Summer



A-Z Activities

A-Z Activities

Air Dome Practice those backflips indoors before hitting the dirt. The Air Dome is a 10,000 square foot covered indoor mountain bike training facility with a huge foam pit, ramps, and a quarter pipe and half pipe. The Air Dome is located in Lot 8 on Blackcomb Mountain.

Alpine Sightseeing. Head up Whistler or Blackcomb to sightsee at 2,284 metres (7,494 feet) – there's no better way to experience the resort than to see it from the alpine. Indulge in an array of refreshments at the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler and the Horstman Hut on Blackcomb, and enjoy fantastic views of the Coast Mountain Range from the decks and walking trails. More Information

ATV Tours For those looking for an alternative way of checking out the mountain scenery or those who simply want to rip it up outdoors, professional guides show ATV riders the ropes. No experience is necessary. More Information

Bear and Wildlife Viewing Rising above Whistler Village are the vast coastal hemlock-cedar forests of the Whistler Blackcomb ski area. These forests, interspersed with ski trails, provide diverse food and shelter for some 50 black bears. Experience the wildlife, vegetation, glaciers and rainforests of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains while learning how conservation and enhancement initiatives help to sustain healthy bear populations. Guests will traverse through the mountain amongst old growth, coastal, hemlock-cedar forests, visiting active bear dens, daybeds and feeding sites. More Information

Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone Tons of fun for kids of all ages, the Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone is located in Whistler's Upper Village and features mini golf, a climbing wall, a flying trapeze, a maze and much more. Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Adventure Zone is open daily from 10am to 6pm Sunday through Friday, and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays. The fun kicks off mid-June and ends in early-September. More Information

Downhill Mountain Biking The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is the No. 1 lift accessed downhill park in the world, offering 200 kilometres of lift-serviced descending trails for thrill seekers of all levels. The world-class Bike Park crew is constantly setting new boundaries with its design innovation. Trails are labeled by level of difficulty from green runs for beginners to blue and black diamond trails in the main bike park. Trails range from gentle banked cruisers through the Coastal forest to tight and twisty single track - perfect for intermediate riders. For more advanced gravity junkies, there are steep rock faces, gnarly root-strewn lines, drop-offs of all descriptions and more. More information

Farmers' Market Sundays Whistler's picturesque and bustling Farmers' Market takes place very Sunday during the summer from 11am to 4pm in the Upper Village. The market features a wide variety of fresh, organic and locally grown produce plus an array of arts, crafts and jewelry created by artisans in Whistler's own backyard.

Glacier Skiing and Snowboarding With the longest snow season in North America, skiers and snowboarders can put on a t-shirt, grab some sunscreen and their boards, and head up to more than 2,000 metres (7,000 feet) at the top of Blackcomb Mountain's Horstman Glacier. A 45-minute trip up over the flora and fauna of Blackcomb delivers stunning views along the way. The Horstman Hut is open for lunch and refreshments with epic views of the Coast Mountain Range from its deck. More Information

Glacier Walks and Hikes Take a walk on the glacial snow and ice atop Whistler or Blackcomb Mountain. Outfitted with boots, crampons and an ice axe, you will learn how to walk using glacier equipment and take a tour around Whistler Blackcomb's three ancient glaciers.

Guided Mountain Bike Tours to the Peak Experience the ultimate in Whistler Mountain bike adventures. Start at the very top of Whistler Mountain and descend more than 1,500 vertical metres (5,000 ft) back to Whistler Village with an experienced guide. Get away from the crowds and experience the natural beauty and scenery of Whistler Mountain. There are a variety of routes to match your ability and excitement level.

Harmony Alpine Tea House Nestled on Little Whistler Peak, tea and scones at the Harmony Hut is the perfect break in your day. Relax and enjoy various refreshments while taking in the views of the beautiful Coast Mountain Range. The Tea House is accessible via a 20-minute walk from the top of the Peak Chair.

Hiking Tours Hiking at Whistler Blackcomb is even better when experienced with a true Whistler local. Complimentary guided tours will navigate Whistler Mountain's vast alpine environment. Tours depart daily at 11:30am from the Guest Satisfaction Centre at the top of Whistler Mountain.

