our
STORY
WONDER is it a
PLACE MIND or a state of
P: Blake Jorgenson S: Matty Richard L: Crystal Zone, Blackcomb Mountain
WELCOME
TO WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
IN SEARCH OF WONDER Wonder—it’s that elusive state that
emerges when a spectacular place and a special moment collide. There is no question, wonder seems to concentrate here in our mountains and village. It’s as deep as our recordbreaking snowfalls. As wide-spread as our vast and varied terrain. And as awe-inspiring as the innovative sprit that sets this resort apart. It is suspended in every snowflake and forged into our rugged peaks. It settles on perfectly groomed corduroy in winter and on wildflower meadows in summer, and it lingers...around every corner, begging to be discovered.
WHAT SETS US
APART
THE PEOPLE. THE PLACE. AND A PASSION TO INNOVATE
Whistler Blackcomb has become
synonymous
with towering peaks, deep snow, innovative ideas and the passionate people who are drawn to it all. Pacific storms collide with the Coast Mountain Range, reliably depositing over 38 feet of snow each year. Vast alpine bowls and ancient glaciers stretch down to meet a seemingly endless variety of glades, groomers and learning areas that make up the most terrain in North America. The world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola stretches 4.4 kilometres between the tops of the two mountains to provide an unparalleled experience and a glimpse at an engineering feat. And finally, legendary big mountain athletes, Olympians and Paralympians mingle with the snow industry’s pre-eminent photographers and filmmakers, creating a cultural mecca that has made Whistler Blackcomb the No. 1 ski resort in North America. And while Whistler Blackcomb is defined by winter, that’s only half of what makes it special. Whistler Blackcomb is late-autumn hikes to pristine peaks covered with wildflowers and wildlife. It’s spring glacier skiing and riding on Blackcomb’s renowned glacier. And it’s long, warm summer days that start with ripping trails in the world’s best mountain bike park, and end with beers on a sunny patio. It’s early-morning alpine trail runs, late afternoon barbecues and evening outdoor concerts.
It’s the inspirational pull of the mountains, and the gravitational pull that fuels all the adventures within them. This is the wonder of Whistler Blackcomb.
WHAT’S NEW ON THE MOUNTAINS
INTRODUCING THE CRYSTAL RIDGE EXPRESS AND THE HARMONY 6 EXPRESS
In a continued quest
to enhance the guest
experience, Whistler Blackcomb introduced two new chairs in 2013 to its high-speed network of express lifts. Each lift represents increased access into two zones that are much-loved by Whistler locals and destination guests alike.
The Harmony 6 Express, a new Doppelmayr high-speed, detachable chairlift capable of transporting six people on each chair, has replaced one of Whistler Blackcomb’s most popular lifts and dramatically improves the uphill capacity by 50 per cent; going from 2,400 skiers per hour to 3,600. The new lift services terrain spanning from the edge of the Symphony Amphitheatre all the way over to Glacier Bowl, adjacent to the Peak Express. This area, known as the Harmony Zone, makes up over 485 hectares (1,200 acres) of Whistler Blackcomb’s 3,306 hectares (8,171 acres) of total terrain. With a wide variety of beginner to expert terrain options, the Harmony 6 ensures skiers and riders are able to spend more time on the mountain exploring the spectacular, powder-covered alpine that Whistler Blackcomb is celebrated for. The Harmony 6 Express has the same alignment as the previous Harmony quad; spanning 1,729 metres (5,672 ft) in length, with a vertical rise of 525 metres (1,722 ft). The top elevation of the lift is 2,107 metres (6,912 ft); the bottom elevation is 1,582 metres (5,190 ft). At the same time, across the valley on Blackcomb Mountain, the famed Crystal Zone received a lift enhancement with a new high-speed quad replacing a fixed-grip triple chair. Crystal Ridge Express is 1,708 metres (5,604 ft) in length, with a vertical rise of 535 metres (1,755 ft). Skier carrying capacity increased by 65 per cent over the previous lift to 2,400 skiers per hour. The new quad will deliver skiers and riders to the same location as the current triple chair next to the Crystal Hut at 1,827 metres (5,994 ft), it now originates, however, 158 metres (518 ft) lower than the old Crystal lift at 1,292 metres (4,239 ft). This bottom terminal location along the Blackcomb Glacier Road ski-out eliminates the need to use Excelerator Chair to access many Crystal Zone trails including Ridge Runner, Rock ‘N’ Roll, and gladed trails like Outer Limits. It will be even quicker to return to the Glacier Express chair to access Horstman Glacier, Blackcomb Glacier and Spanky’s Ladder. The increased length of the chair’s line will give skiers and riders the opportunity to lap the entire Crystal Zone—from undulating cruisers to gladed zones riddled with natural terrain features and snow-caked trees straight out of a Dr. Seuss book.
PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA
BREAKING RECORDS WHILE BLOWING MINDS Whistler Blackcomb has innovation embedded
into
its
core
values,
and nothing exemplifies its dedication to innovating better than the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. This awe-inspiring, engineering feat breaks three world records as the longest unsupported span in the world, the tallest lift of its kind, and for linking the largest continuous lift network anywhere. A ride on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a 4.4 kilometre journey between the top of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. Crossing 436 metres above the valley floor, and providing 360 degree views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, as well as an opportunity for a glass-bottomed view to the ground, the PEAK 2 PEAK is a jaw-dropping experience that needs to be ridden to be believed.
But the PEAK 2 PEAK isn’t just a technological marvel. It is the single best way to make the most of a day on Whistler Blackcomb. In just 11 minutes, skiers and riders can transport themselves between Mountains to chase the sun, seek new powder stashes, or simply access the best alpine skiing on both Whistler and Blackcomb in the same day. For sightseers, the Gondola creates access to Whistler Blackcomb’s spectacular mountaintop environments for anyone to enjoy, any time of year.
WHISTLER
HELI-SKIING
THE ROUTE TO SKIING NIRVANA
If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ve likely dreamt of it: just
you, atop a majestic peak, and an untracked, perfect, pristine blanket of white laid out before you. Yours for the taking. It’s a heli-ski dream that Whistler Blackcomb is proud to make happen for many of its guests each year with Whistler Heli-Skiing. British Columbia’s coastal mountains make for some of the best heli-ski conditions in the world, and experiencing this with Whistler Heli-Skiing is, without a doubt, snow nirvana: 4,700 square kilometres of pristine backcountry with untouched powder, wide-open bowls, sprawling glaciers, and absolutely breathtaking peaks. With 475 runs that range from intermediate to expert, friendly, multi-lingual and certified guides with a reputation for safety and guest satisfaction, and 33 years of experience, Whistler Heli-Skiing is the most trusted operator in the region. Unlike many heli-ski operators that offer only multi-day packages, Whistler Heli-Skiing offers several one-day options for skiers or snowboarders.
And while some think of heli-skiing as a once in a lifetime experience, those who’ve had a taste always want more.
CREATING
MEMORIES
There’s
something
about the majesty and
LOVE FOR THE MOUNTAINS. A FAMILY AFFAIR
immensity of these mountains that makes people feel a part of something much bigger in life. There’s an energy that draws them in, connects them, grounds them and somehow makes them feel capable of so much more. It’s an emotion that they can’t help but want to pass on and share with those they love. Maybe that’s why Whistler Blackcomb is a special place for families from all over the world. It’s a place where generations come together, often year after year, to connect both with each other and with the spectacular environment. Whistler Blackcomb’s focus on families shines through its vast and varied terrain, suitable for every level of skier and snowboarder. There are endless cruisers, spectacular high alpine bowls, terrain parks, and dedicated “Family Certified” and beginner-only zones that make sure comfort, safety and security are at the fore. With the largest Snow School in North America, Whistler Blackcomb’s got lessons and clinics for every family member, and complimentary Mountain Tours by ability from friendly Mountain Hosts. For those not venturing onto the snow, there’s still an opportunity to take in the magnificence of these Mountains with a 4.4 kilometre journey from the top of Whistler to the top of Blackcomb in the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. And
in summer, ski trails are replaced with alpine hiking and sightseeing trails for every ability level, and a host of summer activities from wine tasting and mountaintop barbecues to bear tours and alpine flower viewings emerge for all to take in. And while the mountains may be the draw, Whistler’s famous village keeps families coming back. Four-star hotels, cozy condos, private chalets and quaint B&Bs are all options for family-style accommodation. Shopping, dining, indoor climbing, a covered outdoor skating rink, indoor swimming pools, and events—like Whistler Blackcomb’s weekly Fire and Ice Show featuring fire spinners, DJs, and ski and snowboard pros jumping through burning rings of fire—are all family favourites. And of course, Whistler’s friendly, compact, pedestrian village means you can keep the car at home and the family together.
