areas, out amongst nature,” says DeJong. “The more interaction humans have with the natural environment, the more likely they are to preserve it.”

ARTHUR DEJONG MOUNTAIN PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB P: RANDY LINCKS

AS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB’S

long-time

environmental advocate, Arthur DeJong knows better than anyone the ecological wonder that is Whistler Blackcomb. With the installation of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola DeJong sees an opportunity to educate guests on the environment, while offering new outdoor options to reinforce the experience. Whistler and Blackcomb will now combine to provide over 60-kilometres of some of the best hiking in B.C., with trails bordering the pristine wilderness of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

From the gondola Sky Cabins high above Fitzsimmons Creek, guests will view Whistler Blackcomb’s ‘run-ofriver’ renewable energy project, as well as safely and unobtrusively view Green Acres, a dense concentration of berry-rich terrain which attracts the largest population of bears on Whistler Blackcomb. “I see the PEAK 2 PEAK as an experience to get people, who might not normally have the chance to view ecologically rich areas, out amongst nature,” says DeJong. “The more interaction humans have with the natural environment, the more likely they are to preserve it.”

ARTHUR DEJONG MOUNTAIN PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB P: RANDY LINCKS

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF EXPERIENCING SOMETHING SPECTACULAR

is sharing it with others.

Twenty-three years ago, Rosemary Hotell joined the Mountain Host program to share with the world the beauty of the Coast Mountains.

Over two decades later, Hotell can still be found guiding summer guests through the colourful wildflowers of Harmony Meadows or showing eager skiers and snowboarders her secret powder stashes on Blackcomb. “I volunteered because I was passionate about sharing the beauty of the mountains with people from all walks of life and from different parts of the world,” says Hotell. “Not only will the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola allow me to share even more of these mountains with our guests, but it will provide a totally unique and distinct Whistler Blackcomb experience. You won’t get this anywhere else in the world.”

ROSEMARY HOTELL MOUNTAIN HOST // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB P: PAUL MORRISON

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF EXPERIENCING SOMETHING SPECTACULAR

is sharing it with others.

Twenty-three years ago, Rosemary Hotell joined the Mountain Host program to share with the world the beauty of the Coast Mountains.

Over two decades later, Hotell can still be found guiding summer guests through the colourful wildflowers of Harmony Meadows or showing eager skiers and snowboarders her secret powder stashes on Blackcomb. “I volunteered because I was passionate about sharing the beauty of the mountains with people from all walks of life and from different parts of the world,” says Hotell. “Not only will the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola allow me to share even more of these mountains with our guests, but it will provide a totally unique and distinct Whistler Blackcomb experience. You won’t get this anywhere else in the world.”

ROSEMARY HOTELL MOUNTAIN HOST // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB P: PAUL MORRISON

P: PAUL MORRISON

P: PAUL MORRISON

THE FUTURE

HERE AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, WE UNDERSTAND WHAT IT TAKES TO TRANSFORM BIG IDEAS INTO BIGGER REALITIES.

This is the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola story. And it has only just begun. Through leadership and determination, a collection of visionaries have brought this idea to life, inspiring skiers, riders, hikers and sightseers alike to create new ways to explore these mountains for years to come.

We invite you to be our guest, and let the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola inspire your own story.

PHOTOS: MICHAEL ALLEN, ERIC BERGER, COASTPHOTO.COM, BRIAN FINESTONE, JOANNA JOHNSTONE, BLAKE JORGENSON, RANDY LINCKS, PAUL MORRISON, ROBIN O’NEILL, DANO PENDYGRASSE, BRUCE ROWLES, JOERN ROHDE, INSIGHT-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM, RICK TEMPLE.

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB 2008.09 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB 2008.09 STATS AND FACTS

OCTOBER 2008

FEBRUARY 2009 (Cont.)

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB - COMBINED

10-13

16 Presidents Day (US) 19 Kokanee Valley Race Series Feb 23 - Mar 13 Discover Whistler Days (Save up to 40% on lessons) 26 Kokanee Valley Race Series 27-28 Showcase Showdown Snowboard Competition Feb 28 - Mar 4 Pontiac GMC J1 Championships

Average Snowfall

402 inches/33.5 feet/10.22 metres per yr

Creekside Base Elevation

653 metres/2,140 feet

Total Terrain

8,171 acres/3,307 hectares

Number of Lifts

38 including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

Trails

200+

Hourly Lift Capacity

Longitude/Latitude

50 latitude, 122 longitude

65,507 skiers per hour (including PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola)

Mountain Restaurants

17, with a total of 6,540 restaurant seats

Summer Glacier Season

June 15, 2009 to July 26, 2009

Summer Sightseeing Dates

May 16, 2009 to October 12, 2009

Mountain Bike Park Dates

May 16, 2009 to October 12, 2009

13

Turkey Sale – Whistler Blackcomb’s legendary ski & snowboard sale Thanksgiving Day (CAN) Whistler Mountain Bike Park closing day Whistler Mountain Sightseeing closing day Early Bird Season Pass deadline