High Note Trail Cheakamus Lake is a cold glacial-fed lake surrounded by the breathtaking Coast Mountain range. The High Note Trail begins from the top of the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain, offering spectacular views of the brilliant blue lake. Linking up with the Singing Pass trail, hikers can make their way back to the Roundhouse Lodge or continue on down to Whistler Village. This trail is not to be missed as it is guaranteed to give hikers some of the best views in North America. More Information

Mountain Top BBQ Sunsets at 6,000 feet are rarely experienced in such comfort as the Mountain Top BBQs on Whistler Mountain. A comfortable gondola ride up and down – ideal for strollers and wheelchairs – provides a scenic trip up Whistler to the Roundhouse Lodge where a BBQ dinner is served on Friday and Saturday evenings. Lazy, mellow evenings looking out onto BC's spectacular Coastal Mountains will inspire and rejuvenate. More Information

Painting on the Peak The third annual Painting on the Peak event runs during the summer at the top of Whistler Mountain and includes an outdoor workshop on Whistler Mountain with acclaimed BC artists. This exciting one-of-a kind event celebrates prominent artists in a breathtaking mountain setting. The itinerary includes a welcome breakfast, a gondola ride to the Roundhouse on Whistler Mountain, an opportunity to observe and learn how artists capture light and colour and a leisurely luncheon buffet while the artists answer questions. The perfect ending to the day includes a private reception and exhibition of the artists work in the Adele Campbell Fine Art Gallery.

Peak Interpretive Loop After soaring to 2,182 me (7,160 ft.) above sea level via the Peak Chair sightseers are treated to 360-degree views of snowcapped peaks, ancient volcanoes and majestic glaciers. The Peak Interpretive Loop is accessible from the top of the Peak Chair and offers amazing views. With interpretive signage along the way, it's a great opportunity to learn about Whistler Mountain's unique ecology. More Information

Peak Scramble Experience the ultimate cross between hiking, climbing and mountaineering in a controlled environment. This moderate scramble is sure to get your heart pumping and challenge any 'hard-core' hiker. The Peak Scramble is geared towards advanced and expert hikers only so be prepared and always know your limits. You can also hire a guide to accompany you.

Rap Jumping Experience the rush of rap jumping off the top of Whistler Peak, 1,500 metres (5,000 ft) above the valley floor. Rap jumping is face-forward rappelling whereby you lower yourself over a dramatic rock face. Guaranteed to get the adrenaline pumping. More Information Summer Glacier Camps From the beginning of June to late July, Blackcomb Mountain's Horstman Glacier is alive with skiers and snowboarders searching for endless winter.

Steeps Restaurant on Sundays – Steeps Restaurant is located in the Roundhouse Lodge. Every Sunday, dine at more than 6,000 feet and enjoy a menu focusing mainly on local foods from British Columbia. Reserve by calling 604 905-2379. Lift tickets must be purchased from Guest Relations separately. Steeps is also hosting a special BC-themed buffet on August 3, 2008. Tickets can be purchased through Guest Relations.

Summer Glacier Camps – offering training in everything from bumps to racing to pipe and rails – are available for all ages and ability levels. Pros and national team athletes from around the world will make guest coaching appearances at the variety of camps, while training themselves. It's the centre of the snowsport world each summer – and it's hot. More Information

Via Ferrata is Italian for "iron way". Designed for anybody of reasonable fitness level, it combines a trek over one of Whistler's ancient glaciers and rock climbing. Via Ferrata Ascents includes a four-hour excursion to the summit of Whistler Peak via a series of metal ladder rungs.

Yoga and Hiking Retreat This exclusive three-day retreat breaks away from the classic spa vacation. If you're feeling out of balance, leave the Blackberry at home and experience the magic of a warm Whistler summer. All-inclusive yoga with Colleen Felgate, guided outdoor activities, delicious meals, spa experience, wellness gift basket, and two nights luxurious accommodation.

 

   

Glacier Skiing and Riding

Glacier Skiing and Riding

The Horstman Glacier is open for public skiing and riding everyday from 11:00am until 3:00pm. Intermediate and advanced skiers and riders hit the glacier in tank tops and plenty of sunscreen from June 9 to July 27, 2008.

Summer Glacier Stats
Total Area

38 hectares/93 acres

Lift Serviced Vertical

Horstman T-Bar – 206m/675 ft
Showcase T-Bar – 148m/485 ft

Exposure

Northwest

Average Slope

17 degrees

Terrain

Extremely varied, including groomed terrain, mogul lanes, and terrain park

Terrain Park & Pipe

between 4-6 rails/jibs, 2 spine jumps, public halfpipe

Food & Beverage

Horstman Hut and Glacier Creek is open

Lifts Available on Glacier

2 Doppelmayr T-bars: Horstman and Showcase

Travel Time From Base

45 minutes. Upload starts at 11am at the Wizard Express, base of Blackcomb.

Whistler Blackcomb Mountains

  • Longitude/Latitude: 50 latitude, 122 longitude
  • Highest Lift Accessed Elevation: 2,284 metres/7,494 feet
  • Whistler Village Elevation: 675 metres/2,214 feet

 

   

Hiking/Sightseeing

Hiking and Sightseeing

Alpine Sightseeing and Hiking offer stunning vistas of mountain peaks dusted with the remains of an epic winter, glacier-fed lakes and streams, rugged mountain peaks, wildlife and cool alpine air.

