YEARS OF GOING
P: David McColm
Beyond
Extraordinary
Welcome to
Whistler Blackcomb
50 YEARS IN THE MAKING For the last five decades, Whistler Blackcomb has left its mark on those who are drawn to these mountains. What started as an Olympic dream in 1966, has evolved into one of the most consistently number one rated ski resorts in North America, with a slew of accolades to back it up. From its adventure-seeking founders to its freestyle heydays; from its early adoption of snowboarding to its pioneering of the freeski movement; and from its Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola to realizing its Olympic dream in 2010, Whistler Blackcomb has amassed 50 years of snow sport milestones.
We have a lot to celebrate, but there’s no question that the last 50 years is just the beginning.
< SEAN PETTIT FREESKI ICON
MARK SOLLORS > SNOWBOARD ICON
< YUKI TSUBOTA OLYMPIAN
SPENCER O’BRIEN > WORLD CHAMPION AND OLYMPIAN
MARTIN GALLANT > SNOWBOARD TRAILBLAZER
< MARIELLE THOMPSON OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST
WAYNE WONG FREESTYLE SKIING PIONEER
>
ERIC PEHOTA BIG MOUNTAIN PIONEER
>
JF PELCHAT SNOWBOARD LEGEND
>
< KAI SMART FREESKI GROM
ALEX WARBURTON > SNOWBOARD LEGEND
SIMON D’ARTOIS >
>
X GAMES GOLD MEDALLIST
JIM MCCONKEY ORIGINAL POWDER HOUND
MERCEDES NICOLL > LEANNE PELOSI >
OLYMPIAN
SNOWBOARD TRAILBLAZER
MARIE-FRANCE ROY > SNOWBOARD ICON
< LUKE SMART
P: Blake Jorgenson
FREESKI GROM
KEN ACHENBACH STEVE PODBORSKI
SNOWBOARD PIONEER
>
< FINN FINESTONE
CRAZY CANUCK VETERAN
SNOWBOARD GROM
> < KEVIN SANSALONE
50
>
SNOWBOARD LEGEND
MARK ABMA FREESKI ICON
YEARS OF
MAËLLE RICKER > OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST
< JUSTIN LAMOUREUX OLYMPIAN
LOGAN PEHOTA >
Icons
PRO SKIER
&
< HUGO HARRISON < SHIN CAMPOS SNOWBOARD LEGEND
DAN TREADWAY >
Legends
FREESKI ICON
FREESKI LEGEND
< ASHLEIGH MCIVOR OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST
< RORY BUSHFIELD FREESKI ICON
Pioneers. Renegades. Innovators. Nonconformists. Groundbreakers. Antagonists. Champions. They’re >
drawn here like magic. And for 50
JOHN SMART
years they’ve pushed boundaries
OLYMPIAN AND FREESTYLE SKIING LEGEND
that have inspired us to keep pace. Meet just a few of the many who
>
have left their mark on us. ERIC HJORLEIFSON FREESKI ICON
< JULIA MURRAY OLYMPIAN
DEXTOR >
< JEN ASHTON PRO SKIER AND MENTOR
RORY AND SARAH’S DOG
< MIKE DOUGLAS GODFATHER OF FREESKIING
YEARS OF GOING
1985/86
1991
Blackcomb Mountain opens 7th Heaven terrain to access Blackcomb’s alpine by lift, making it North America’s only ‘Mile High Mountain’, while Whistler Mountain opens Peak Chair for direct access to Whistler’s alpine.
Whistler Resort becomes the first mountain resort outside of the USA to be named No. 1 by a major American ski magazine. Five years later, in 1996, it becomes the only resort to be simultaneously named No. 1 by Snow Country, SKI and Skiing Magazines. And it’s been winning awards ever since.
For 50 years, icons, legends and dreamers have pushed boundaries that have inspired us to keep pace—and this timeline only skims the surface. Discover our history online at whistlerblakcomb.com/50. APRIL 13, 1975 The first ever quadruple backflip on skis is done by Steve Corbett on the Camel Humps on Whistler Mountain.
1970
1960
1980
1990
JANUARY 15, 1966 Whistler Mountain Official Opening Day.
1970s
DECEMBER 6, 1980
1988
The ‘70s were all about helicopters in Whistler. Jim McConkey pioneered heli-skiing in the area while Whistler Mountain Ski Patrol pioneered avalanche control via helicopter and avalauncher guns — a technique now used at ski areas around the world.
Blackcomb Mountain Official Opening Day.
Blackcomb Mountain embraces snowboard culture, allowing all snowboarders to ride on the mountain.
1997
DECEMBER 2008
Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation ( Whistler) and Intrawest Corporation (Blackcomb) merge to create one of the biggest mountain resort companies in the world.
The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opens to transport guests 4.4km across the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb and breaks 3 world records instantly.
Local skier Mike Douglas and Stephen Fearing pioneer freestyle skiing with the development of the Salomon TenEighty twin tip ski.