NOVEMBER 2008 6-10

Cornucopia – Whistler’s Food & Wine Festival 27 Official Opening Day Thanksgiving Day (US) Opening - Dec 19 Discover Whistler Days (Save up to 40% on lessons)

DECEMBER 2008 4-7 12

14 18 31

Whistler Film Festival PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Grand Opening Fresh Tracks Breakfast presented by Nature’s Path opening Park Rider Sessions, presented by TELUS: Rail Jam Kokanee Valley Race Series First Night Whistler 2009

9-14 19 22 26

5 10-12 13 17-26 20-26

5-23

26

8 9 11 15 22 23-24

FEBRUARY 2009 Month long

1-8 6-8 15

2010 Olympic Countdown – Only one year to go until the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Whistler celebrations include live music, parties and special visits from Canada’s top athletes WinterPRIDE – Whistler’s Gay & Lesbian Ski Week Appleton Rum Peak-To-Valley Race Park Rider Sessions, presented by TELUS: Slopestyle

International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals Kokanee Valley Race Series Park Rider Ski Sessions, presented by TELUS: Slopestyle Kokanee Valley Race Series Dual GS Finals and Team Relay on Blackcomb

APRIL 2009

JANUARY 2009 Discover Whistler Days (Save up to 40% on lessons) Kokanee Valley Race Series Deep Winter Photo Challenge presented by ARC’TERYX & GORE-TEX Park Rider Sessions, presented by TELUS: Slopestyle Kokanee Valley Race Series Kokanee Valley Race Series TELUS Mobility Winter Classic (Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Fundraiser)

Highest Lift Accessed Elevation 2,284 metres/7,494 feet

MARCH 2009

Park Rider Sessions, presented

by TELUS: Halfpipe on Blackcomb Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup Fresh Tracks Breakfast presented by Nature’s Path ends TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival Discover Whistler Days (Save up to 40% on lessons) Whistler Mountain closes for skiing Blackcomb Mountain still open

Vertical

1,609 metres/5,280 feet

Whistler Village Elevation

675 metres/2,214 feet

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN Vertical

1,530 metres/5,020 feet

Total Hourly Lift Capacity

34,345 skiers per hour

Top Elevation

2,182 metres/7,160 feet

Longest Run

Skiable Terrain

4,757 acres/1,925 hectares

11 kilometres/7 miles Burnt Stew to Side-Winder, Upper and Lower Olympic

Terrain Type (beg/int/adv)

20% / 55% / 25%

Snowmaking

215 acres/87 hectares

Trails

100+

Mountain Restaurants

8

Terrain Parks and Pipes

2 parks

Season Dates

November 27, 2008 to April 26, 2009

Total Number of Lifts

20 + PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola 2 high-speed gondolas 7 high-speed quads 2 triple chairs 1 double chair 9 surface lifts

MAY 2009 16 16

Whistler Mountain and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opens for Summer Operations Whistler Mountain Bike Park Opening day

JUNE 2009 15 21

Summer Glacier Skiing & Riding on Blackcomb Mountain Opens Bone Yard Air Affair Mountain Bike Competition

JULY 2009 26

Summer Glacier Skiing & Riding on Blackcomb Mountain Closes

AUGUST 2009 1-2 8-16

Canadian National BBQ Championships Kokanee Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival

BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN Vertical

1,609 metres/5,280 feet

Total Hourly Lift Capacity

31,162 skiers per hour

Top Elevation

2,284 metres/7,494 feet

Longest Run

Skiable Terrain

3,414 acres/1,382 hectares

11 kilometres/7 miles Green Road down Easy Out

Terrain Type (beg/int/adv)

15% / 55% / 30%

Snowmaking

350 acres/142 hectares

Trails

100+

Mountain Restaurants

9

Terrain Parks and Pipes

3 parks, 1 Super Pipe

Season Dates

November 27, 2008 to June 14, 2009

Total Number of Lifts

17 + PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola 1 high-speed gondola 7 high-speed quads 3 triple chairs 7 surface lifts

Summer Glacier Dates

June 15, 2009 to July 26, 2009

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB 2008.09 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB 2008.09 STATS AND FACTS

OCTOBER 2008

FEBRUARY 2009 (Cont.)