Put it all together, and it’s clear that Whistler Blackcomb is a purveyor of family memories that will last a lifetime.
OUR OLYMPIC LEGACY
BORN FOR THE GAMES. DESTINED TO CELEBRATE FOREVER Despite the fact that Whistler Blackcomb was literally built to host the Olympics, it took 50 years and five
separate Olympic bids before “the greatest show on earth” arrived in the resort. When it finally
did, it was unanimous—the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games was a shining moment for Whistler. The spirit of the Games was exemplified in the resort’s own spirit of progression, innovation, inclusive friendliness, outdoor adventure and world-class performance. Today, that spirit lives on in on-mountain legacies that are training grounds for future Olympians and playgrounds for Whistler Blackcomb guests. Whistler Blackcomb’s Nintendo Terrain Parks are a training facility for six medalling events at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi— Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross, Ski Halfpipe, Snowboard Halfpipe, Ski Slopestyle and Snowboard Slopestyle. Guests at Whistler Blackcomb can ski or ride those same terrain parks as well as the 2010 Olympic Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom, Slalom and Super Combined race courses, experiencing every tight turn, drop, fall-away, and even “Hot Air”, just as the Olympians did.
An Olympic display in the Roundhouse Lodge atop Whistler Mountain documents the historic event, and a thigh burning tour of the race courses exist in the “Gold Medal Route”, just one of Whistler Blackcomb’s self-guided Wonder Routes.
FUTURE
FOCUSED
PROGRESSION IS THE DRIVING FORCE
Whistler Blackcomb is a place that is
defined by its dedication to innovation and progression. The engineering feat that is the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is held up as testimony to this dedication. But, for those who take the time to explore the Mountains, the evidence is everywhere. Atop Whistler Mountain, in the interior balcony area of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola station, is an informative and interactive display that showcases the inner workings and the making of this one-of-a-kind engineering marvel. Adjacent to the Gondola station in the Roundhouse Lodge is the Alpine Theatre available each summer season, a venue designed to inspire guests’ mountaintop adventures through a line up for short films showcasing Whistler Blackcomb’s magnificent alpine environment. And for those who set off to explore the mountains on their own, Whistler Blackcomb, in partnership with TELUS, has made it free and easy for them to stay connected and share their experiences with family and friends. The TELUS Wi-Fi Inukshuks are specially marked alpine locations in front of the Roundhouse Lodge, at the top of Symphony Chair and at the top of the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain, and at the top of 7th Heaven Express and the new Crystal Ridge Express chairlift on Blackcomb. Free Wi-Fi powered by TELUS is also available in the Roundhouse Lodge, Rendezvous Lodge, Glacier Creek, Garibaldi Lift Co., Wizard Grill, Merlin’s Bar & Grill and Dusty’s Bar & BBQ.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
EVENTS THAT ARE AS ICONIC AS THE PLACE It
seems
only
fitting
that Whistler Blackcomb’s
festivals and events have become as iconic and influential as the place itself. Twice each year, the world of action sports descends on Whistler Blackcomb to celebrate all that is awesome in mountain sports. From the ultimate ski and snowboard celebration at World Ski & Snowboard Festival in April, to mountain biking’s most famous gathering at the Crankworx Whistler Freeride Mountain Bike Festival in August, nothing matches the combination of the world’s best athletes, world-class competitions, sport spectacles, outdoor concerts, arts and culture exhibits and memorable parties. The energy and excitement spawned by a crowd of 25,000 stoked fans taking in a Whistler Blackcomb festival is beyond compare. In between the main events, Whistler Blackcomb keeps the spirit of celebration alive. Rarely a week goes by without a festival, event or competition that draws mountain enthusiasts from in town or around the globe. Locally-grown mountain culture events such as the Deep Winter and Deep Summer Photo Challenge competitions draw thousands to take in the work, on the big screen, of local and international photographers tasked with showcasing Whistler Blackcomb in a 72-hour marathon of skiing and snowboarding, or mountain biking.