Summer Sightseeing
Daily: June to October, 2008

Whistler Gondola Sightseeing The gateway to the alpine for the casual sightseer and hikers looking for the express route to rugged terrain, Whistler Blackcomb's ten-person gondola cabins can accommodate strollers, wheelchairs and anyone looking for a covered and comfortable journey. The 25-minute ride travels up almost a vertical mile and arrives at the full service Roundhouse Lodge; the perfect place for a sit-down lunch, quick snack or BBQ burger on the patio overlooking the Whistler Glacier. Sunset BBQs Friday and Saturday evening during the summer, offering a delicious spread. Tickets are available through Guest Relations in Whistler Village.

Peak Adventure: The exhilarating ride takes visitors to the very top of Whistler Mountain, 2,182 metres (7,160 feet) above sea level. The Peak features beautiful views of the Coast Mountain Range, glacier-fed Cheakamus Lake, and the locally famous monolith Black Tusk. To experience the Peak Adventure, first take the Whistler Gondola to the Roundhouse Lodge, and walk 10 minutes to the Peak Chair, which is a thrilling 401m (1,316 ft) open chairlift ride to the Peak of Whistler.  Whistler Mountain's premier chairlift – the Peak Chair – has been operating for summer alpine sightseeing and hiking since 2006. From the top of the Peak Chair, hikers can access Whistler Mountain's network of green, blue or black diamond hiking trails, spanning over 61kms.

High Note Trail The High Note trail begins high above glacier-fed Cheakamus Lake and can be accessed from the top of the Peak Chair. Hikers can wind their way down as they catch some of the best views in North America. One of the highlights is the Musical Bumps, comprised of Oboe, Flute and Piccolo Peaks, which are popular ski and snowboard destinations during the winter and offer up stunning views during the summer.

Peak Scramble The ultimate cross between hiking, climbing and mountaineering in a controlled environment, this moderate scramble will get hearts pumping and challenge any 'hard core' hiker. The Peak Scramble is geared towards advanced and expert hikers only. Guides can be hired to accompany guests on Whistler's newest hiking adventure.

Blackcomb Mountain Sightseeing From summer to winter in 45 minutes: guests ride two chairlifts, board a bus in the alpine, drive to the base of the 7th Heaven Chair, and ride up to the Hortsman Glacier. Watch skiers and riders making the most of summer snow on the Hortsman Glacier while taking in the sun on the patio at the Hortsman Hut. Sightseeing on Blackcomb runs until the end of glacier skiing in late July.

 

   

Bike Park

Whistler Mountain Bike Park

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is the No. 1 lift accessed downhill park in the world, offering 200 kilometres of lift-serviced descending trails for thrill seekers of all levels. The world-class Bike Park crew is constantly setting new boundaries with its design innovation. Trails are labeled by level of difficulty from green runs for beginners to blue and black diamond trails in the main bike park. Trails range from gentle banked cruisers through the Coastal forest to tight and twisty single track - perfect for intermediate riders. For more advanced gravity junkies, there are steep rock faces, gnarly root- strewn lines, drop-offs of all descriptions and more.

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park opening date is tentatively set for May 17, 2008.

3 Skills Centres

Each designed for a different ability level. The green skills centre is built close to the ground for riders just learning to clear obstacles and ride planks. The blue zone increases the difficulty by raising, narrowing and tightening all of the constructed elements. The double black skills centre is for expert riders only, including a dazzling display of North Shore-style obstacles.

The Giant Slalom course will weave its way through the guts of the Boneyard Slopestyle Course. Featuring head to head action as two riders race down two jump-infused tracks at the same time, the Giant Slalom will promise not-to-be-missed action and excitement. 2 racers. 2 runs. Infinite adrenaline.

Take it fast, take it slow. Huge banked corners, rhythm sections, table tops, doubles - the closest thing to flying on two wheels.

Women's Wednesdays - A fun and non-intimidating way for women to experience the mountain bike park. Women's Wednesday also has a fun social side (the gals head to the GLC at 8pm after the riding) it's so popular they operate on both Monday & Wednesday!


  • Every Monday & Wednesday from June 23 until Sept 3

Biker X Course

Take it fast, take it slow. Huge banked corners, rhythm sections, table tops, doubles - the closest thing to flying on two wheels.