DECEMBER 2009 The Fitzsimmons Creek Renewable Energy Project is launched, producing the equivalent energy to power the ski resort’s year-round operations and significantly moving Whistler Blackcomb towards its goal of achieving a zero operating footprint.
JANUARY 2016 W h i s t l e r B l a c kco m b ce l e b r a te s t h e 5 0 t h anniversary of the opening of Whistler Mountain .
1998
The Whistler Mountain Bike Park opens.
2000
2010
2016
1996 The first World Ski & S n o w b o a r d Fe s t i v a l is born (incorporating 22 sports events and competitions, including the World Technical Skiing Championships, the World Masters Alpine Open, the Westbeach Snowboard Classic, the Air Canada Whistler Cup, the Couloir Extreme Race, the World Ski Instructors Festival, Industry Week, and the Lifty Olympics.)
APRIL 2015
FEBRUARY 2010
SUMMER 2004 The first Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival is held.
A dream come true — Vancouver and Whistler host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Max Parrot lands the w o r l d ’ s f i r s t S w i tc h Quadruple Underflip 1620 on a Monster-built jump in 7th Heaven.
What sets us
Apart
THE PEOPLE. THE PLACE. THE PASSION. 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 an average of over 11.6 metres 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 Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola stretches 4.4 kilometres between the tops of the two mountains to provide an unparallelled 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 writers, 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. It’s spring glacier skiing and riding on Blackcomb’s renowned Hortsman Glacier. It’s long, warm summer days that start with ripping trails in the world’s best mountain bike park or a hike through pristine alpine peaks, and end with a beer on a sunny patio. It’s the early-morning anticipation of winter that lingers in the crisp autumn air as the seasonal cycle begins to repeat itself.
It’s the inspirational pull of the mountains, and the gravitational pull that fuels all the adventures within them.
Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New on the
Mountains
BIG IDEAS COME TO LIFE Progression and innovation are the driving forces behind Whistler Blackcomb’s ongoing upgrades. The engineering feat of the Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a testament to this dedication, but it’s not the only commitment we’ve made to push the envelope of ski resort infrastructure and guest experience. Rendezvous Lodge Renovation The Rendezvous Lodge atop Blackcomb Mountain reopens with more seating, an improved layout and fresh, customizable menu options in the food court. Highlights include a sushi counter, a wok station, a Mexican stand and a burger bar.
Revamped Christine’s Restaurant Christine’s Restaurant in Rendezvous Lodge elevates the fine dining experience at Whistler Blackcomb with new interior décor, upgraded kitchen facilities and a redesigned menu from head chef Steve Ramey, who came to Whistler Blackcomb from the award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant in Vancouver.
Crystal Ridge & Harmony 6 Express Chairlifts The opening of Crystal Ridge Express and Harmony 6 Express chairlifts in 2013.14 dramatically improved Whistler Blackcomb’s uphill capacity. But more importantly, the two lifts expanded access to some of the most well-loved terrain for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers.
New Whistler Village Gondola Cabins New cabins on the Whistler Village Gondola made the journey into the alpine more enjoyable when they debuted for the 2014.15 season. The renovation included comfortable seating, quieter infrastructure, and an overhaul of the base, “mid” Olympic Station and top terminals to reduce congestion.
WB+ For 2015.16, Whistler Blackcomb unveils WB+, an interactive platform connected to the resort’s RFID technology that tracks guests’ ski days and vertical stats. The platform is equipped with goals and badges so guests can celebrate their achievements.
TELUS Wi-Fi Designated Inukshuks at various landmarks and chairlifts and a number of lodges throughout Whistler Blackcomb provide guests with free TELUS Wi-Fi hotspots.
PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
BREAKING RECORDS AND BLOWING MINDS Nothing exemplifies Whistler Blackcomb’s dedication to innovation 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 the largest continuous lift network anywhere—the first two of which are recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. 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.
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 move 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: 432,000 acres of exclusive terrain, wide-open bowls, 173 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 over 30 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
FAMILY MATTERS There’s something about the majesty and immensity of these mountains that makes people feel a part of something much bigger in life. There’s an energy that enchants them, connects them and makes them feel capable of so much more. Maybe that’s why Whistler Blackcomb is a special place for families from all over the world, where generations come together to bond with each other and with this special environment. Whistler Blackcomb’s dedication to families shines through its vast terrain and varied activities. In the winter, that means 8,171 acres to entice every type of skier and snowboarder, designated on-hill family zones, and a 4.4 kilometre sightseeing journey in the Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. In the summer, that means pristine alpine adventures, a world-renowned bike park, and events to keep you entertained from sunrise to well past sunset. Whistler’s famous village has no shortage of family-style accommodation options and, of course, the friendly and compact pedestrian village means you can keep the family together while exploring your favourite off-hill activities.