Squeeze in events like the Canadian National BBQ Championships, the weekly downhill mountain bike race series Phat Wednesdays, alpine running excursions on Saturdays and the famous 180-gate Peak to Valley Race (to name just a few), and every week of the year is covered with something to celebrate.
OUR
ENVIRONMENT
A RESPONSIBILITY TO THIS MAGNIFICENT PLACE
With every new advancement, like our new Crystal Ridge Express or
Harmony Ridge Express, we stop to take stock of what is most important.
One look at the environment in which we do business, is all it takes to realize our focus on sustainable practices is paramount. The passionate and dedicated people of Whistler Blackcomb are committed to protecting this playground, and inspiring others to do the same. They understand that to provide exceptional experiences in a pristine, rugged and beautiful natural environment, you have to work hard by taking small, meaningful steps to minimize impact and implement sustainable practices. Since 2001 Whistler Blackcomb has reduced its waste by more than 60 percent through the use of non-disposable dishes and cutlery, the recycling of over 25 types of materials from paper and plastic to electronics and ski poles, as well as the implementation of composting in all mountain facilities. The company also reduced its on-mountain energy consumption by 15 percent by conducting electrical retrofits. Whistler Blackcomb staff are engaged through EnviroFund, which allows them to contribute a percentage from their pay cheques to help fund local environmental initiatives. In addition, Whistler Blackcomb has partnered on the Fitzsimmons Creek Renewable Energy Project, which returns back to the power grid what Whistler Blackcomb consumes annually—32 gigawat hours—enough to power up to 4,000 homes for one year.
This is a company comprised of mountain-lovers who have a personal relationship with their environment, they acknowledge there is a long way to go, but even small things can make a big difference. Whistler Blackcomb has emerged as a role model for others in the protection of the very thing that it is closest to—the environment.
SUMMER
IN THE MOUNTAINS
SUMMER. A SEASON NOT TO BE MISSED
Let’s be honest—when
the average person thinks
Whistler Blackcomb, they tend to think of winter. And they can’t be blamed. They can, however, be pitied. Because they are missing out on a quintessential Whistler experience. Locals are known to say, “I came for the winter but stayed for the summer.” Summer is the hidden jewel in these rough and rugged mountains
and the PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience is the key to enjoying them all. The fairer of the seasons brings the smooth berms and rooted singletrack of the world-famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park. It reveals over 50 kilometres of hiking trails in Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine with the PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience, from rocky scrambles up to ancient glaciers to meandering paths through volcanic landscapes to alpine running trails through fields of wildflowers. It offers up endless vistas brought up-close-and-personal via the world record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Summer is the season of early morning strolls into the village, all-day adventures from the peak to the valley, and a sunset barbecue on the Roundhouse Lodge’s alpine patio.
Summertime here is so spectacular that any who experience it will be sure to never confuse Whistler Blackcomb as a winter-only destination again.
WHISTLER MOUNTAIN
BIKE PARK
A WORLD LEADER IN MOUNTAIN BIKING
Thanks to 15 years of ground-breaking innovation in the Whistler Mountain
Bike Park, Whistler Blackcomb is widely-acknowledged as a mecca for gravity-fueled, mountain biking enthusiasts. Downhill mountain biking is rooted in these mountains, and they are home to both riders who have grown to become icons of the sport, and park builders who are blazing new trails with innovative track, feature and stunt building techniques. Their accomplishments have set the benchmark for others the world over.