Park Particulars:

  • Vertical 1,500 m / 5,000 ft (guided bike tours from the Peak)
  • Vertical 1,175 m / 3,855 ft (unguided from top of the Whistler Village Gondola)
  • 46 trails • Over 200 km of lift-serviced trails
  • 17% Beginner Terrain - gentle banked cruisers through the Coastal forest;
  • 23% Intermediate Terrain - tight and twisty single track
  • 60% Expert Terrain - steep rock faces, gnarly root-strewn lines and drop-offs of all descriptions

Bike Park Dimensions

  • Vertical Rise - Unguided 1,175m/3855ft - Top of Gondola down
  • Vertical Rise - Guided 1,507m/4946ft - Top of Peak down
  • Top Elevation - Unguided 1,850m/6069ft
  • Base Elevation 675m/2,200ft

Features

  • Giant Slalom- 60 m / 200 ft vertical
  • World Cup Caliber DH Course - 335 m / 1,100 ft vertical
  • Boneyard Slopestyle Park - Urban assault features (All new features for 2008 season, designed by John Cowan)
  • Joyride Jump Park - 4 graduated table tops
  • Skills Centres - 3 varying levels
  • Joyride Drop Off Park - 4 graduated drop-offs

Lift Acess

  • Whistler Village Gondola - Capacity: 450 riders / hr
  • Fitzsimmons Express Chair - Capacity: 1,300 riders / hr
  • Garbanzo Express Chair - Capacity: 1,300 riders / hr

Rentals

Check out the rental shop next to the Gondola, featuring the biggest and best high performance Kona bike fleet in Whistler. Both downhill and valley bike rentals are available. All bikes are serviced daily.

Lessons

Whistler offers many different types of bike lessons for all abilities and a variety of biking needs. On offer are Kids Mountain Bike Adventure, Mountain Bike Park Clinic, Peak Adventure Tours, Private lessons and Whistler Valley Freeride Adventures.

Women's Wednesdays
Chicks rip it up in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park Wednesday nights. Whistler Blackcomb is growing the sport of downhill mountain biking for women with these fantastic girls-only clinics. Women's Wednesdays are the perfect opportunity for women to experience lift-accessed downhill riding with friends in a relaxed environment. The program offers something for riders of every ability whether it's your first time or 100th time in the Bike Park. Women's Wednesdays run every Wednesday between 5 to 8pm. Women's Wednesdays tickets include rentals, lift tickets, bike guides, a beer at après, and a chance to win great prizes. The clinics are designed for all ability levels. The 2007 season revealed a major growth in the program, with attendance hitting a record high.

Riding Camps

Richie Schley Freeride Camps
Coached by Richie Schley and other freeride stars, this camp will truly inspire you. Whether you're an experienced hucker wanting to hone your skills or new to the freeriding scene, the camps are guaranteed to help you take your riding to the next level. Two-day camps include bike fit, skills sessions, après, prizes and a two-day lift and Bike Park pass.

Summer Gravity Camps
Take your riding to the next level. A SGC is the ultimate week-long freeride mountain bike camp with hands on coaching for all ability levels. Based in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and under the direction of freeride pioneer and X Games gold medalist Andrew Shandro, the camp focuses on all aspects of gravity riding, dirt jumping, drops, cornering, shore riding and our world famous slopestyle course.

Spokeswomen Mountain Bike Camps
Small learning groups, with 6 to 1 rider instructor ratios, offer intense attention and continual feedback, taking your riding to the next level. Three-day camps begin with our private bike seminar followed by a weekend of riding. Mornings are spent developing technical skills through instruction and drills, while afternoons are spent riding to apply new skills on Bike Park trails or on cross-country trails throughout the Whistler valley.

More Information on the Whistler Mountain Bike Park

 

   

Crankworx

Kokanee Crankworx

Every summer, the biggest names in mountain biking descend upon Whistler to hit the Bike Park during one of the world's premier mountain bike and entertainment festivals, Kokanee Crankworx. Athletes from all over the globe flock to the festival to try their hand at some of the most innovative and challenging courses in the industry, while fans rush to watch the dirt and mud fly as heroes are crowned.

The nine-day event will take place during August 9-17, 2008 and features ground breaking events, such as the women's only freeride competitions and dual slalom, as well as its marquee event, the Kokanee Slopestyle competition. The long daylight hours and hot summer weather mean more time to take in the live music, riding demonstrations and smokin' competition – not to mention a few rip roarin' parties.

For more information on Kokanee Crankworx, visit www.crankworx.com

Quick Facts for Kokanee Crankworx 2007:

  • 175 - the number of international media from countries, such as Brazil, the UK, Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Australia, France and the US.
  • 25,000 - the number of spectators who caught the action during Cranworx's marquee event, the Slopestyle
  • 22 feet – the height of the Jumbotron Drop situated at the bottom of the Slopestyle course.
  • 9,000 – the number of hits on Rip.tv during the first ever live webcast of Slopestyle event
  • 13 – the number of Whistler athletes who placed third or higher during the 9 days of events.