Whistler Mountain in Canada
Located
in the Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler and Blackcomb, the
spectacularly scenic mountains, are home to the internationally-known ski
and snowboard resort of Whistler Blackcomb. Nestled in a cozy scenic
river valley, it is reached by a spectacular two-hour drive from
Vancouver along the 'Sea to Sky Highway', one of Canada's most
breathtaking corridors.
The scenic splendor of the glorious mountain tops soaring high above are
reflected in Alta Lake as you enter the resort. Whistler, (highest lift -
2,182 m (7,160 ft)), and Blackcomb (2,284 m (7,494 ft)) have the largest
vertical drop and the largest area - more than 28,000 ha (7,000 acres) -
of ski and snowboard terrain on the continent. There are over 200 marked
trails, 12 massive Alpine bowls, three glaciers and 33 lifts that service
the mountain.
Often referred to as a 'toy town' or as 'Disneyesque' for its modern,
rustic architecture, casual-chic atmosphere and clean and inviting
village, the resort is very well maintained, with a unique customer
focus. Guests are treated to complimentary live entertainment as they
wait in the efficient queues for the lift, free orientation to the
village is offered to new guests and accommodation, transport and
restaurants are available for all budget levels.
Although this is a big mountain, offering big thrills for the
adventure-seeking outdoor enthusiast, there is also a lot for those less
inclined to take advantage of the array of year-round sports activities.
This village is packed with shops, restaurants and spas, so there is
something for everyone here.
Whistler has all the conveniences of a city in a village, but just a few
steps away is untamed wilderness. One of the most desirable summertime
experiences is to watch a black bear in its natural habitat. Your best
chance of doing so is to join a bear-watching trip or ecology tour,
during which you will have the opportunity to learn about the species as
well as their ecological surroundings. The lush wilderness is also home
to cougars, deer, rabbits and various species of birds.
If you tire of the breathtaking scenery and never-ending activities, you
can always visit the Whistler Museum and Archives to re-live the town's
history, or visit Fernie, the friendly nearby mining town.