August 10, 2007

Whistler Blackcomb's Alpine In Full Bloom

A Kaleidoscope of Colour - Alpine Wildflower Season Showcases Stunning Colour and Plant Variety on High Note Trail

 Whistler Blackcomb's signature alpine hiking trail, the High Note, which opened last weekend, is in full bloom. Signature wildflower colours such as purple, yellow and pink pepper the landscape, making this next few weeks the most beautiful hiking time of the season. The High Note trail is one of 14 alpine hiking trails now open on Whistler Mountain.

"The High Note Trail is a spectacular trail, but this time of year is by far the most impressive," says Allana Hamm, Whistler Blackcomb's environmental coordinator. "Viewing the uniqueness of the flowers that you can only find in the alpine tundra environment is a great experience; the colours just wash over you."

Alpine wildflowers found on Whistler include: Lupin, Indian Paint Brush, Buttercups, Spreading Phlox and Sitka Valerian. The Indian Paint Brush variety got its name because the tops of the flowers look like they've been dipped in bright red paint while the Valerian family of flowers is a well-known and frequently used medical herb.  A long and proven history of efficacy, Valerian flowers have been used to improve sleep quality and lower blood pressure among other things.

To experience the wildflowers and access the alpine hiking on Whistler Mountain, take the Village Gondola to the Roundhouse Lodge.  A number of trails are accessible from this point.  Alternatively, a short 10 minute walk to the Peak Chair provides access to the Peak of Whistler. The High Note trail, Peak Interpretive Walk and Harmony Ridge Trail, amoung others depart from the Peak of Whistler. Views of Garibaldi Provincial Park and Black Tusk from the peak of Whistler add to the vistas in the alpine.