Seeing Whistler beyond the skiing
Even in a place like Whistler, you occasionally need to take a day off from hitting the hill.
Maybe someone in your family doesn’t feel like ripping up the powder today, or perhaps you’re a little sore from yesterday’s foray on the runs.
Let’s face it — you need to possess the stamina of an Olympic athlete to spend your entire vacation in Whistler solely skiing or snowboarding the slopes.
Plus, you’d also miss all the other activities and recreational opportunities that Whistler has to offer.
low- If key you’re fun looking for a little for non- skiers or to let your muscles recuperate, Whistler is a veritable sightseeing paradise where there’s a jaw- dropping mountain vista practically everywhere you turn.
For a truly spectacular and one- of- a- kind sightseeing experience, make sure to take a trip on the record- setting Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
This engineering marvel
links Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains together spanning over three kilometers and is the highest lift of its kind in the world reaching heights of 435 meters above the valley oor. It takes just 11 minutes to complete the ride from the Roundhouse to the Rendezvous, but you’ll experience astounding 360- degree views from the village to the mountain ranges beyond. Some of the gondola’s cabins even feature glass bottoms.
Don’t forget your camera!
You could also take a trip to the beautiful Callaghan Valley
to wander the Whistler Olympic Park ( WOP), marvel at the towering ski jumps used during the 2010 Winter Games, or maybe strap on a pair of snowshoes and go for a leisurely trek into the gorgeous backcountry trails. Keep your eyes peeled for a glimpse of local wildlife as you crunch through the old growth forest!
More Olympic memories can be relived at the Whistler Sliding Centre, where you can check out the famous track and watch luge, bobsleigh and skeleton sleds streak by. Maybe
if you’ve got the courage – you can try it out for yourself.
If all this smacks of too much effort, you can always spend the day browsing the resort’s more than 200 shops, stores and boutiques. People watching in the village or hotels is always fun, or just contemplate the flames at the many spectacular lobby and lounge replaces.
Now that’s sightseeing, Whistler- style!
For more on what to see when you’re in Whistler, go to www.whistler.com/activities.