Stories by Bronwyn Preece | Images by Joern Rohde
Why Don't You
W histler’s spectacular scenery is the backdrop for an exceptional variety of activities. So, why don't you try these unforgettable Whistler experiences this season?
Wrap up the Day with a Snowcat Après
There are many wintery ways to go up and down a snowy mountain… but at the end of the day, why not board a heated snowcat to take you up for one last lap? Canadian Wilderness Adventures offers a unique, effortless, and delicious “after”-slope experience open to the whole family.
Hop into a snowcat and be driven up a network of snow-covered trails, ascending to an awaiting cozy bonfire overlooking the Whistler Valley’s majesty. A toboggan hill and a custom igloo-style snow globe offer further fun for everyone. Hot chocolate and marshmallows sweeten the expansive, twinkling vistas for this incomparable experience.
The tour operates five days a week (Thursday through Monday), departing from the Village at 4:30 p.m. From here, you are shuttled to a snowcat, which makes its way up Blackcomb Mountain to a stunning lookout. This tour takes two hours, including the shuttle, and private group charters can also be arranged.
canadianwilderness.com
Image courtesy CWA
Soar Above the Sea to Sky
Elevate your Whistler experience and be awestruck from the air… soaring between jagged peaks, hovering over majestic glaciers, journeying past plummeting waterfalls, frozen lakes, and other marvels of the Sea to Sky in a helicopter sightseeing tour. Flights for two or more take you to new heights in this ruggedly wild landscape.
No Limits Heli Adventures offers three sightseeing tour options from Whistler. Departing from the heliport, the breathtaking 42-minute in-air Sea to Sky Tour flies above Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, over the spectacular Garibaldi and Cheakamus lakes, then lands on the snow for a stunning photo stop.
The Summit experience offers a 24-minute in-air tour that includes circling magnificent Black Tusk, Whistler’s iconic volcanic spire.
The Glacier tour — the shortest option — takes you into panoramic perspective, cruising up past Wedge Mountain and Wedge Glacier, then steering toward the peaks of Black Tusk and Mount Garibaldi.
Sunset tours can be requested for all options, with extended trips and charters available as well.
nolimits-helicopters.com/en
Wander Into the Seven Wonders of Whistler Blackcomb’s World
The newly signed Wonder Routes are a series of networks of runs, trails, waypoints, and viewpoints showcasing the splendour of Whistler Blackcomb (WB). Colour-coded icons are now featured on select mountain signage, and a dedicated map is available to assist you on your scenic journey of discovery, with options for all levels.
The Top of the World route allows skiers and snowboarders the opportunity to visit the four highest points on both mountains, surrounded by panoramic views of the Coast Mountains that extend beyond the limits of every lens. Suitable for all ability levels, it is estimated to take between three and four hours to complete.
For the intermediate-to-advanced skier/rider, there is the Gold Medal Route and the Super Blues. The variety of choices highlights the diversity of terrain available on both mountains.
To switch it up and have the kids take the adults on a tour, try the Family Certified Route, or for a food-and-drink tour of some of WB’s restaurant patios, connected by the Peak 2 Peak, follow the Après Route, which ends at the Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) at the base of the Whistler Gondola, where you can enjoy a well-deserved drink.
whistlerblackcomb.com
Slide at Top Speed on a Skeleton Sled
or in a Bobsleigh
The Whistler Sliding Centre offers the chance to glide like an Olympian in either a Passenger Bobsleigh (piloted by a driver) or shoot solo down the track on a Public Skeleton ride. Both use the track from the 2010 Olympics, offering one-of-a-kind experiences available nowhere else in Canada.The Passenger Bobsleigh will find you and your pilot racing at speeds of more than 125 kilometres per hour, feeling the acceleration of up to 4 g-forces, as you twist through 10 turns.
The Public Skeleton route slides around six bends in the track, hitting speeds up to 100 km/h. There is no need to worry that it will all be over in the blink of an eye, as you get to do it twice!
An orientation precedes both adrenaline-amping activities. No experience is necessary; however, there are age limits for Bobsleigh and Skeleton, starting at 14 and 16, respectively. Height and health restrictions also apply for these high-speed activities. Specializing in speed, these are some of Whistler’s most unique activities.