SOUTHWESTERN BRITISH COLUMBIA - British Columbia: Including the Alaska Highway - page 319

tramodern lift system. A season stretching from November to early June doesn't leave much
time for summer recreation, but in recent years, the off-season has become almost equally
busy. Among the abundant summertime recreation opportunities are lift-served hiking and
glacier skiing and boarding; biking through the valley and mountains; water activities on
five lakes; horseback riding; golfing on some of the world's best resort courses; and fishing,
rafting, and jet-boating on the rivers. The more sedentary summer visitor can simply stay in
bustling Whistler Village and enjoy a plethora of outdoor cafés and restaurants.
SPORTS AND RECREATION
Although Whistler does have a small museum, various spa facilities, and a bustling night-
life, outdoor recreation is the main attraction.
MM Skiing Whistler Blackcomb
No matter what your ability, the skiing at Whistler and Blackcomb, consistently rated as
North America's number-one ski destination, makes for a winter holiday you won't for-
get in a hurry. The two lift-served mountains are separated by a steep-sided valley through
which Fitzsimmons Creek flows, with lifts converging at Whistler Village. Skiing is over
almost 3,000 hectares (7,400 acres), comprising more than 200 groomed runs, hundreds of
unmarked trails through forested areas, three glaciers, and 12 bowls. The lift-served vertical
rise of Blackcomb is 1,609 meters (5,280 feet), the highest in North America, but Whistler
is only slightly lower at 1,530 meters (5,020 feet). In total, the resort has 34 lifts, including
3 gondolas, 12 high-speed quad chairlifts, 5 triples, 1 double, and 12 surface lifts. The ter-
rain is rated Intermediate over 55 percent of the resort, with the remaining 45 percent split
evenly between Beginner and Expert. Snowboarders are well catered to with four terrain
parks and numerous half-pipes. The length of the season is also impressive, running from
November to early May, with the Horstman Glacier open for skiing for a few weeks of sum-
mer.
For many visitors, the resort can be overwhelming. Trail maps detail all of the marked
runs, but they can't convey the vast size of the area. A great way to get to know the moun-
tain is on an orientation tour; these leave throughout the day from various meeting points
(ask when and where when you buy your ticket) and are free. Whistler Blackcomb Ski and
Snowboard School (604/932-3434, www.wbsss.com ) is the country's largest ski school
and offers various lesson packages and programs, such as the Esprit, a three-day, women's-
only “camp” that provides instruction in a variety of disciplines.