Winter Highlights
Summer Highlights
Village Highlights
N Cruiser runs & alpine bowls
N Alpine hiking
N Shopping
N Nintendo Terrain Parks
N Heli tours
N Casual & fine dining
N Family Certified zones
N Family Adventure Zone
N Mountainside lodging
N Fresh Tracks Mountaintop
presented by Nintendo
N Village strolling
Breakfast presented by
N Mountaintop dining
N Slopeside après
The Globe and Mail
N Bear tours
N Ongoing events
N Snow School lessons N Coca Cola Tube Park
N Glacier walks
Our
Olympic Legacy
BORN FOR THE GAMES 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 an Olympic training facility for six events at the Winter Games—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 runs that held 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 points guests towards the legendary Olympic race run, the Dave Murray Downhill.
Festivals and
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 The 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. Take a locally grown mountain culture event like the Arc’teryx Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by GORE-TEX, for example. Now in its second decade, six of the best ski and snowboard photographers are tasked with documenting the storm season at Whistler Blackcomb in a 72-hour marathon of shooting and editing.
Squeeze in events like the Bulleit Bourbon Canadian National BBQ Championships, the Phat Wednesdays weekly mountain bike race series 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, whether constructing the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola or opening a new chairlift, 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; working every day to move closer to the worthy goal of one day achieving a zero operating footprint. They understand that to provide exceptional experiences in a pristine, rugged and beautiful natural environment, you have to continue to take small, meaningful steps to minimize impact and implement sustainable practices. Since 2000, Whistler Blackcomb has reduced its waste by more than 70 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. 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—33 gigawatt hours—the equivalent of powering the ski resort’s winter and summer operations including 37 lifts, 17 restaurants, 270 snowguns and countless other buildings and services.
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
THE PEAK 2 PEAK 360 EXPERIENCE Winter may be Whistler Blackcomb’s most celebrated season, but summer is the hidden jewel in these rough and rugged mountains. From early-morning scrambles up glacial landscapes to sunset dining on an alpine patio, the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience is the key to enjoying summer to its fullest extent. The full 360 Experience begins at 1,800 metres in Whistler Blackcomb’s rugged alpine, where the Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connects the two mountains for boundless adventures.
One pass provides access to a wide breadth of vibrant alpine adventures that constantly unfold throughout summer’s ever-changing glory.
PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience Signature Highlights N PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola rides N Open-air chairlift rides N 50+ km of alpine walking, hiking and running trails N Free and custom guided tours N Bear and wildlife viewings N Mountaintop dining and barbeques N Glacial sightseeing
Whistler Mountain
Bike Park
A WORLD LEADER IN MOUNTAIN BIKING Thanks to over 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. The event celebrated its ten-year anniversary in 2013. It 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 not only about the glaciers and glades but also the fresh and mouth-watering cuisine served up in locations that defy description. 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 serving up healthy meal options and exciting, new flavours. Wolfgang Sterr joined Whistler Blackcomb as Executive Chef in 2011. Arriving in Whistler from the Bavarian Alps, he contributes a lifelong passion for food and skiing, combined with an expertise in Italian, French, German and Canadian cuisine. From the vegan and vegetarian menu at Raven’s Nest, to the high altitude fine dining at Steeps and Christine’s, Chef Sterr shares Whistler Blackcomb’s commitment to quality, innovation and sustainability. In 2015, Steve Ramey also joined the culinary team as Head Chef at Christine’s Restaurant. Coming from the contemporary, award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant in Vancouver, Chef Ramey brings fresh flavour and creativity to the mountaintop fine dining restaurant inside Rendezvous Lodge.
Whistler Blackcomb celebrates après with the dedication it too deserves, marking the end of an adventurous day with drinks, food, live music and tall tales. Dusty’s Bar and BBQ in Creekside, the Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) in the Village and Merlin’s Bar & Grill at Blackcomb have all helped Whistler Blackcomb earn the impressive ranking as the No.1 resort in the world for its après experience.
Look for these diet-specific icons on menus at each restaurant.
Shopping and
Rentals
NEED A LITTLE RETAIL THERAPY? 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, 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 in your typical urban sports store.
Whistler Blackcomb’s shopping experiences include five CAN-SKI locations (Whistler’s premiere ski shop since 1975), Showcase Snowboards, Patagonia, Columbia, Quiksilver, provisioner and The North Face. There is a Salomon store which features the Performance Lab for bootfitting, as well as two Whistler Blackcomb Store locations for an amazing selection of official Whistler Blackcomb merchandise. In the summer, Garbanzo Bike & Bean is the hub for all your mountain bike needs.
STATS & FACTS Whistler Blackcomb - Combined Average Snowfall 1,163 centimetres / 458 inches / 38.2 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 17, 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 37 including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Hourly Lift Capacity 69,939 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
8
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
9
Photos: Michael Allen, Eric Berger, Mike Crane, Erik Graham, Jussi Grznar, Blake Jorgenson, Toshi Kawano, David McColm, Paul Morrison, Robin O’Neill, Margus Riga, Emily Serrell: Coast Mountain Photography, David Steer, Whistler Museum
P: Eric Berger
1.800.766.0449 whistlerblackcomb.com