Discovery Series – Whistler
If you prefer the bigger mugs over the ornaments, then the Discovery Series Whistler is the one to get when visiting this well-known ski resort.
Whistler’s history as a world-class mountain resort begins with its development in the 1960s, when a group of Vancouver businessmen envisioned creating a ski destination to rival the Alps and potentially host the Winter Olympics. The resort opened in 1966 as Whistler Mountain, with Blackcomb Mountain following in 1980, creating a legendary dual-mountain experience. Whistler finally achieved its Olympic dream when it co-hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics with Vancouver, showcasing the resort to a global audience. Today, Whistler stands as North America’s largest ski resort and a year-round adventure destination, transforming from a remote logging area into a sophisticated alpine village that attracts millions of visitors annually with its stunning Coast Mountain scenery and endless outdoor pursuits.
– Skiing and snowboarding define Whistler’s identity, with over 8,000 acres of terrain spread across Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, offering everything from gentle groomed runs to extreme backcountry. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connects both mountains, creating an unparalleled ski experience with consistent snowfall and a long season extending from November to May. Winter sports represent Whistler’s core purpose and the Olympic-calibre facilities that attract snow enthusiasts from around the world.
– Whistler Village creates a charming pedestrian-only alpine village at the base of both mountains, featuring European-inspired architecture, world-class restaurants, luxury accommodations, and vibrant après-ski culture. The compact village layout allows visitors to walk everywhere, from ski lifts to shops to nightlife venues. The village represents Whistler’s evolution into a sophisticated year-round resort destination beyond just a ski area.
– Gondolas and chairlifts transport visitors up the mountains, with the iconic PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola holding world records as the longest and highest lift of its kind. These engineering marvels provide not just transportation but breathtaking views of glaciers, peaks, and forests. The lift system represents the infrastructure that makes Whistler’s massive terrain accessible to millions of visitors.
– Mountain biking transforms Whistler into a summer destination with the Whistler Mountain Bike Park offering over 80 trails ranging from flow trails to technical descents. Riders from beginners to professionals tackle everything from gentle cross-country routes to world-championship downhill courses. Mountain biking represents Whistler’s successful transition into a year-round adventure resort beyond its winter season.
– Wildlife encounters bring visitors face-to-face with black bears, bald eagles, and other Coast Mountain species in their natural habitat. Bears often appear along trails and in the village during summer months, while eagles soar above the lakes and rivers. Wildlife represents the pristine wilderness that surrounds Whistler and the importance of coexisting with nature in this mountain environment.
– Helicopter tours and heli-skiing offer ultimate mountain experiences, with scenic flights over glaciers and peaks or access to untouched powder in remote backcountry terrain. These adventures provide perspectives and skiing opportunities impossible to reach by traditional means. Helicopter experiences represent the premium adventures that make Whistler a bucket-list destination.
– Whistler Brewing Company has been crafting beer in the mountains since 1989, making it one of British Columbia’s oldest craft breweries and a Whistler institution. The brewery produces alpine-inspired beers perfect for après-ski relaxation, with their tasting room and restaurant serving as popular gathering spots for locals and visitors. Whistler Brewing represents the craft beer culture and laid-back mountain lifestyle that complements the adventure activities defining the resort.