Each year, Whistler Blackcomb celebrates its relationship with freeride and downhill mountain biking with the mother of all bike parties: Crankworx Whistler. Celebrating its ten-year anniversary in 2013, the event features every discipline of freeride mountain biking including downhill and enduro, biking spectacles including a Diamond Level slopestyle event on the Freeride Mountain Biking World Tour and outdoor concerts and parties.
ON-MOUNTAIN
DINING
DINING. WITH AN ALTITUDE Exploring Whistler Blackcomb is about more than glaciers and
glades. The mountains serve up fresh, local and international cuisine in locations that defy description, by people who are passionate about food and the environment it’s enjoyed in. Wolfgang Sterr joined Whistler Blackcomb as Executive Chef in 2011. Arriving in Whistler fresh from the Bavarian Alps, Chef Sterr brings with him a lifelong passion for food and skiing, combined with a unique knowledge of Italian, French, German and Canadian cuisine. Chef Sterr also shares Whistler Blackcomb’s commitment to delivering the highest quality food while focusing on reducing the company’s impact on the environment. As a world class resort attracting mountain enthusiasts from across the globe, Whistler Blackcomb recognizes the importance of offering a wide variety of unique and high quality on-mountain dining experiences. What better way to resonate with guests from around the world than to introduce them to the finest local and regional ingredients of BC’s South Coast, while focusing on delivering healthy meal options and exciting new flavours?
And in honour of the truest of mountain traditions, Whistler Blackcomb celebrates après with the dedication it too deserves. Nothing marks the end of a day of adventure like drinks with friends, some live music, tall stories and maybe even a tour of the dance floor in your ski boots. Dusty’s Bar and BBQ in the Creekside, the Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) in the Village and Merlin’s Bar & Grill at Blackcomb have all helped Whistler Blackcomb earn the impressive rankings as the No.1 in the world for its après experience.
RETAIL & RENTALS
NEED A LITTLE RETAIL THERAPY?
Shopping. It’s one of the cornerstones of Whistler
Blackcomb’s après experience. And while shopping
at Whistler Blackcomb may be just what the doctor ordered, chances are it’s what the environment
ordered as well. Having the right gear is essential for making the most of a mountain vacation— from the latest in high-performance ski or snowboard equipment, to technical outerwear designed for Whistler’s winter conditions, to lifestyle fashion from the hottest brands in outdoor sports. Whistler Blackcomb’s retail focus is twofold: deliver the best products from the world’s premier mountain brands, and deliver them through staff who have a unique knowledge and expertise that comes from living, working and playing in these same mountains. Whistler Blackcomb’s retail specialists understand what Whistler’s conditions demand, and are trained to ensure the right fit in the right product for each and every customer. That’s something you just can’t buy that in your typical urban sports store.
Whistler Blackcomb’s shopping experiences include three CAN-SKI locations (Whistler’s premiere ski shop since 1975), Showcase Snowboards, Patagonia, Whistler Burton, Columbia, Quiksilver, The North Face, Salomon, including the Performance Lab for bootfitting, Garbanzo Bike & Bean, and three Whistler Blackcomb Store locations for an amazing selection of Official Whistler Blackcomb merchandise.
OUR
HISTORY
IN THE BEGINNING. INTO THE FUTURE
Whistler Blackcomb’s story
begins in 1966, but its roots
lie much deeper. It was fishing that drew the first tourists to Whistler in the early 1900’s, and by 1920 settlers Alex and Myrtle Philip had built Rainbow Lodge on the shores of Alta Lake, and made it the most popular summer destination west of the Rocky Mountains. Then in 1960, a group of Vancouver
businessmen, inspired by a trip to the Squaw Valley Olympics, hoped to bring the Games to Whistler. They formed Garibaldi Lifts Limited on London Mountain. London Mountain was renamed Whistler Mountain in August of 1965 for its resident “whistling” alpine marmots, and opened for skiing in 1966. The rest, as they say, is history. Blackcomb Mountain opened for business on December 6, 1980, and Whistler Village sprung up between the two mountains. In 1997 Intrawest, the company that owned Blackcomb, purchased Whistler Mountain, combining the two to create one of the largest and most exciting mountain resorts in the world. Whistler Blackcomb became the only resort in history to be simultaneously named No. 1 by Snow Country, SKI and Skiing Magazines. And year after year, Whistler Blackcomb rises to the top of resort experiences in ski, snowboard and travel publications’ annual rankings with six “best overall” wins and over sixteen No. 1 “category” wins to its credit. The same tenacious spirit that built the resort with an Olympic vision can be seen in everything Whistler Blackcomb does today—from building a world record-breaking gondola to hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in 2010.