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB - COMBINED

10-13

16 Presidents Day (US) 19 Kokanee Valley Race Series Feb 23 - Mar 13 Discover Whistler Days (Save up to 40% on lessons) 26 Kokanee Valley Race Series 27-28 Showcase Showdown Snowboard Competition Feb 28 - Mar 4 Pontiac GMC J1 Championships

Average Snowfall

402 inches/33.5 feet/10.22 metres per yr

Creekside Base Elevation

653 metres/2,140 feet

Total Terrain

8,171 acres/3,307 hectares

Number of Lifts

38 including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

Trails

200+

Hourly Lift Capacity

Longitude/Latitude

50 latitude, 122 longitude

65,507 skiers per hour (including PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola)

Mountain Restaurants

17, with a total of 6,540 restaurant seats

Summer Glacier Season

June 15, 2009 to July 26, 2009

Summer Sightseeing Dates

May 16, 2009 to October 12, 2009

Mountain Bike Park Dates

May 16, 2009 to October 12, 2009

13

Turkey Sale – Whistler Blackcomb’s legendary ski & snowboard sale Thanksgiving Day (CAN) Whistler Mountain Bike Park closing day Whistler Mountain Sightseeing closing day Early Bird Season Pass deadline

NOVEMBER 2008 6-10

Cornucopia – Whistler’s Food & Wine Festival 27 Official Opening Day Thanksgiving Day (US) Opening - Dec 19 Discover Whistler Days (Save up to 40% on lessons)

DECEMBER 2008 4-7 12

14 18 31

Whistler Film Festival PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Grand Opening Fresh Tracks Breakfast presented by Nature’s Path opening Park Rider Sessions, presented by TELUS: Rail Jam Kokanee Valley Race Series First Night Whistler 2009

9-14 19 22 26

5 10-12 13 17-26 20-26

5-23

26

8 9 11 15 22 23-24

FEBRUARY 2009 Month long

1-8 6-8 15

2010 Olympic Countdown – Only one year to go until the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Whistler celebrations include live music, parties and special visits from Canada’s top athletes WinterPRIDE – Whistler’s Gay & Lesbian Ski Week Appleton Rum Peak-To-Valley Race Park Rider Sessions, presented by TELUS: Slopestyle

International Paralympic Committee Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals Kokanee Valley Race Series Park Rider Ski Sessions, presented by TELUS: Slopestyle Kokanee Valley Race Series Dual GS Finals and Team Relay on Blackcomb

APRIL 2009

JANUARY 2009 Discover Whistler Days (Save up to 40% on lessons) Kokanee Valley Race Series Deep Winter Photo Challenge presented by ARC’TERYX & GORE-TEX Park Rider Sessions, presented by TELUS: Slopestyle Kokanee Valley Race Series Kokanee Valley Race Series TELUS Mobility Winter Classic (Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Fundraiser)

Highest Lift Accessed Elevation 2,284 metres/7,494 feet

MARCH 2009

Park Rider Sessions, presented

by TELUS: Halfpipe on Blackcomb Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup Fresh Tracks Breakfast presented by Nature’s Path ends TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival Discover Whistler Days (Save up to 40% on lessons) Whistler Mountain closes for skiing Blackcomb Mountain still open

Vertical

1,609 metres/5,280 feet

Whistler Village Elevation

675 metres/2,214 feet

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN Vertical

1,530 metres/5,020 feet

Total Hourly Lift Capacity

34,345 skiers per hour

Top Elevation

2,182 metres/7,160 feet

Longest Run

Skiable Terrain

4,757 acres/1,925 hectares

11 kilometres/7 miles Burnt Stew to Side-Winder, Upper and Lower Olympic

Terrain Type (beg/int/adv)

20% / 55% / 25%

Snowmaking

215 acres/87 hectares

Trails

100+

Mountain Restaurants

8

Terrain Parks and Pipes

2 parks

Season Dates

November 27, 2008 to April 26, 2009

Total Number of Lifts

20 + PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola 2 high-speed gondolas 7 high-speed quads 2 triple chairs 1 double chair 9 surface lifts

MAY 2009 16 16

Whistler Mountain and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opens for Summer Operations Whistler Mountain Bike Park Opening day

JUNE 2009 15 21

Summer Glacier Skiing & Riding on Blackcomb Mountain Opens Bone Yard Air Affair Mountain Bike Competition

JULY 2009 26

Summer Glacier Skiing & Riding on Blackcomb Mountain Closes

AUGUST 2009 1-2 8-16

Canadian National BBQ Championships Kokanee Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival

BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN Vertical

1,609 metres/5,280 feet

Total Hourly Lift Capacity

31,162 skiers per hour

Top Elevation

2,284 metres/7,494 feet

Longest Run

Skiable Terrain

3,414 acres/1,382 hectares

11 kilometres/7 miles Green Road down Easy Out

Terrain Type (beg/int/adv)

15% / 55% / 30%

Snowmaking

350 acres/142 hectares

Trails

100+

Mountain Restaurants

9

Terrain Parks and Pipes

3 parks, 1 Super Pipe

Season Dates

November 27, 2008 to June 14, 2009

Total Number of Lifts

17 + PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola 1 high-speed gondola 7 high-speed quads 3 triple chairs 7 surface lifts

Summer Glacier Dates

June 15, 2009 to July 26, 2009

P: JOERN ROHDE/INSIGHT-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM

P: PAUL MORRISON

VISIONARIES WHISTLER BLACKCOMB AND THE PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA

1.800.766.0449 whistlerblackcomb.com

VISIONARIES WHISTLER BLACKCOMB AND THE PEAK 2 PEAK G

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