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. |
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