The pioneering mindset that fuelled the resort’s founders, paired with clear vision and fierce willpower, has allowed Whistler Blackcomb to confidently lead into the future with dedication to adventure in the outdoors.
OUR
ATHLETES MARIE-FRANCE ROY
MARIE-FRANCE ROY
Recognized by Transworld SNOWboarding Magazine
with multiple Rider of the Year titles, Marie-France
is widely considered one of the top female snowboarders ever. Marie-France, along with filmmaker Darcy Turenne, are currently working on their own two-year video project called “The Little Things” based on environmentally-conscious riders who inspire through their riding, as well as their creative way of living and thinking.
WONDER: I love riding on the west coast stormy days… The more dramatic the weather, the better.
Maelle won the gold medal in the snowboard cross event at the 2010
MAELLE RICKER
Winter Olympics, becoming the first Canadian woman to win a gold medal at home in the Olympics. Now a 13-year veteran of the Canadian National Snowboard team, Maelle has been a trailblazer for women’s snowboarding, competing at both the inaugural snowboarding halfpipe event at the Nagano Olympic Games in 1998 where she finished fifth, and in the first-ever Snowboard Cross event at the Torino Games in 2006, finishing fourth.
WONDER: My Whistler wonder is stopping mid run in the forest on a stormy powder day to listen to the snow fall delicately on the tree limbs while breathing giant gulps of fresh mountain air. . . . .my favourite!
MAELLE RICKER
P: Dan Busta / RedBull Content Pool
SEAN PETTIT
One of the youngest and most accomplished big mountain skiers on earth, Sean Pettit is also one of the most popular. He brings his
SEAN PETTIT
effortless style and entertaining personality every day on snow. Sean was crowned champion of the Red Bull Cold Rush contest in both 2010 and 2011, and has also taken home multiple Powder Magazine Video Awards including Best Male Performance in 2010 and 2012.
WONDER: Although I have been riding Whistler Blackcomb since before I can remember, I still seem to stumble upon new lines down this mountain every day. Every new day is a new line, I wonder what I will find next‌
OUR
ATHLETES SPENCER O’BRIEN
With a blend of hard work and her distinctive, smooth riding style, Spencer
SPENCER O’BRIEN
O’Brien has become one of the most consistent female slopestyle competitors in the industry. Spencer won the first ever TTR World Snowboarding Championships Slopestyle in 2012, is a two time Women’s Slopestyle Dew Cup winner and a four-time medalist at the Winter X Games. In 2013 Spencer won gold at the FIS World Championships, helping her qualify for the Olympics, where she will be challenging for the top of the podium when Snowboard Slopestyle makes its Olympic debut in Sochi 2014.
WONDER: I always start my year at home in Whistler. It’s a chance for me to just go snowboarding with my dad and friends, with no contest or training pressure. Those days are really rare for me and the first few days of the season in Whistler, chasing powder around and just doing soul carves, always sets me up for a great season. I look forward to it every late November, not just because I’m riding again, but because I’m at home with my family doing what we love in one of the most beautiful places on earth.
In 2012, Marielle Thompson became the first Canadian
MARIELLE THOMPSON
to win an individual World Cup Crystal Globe in ski cross after a breakout season that saw the young skier claim six podiums in ten World Cup races. Renowned for her strong starts, ‘Big Air Mar’ won silver at the 2013 world championships and gold at the world juniors. Marielle will be making her Olympic debut in ski cross in Sochi 2014.
WONDER: Ripping around on Crystal Chair, is epic on a powder day, and super fun on GS skis when it’s a day to do speedy laps on groomers.
