Whistler |
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| The Whistler Explorer
BC Rail 1- 800/339-8752 or 604/984-5246;
If you have only a day to explore the backcountry of southern British Columbia, don't miss the Whistler Explorer. For centuries, the canyons, mountain meadows, and lakes of the area between Whistler and Kelly Lake were inaccessible to all but the most experienced hikers. The Whistler Explorer, offers a leisurely way to see this remote landscape.
Departing from the Whistler train station on Lake Placid Road at 8am, the Explorer takes an 8 1/2-hour round-trip ramble through the spectacular Pemberton Valley and past Seton Lake and Anderson Lake. After leaving the historic town of Lillooet, the train follows the Fraser River, climbing high above the canyon and offering breathtaking views before arriving at Kelly Lake, which is adjacent to the historic Cariboo Gold Rush Trail. After a 1-hour break, passengers re-board the train, returning to Whistler at 5:30pm.
Whistler/Blackcomb Mountain
Lifts open daily 8:30am-3:30pm (to 4:30pm mid-Mar until closing,depending on weather and conditions)
4545 Blackcomb Way, Whistler
Phone
604/932-3434, Snow report 604/687-7507 in Vancouver,604/932-4211 in Whistler
Web site
www.whistler-blackcomb.com
Prices
Winter lift tickets C$61-C$63 (US$40-US$41) adults,
C$53-C$55 (US$34-US$36) youths and seniors, C$31-C$32 (US$20-US$21) children
Now that both mountain resorts are jointly operated by Intrawest, one pass gives access to both ski areas. Locals have their preferences, but the both offer great skiing. Whistler Mountain has 5,006 feet of vertical and over 100 marked runs that are serviced by a high-speed gondola and eight high-speed chairlifts, plus four other lifts and tows. Helicopter service from the top of the mountain makes another 100-plus runs on nearby glaciers accessible. There are cafeterias and gift shops on the peak as well as a licensed restaurant.
Blackcomb Mountain has 5,280 feet of vertical and over 100 marked runs that are serviced by nine high-speed chairlifts, plus three other lifts and tows. The cafeteria and gift shop aren't far from the peak, and the licensed restaurant is worth the gondola trip even if you're not skiing. The view is spectacular. Both mountains also have bowls and glade skiing, with Blackcomb offering glacier skiing well into August.
Whistler Museum
4329 Main Street
Whistler, BC V0N 1B0
604-932-2019
July and August Daily 10 AM to 4 PM;
September through June
Thursday to Sunday 10 AM - 4 PM
Discover the female pioneer who put Whistler on the map!
Glacier Skiing & Snowboarding
Blackcomb Mountain's Horstman's Glacier is open long into the summer for sun-filled days of skiing and snowboarding.
Two T-bars serve the experienced snowboarders and skiers. Be sure to pack sunscreen for sun protection. Visitors can ski or snowboard in the heat of summer sun, and then return to Whistler Village, and finishing the day with a round of golf or a swim in a warm mountain lake.
Golf
Furry Creek Golf and Country Club
(604) 894-2224
Built on a mountainside that slopes down to Howe Sound.
Short course: 6,001 yards from the gold tees, but a welcome challenge for those who love climbing.
Whistler Golf Club
(604) 932-4544
Just under 6, 400 yards with a slope rating of 128. Designed by Arnold Palmer.
Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club
(604) 938-2095
6.635 yards from the back tees with a slope rating of 142. The clubhouse is architecturally noteworthy.
Blackcomb Horsedrfawn Sleigh Rides
(604) 932-7631
Daily on the hour 5-8 Dec.-March.
Tours depart from the Base II of Blackcomb Mountain at the end of Glacier Drive. Tours of the wooded countryside stop at a warming cabin where musical entertainment is provided. Lunch and Dinner sleigh rides are available by reservation.
Dogsledding
4314 Main Street
Suite 36
Whistler, BC
(604) 932-4086
Call for details.
White-Water Rafting
Whistler River Adventures
4165 Springs Lane
Whistler, BC
(604) 932-3532
At the base of the Whistler Mountain gondola in Whistler Village. Trips depart daily. 8-8 Mid-May- early-September. | |