MARIELLE THOMPSON
MIKE DOUGLAS
The “Godfather” of professional freeskiing, Mike Douglas has lived in Whistler for the last 24 years. In that time
MIKE DOUGLAS
Mike has been instrumental in the progression of freeskiing and has helped position Whistler Blackcomb as one of the best mountain resorts in the world, within global ski media. Douglas’s role has always flowed between athlete in front of the lens, to filmmaker behind the lens. Douglas founded the successful film company Switchback Entertainment, which is responsible for many successful film projects including Salomon Freeski TV, along with Whistler Blackcomb’s Wonder Reels video series.
WONDER: Whistler is where things happen. As far as I am concerned, there is no more vibrant and active mountain community on earth. This place is spectacular, but the greatest inspiration is from the people you get to work with. Whistler feels like the New York City of the mountain world. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.
STATS & FACTS Whistler Blackcomb - Combined Average Snowfall 1,174 centimetres / 462 inches / 38.5 feet per year Total Terrain
8,171 acres / 3,307 hectares
Trails 200+ Number of Bowls 16 Longitude/Latitude
122 longitude, 50 latitude
Mountain Restaurants 18, with a total of 6,540 restaurant seats Highest Lift
2,284 metres / 7,494 feet
Vertical
1,609 metres / 5,280 feet
Whistler Village Elevation
675 metres / 2,214 feet
Creekside Base Elevation
653 metres / 2,140 feet
Number of Lifts 38 including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Hourly Lift Capacity 67,307 skiers per hour (including PEAK 2 PEAK)
Whistler Mountain Vertical
1,530 metres / 5,020 feet
Top Elevation
2,182 metres / 7,160 feet
Skiable Terrain
4,757 acres / 1,925 hectares
Terrain Type (beg, int, adv)
20%, 55%, 25%
Trails 100+ Terrain Parks and Pipes
2 parks
Longest Run 11 kilometres / 7 miles: Burnt Stew to Side-Winder, Upper & Lower Olympic Mountain Restaurants
11
Blackcomb Mountain Vertical
1,609 metres / 5,280 feet
Top Elevation
2,284 metres / 7,494 feet
Skiable Terrain
3,414 acres / 1,382 hectares
Terrain Type (beg, int, adv)
15%, 55%, 30%
Trails 100+ Terrain Parks and Pipes 3 parks, 1 Super Pipe, 1 Snow Cross Track Longest Run 11 kilometres / 7 miles: Green Road down Easy Out Mountain Restaurants
7
Photos: M ichael Allen, Kevin Arnold, Eric Berger, Neil Brown, Dan Busta / RedBull Content Pool, Mike Crane, Jussi Grznar, Tim Hailwood, Justa Jeskova, Blake Jorgenson, Brad Kasselman, Toshi Kawano, Randy Lincks, Sterling Lorence, Mark Mackay, David McColm, Amy McDermid, Paul Morrison, Robin O’Neill, Mike Sadan, Leanna Rathkelly, Margus Riga, Matt Walker
HOW WE MEASURE UP† AVG. ANNUAL SNOWFALL Whistler Blackcomb
SKIABLE TERRAIN 11.7 m / 38.4 ft
Mammoth
10.2 m / 33 ft
Breckenridge
3,500 acres
9.3 m / 30.5 ft
Steamboat
8,171 acres
2,358 acres
9 m / 29.5 ft
2,965 acres
Vail
8.9 m / 29.2 ft
5,289 acres
Park City
8.9 m / 29.2 ft
3,300 acres
Aspen/Snowmass Lake Louise
7.6 m / 25 ft
3,132 acres
4.8 m / 16 ft
4,200 acres
MONTHLY AVERAGE SNOWFALL* 240 cm 230 cm
242 cm
220 cm
226 cm
210 cm
232 cm 220 cm
200 cm 190 cm 180 cm 170 cm 160 cm 150 cm 140 cm 130 cm
131 cm
120 cm 110 cm 100 cm
99 cm
NOVEMBER
10-YEAR ANNUAL AVERAGE
DECEMBER
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
SNOWFALL 11.7 M / 38.4 FT
†Snow information is from each resort’s official website as of May 2013
*10-year average
P: Blake Jorgenson
1.800.766.0449 whistlerblackcomb.com
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