Summer 2009 Adventure & Activities in Whistler Blackcomb
After a not-so-stellar vacation destination performance at Whistler Blackcomb over the 2008/2009 winter season, due to tough economic times, Whistler Blackcomb is ramping up a line-up of summer activities the mountain is banking on.
Among those are the Whistler accommodations vacation rental owners, companies and hotels in Whistler who are more than ever competing to fill vacancies due to the low tourist volume over the past winter.
As the economy stabilizes and begins it long recovery journey, Whistler and businesses in Whistler, will likely see business improve with more tourists flocking to the world-renound destination of Whistler, BC, Canada.
The summer of 2009 in Whistler will bring a variety of activities that should please any tourist traveling to Whistler this summer. The addition of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will appeal to hikers and sightseers who will experience a high alpine adventure between the two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb.
Whistler Blackcomb’s PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience offers 360-degree views at 436metres/1,427 feet above the valley floor; providing sightseers and hikers with a serene flight showcasing flora and fauna, including black bears in their protected habitats; the Coast Mountain Range’s many glaciers and peaks; and Whistler Village surrounded by gem-like lakes.
This new major attraction to Whistler Blackcomb mountain should help lift the tourist traffic to Whistler over the summer season, which many Whistler accommodation rentals businesses are looking forward. The new PEAK 2 PEAK with its inaugural launch this summer, will become a solid pilot test before the 2010 Whistler Olympics come to town.
Other summer activities that should attract travelers to Whistler this season include Alpine hiking, where hikers can take advantage of the various Whistler Blackcomb network of trails, with serene views.
Travelers can also take in the new mountain top dining in Whistler Blackcomb. Christine’s Brunch, located on Blackcomb Mountain in the Rendezvous Lodge. Christine’s Brunch is Whistler Blackcomb’s only full service restaurant in the alpine this summer. Christine’s summer debut will specialize in a daily brunch designed to showcase fresh local ingredients.
If a sit-in restaurant is not your thing, Whistler will also offer a Mountain Top BBQ Series. Every weekend from June 27 to September 6 the Roundhouse Lodge will host Mountain Top BBQs. Hikers and sightseers can work up an appetite, before taking in a delicious barbeque spread. The Mountain Top BBQs will feature live music, alpenglow on the Coast Mountain Range and of course a breathtaking sunset at 6,000 feet to cap off the evening.
What better way to take in a BBQ than with the High Alpine Win Tasting. Great Estates of the Okanagan Wine Tasting Bar at the Roundhouse Lodge will showcase five of the most exceptional wineries in the Okanagan Valley. Twelve of their finest wines will be offered in small tasting portions, flights, glasses or bottles. Sip and savour the wine in a spectacular alpine setting at 1850m/6069ft on Whistler Mountain.
And those seeking more adventure, Whistler offers the playground of choice when it comes to mountain biking, in Whistler Mountain Bike Park. The popular Whistler Mountain Bike Park is scheduled to open May 16 with plans for continued expansion in the Garbanzo Zone; a completely redesigned Slopestyle, Giant Slalom and Dual Slalom courses; and new lesson and rental packages for all levels of mountain bikers.
At the end of last season a few lucky riders were able to experience new trail sections on Blue Velvet and Freight Train as well as the completely redeveloped No Joke trail in the Garbanzo Zone.
Tourists to Whistler can take in what put Whistler on the map, in the summer skiing and snowboarding available in the Whistler Glaciers. Offering the longest snow season in North America, skiers and boarders can take advantage of great snow conditions at the top of Blackcomb Mountain on the Horstman Glacier.
Summer skiing is open to the public from June 20 through to the end of July (dependent upon weather) and is accessed via the Wizard Express Chair at the Blackcomb Base. With double the terrain park features over previous years and a Superpipe, the summer glacier experience is unquestionably cool. Summer glacier camps bring in the hottest professional athletes to coach aspiring skiers and riders, and attract ski and snowboard magazines and professional film crews from around the world.
Let’s not forget those kids – tons of fun for kids of all ages, the Blackcomb Base Adventure Zone is located in Whistler’s Upper Village and features mini golf, a climbing wall, a maze and much more. Nestled at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Adventure Zone is open daily from 10am to 6pm Sunday through Friday, and 10am to 8pm on Saturdays. The fun runs June 20-Sept. 7.
Tourists and travelers to Whistler Blackcomb this summer, will find a good selection of owner direct accommodations and vacation rentals, as well as hotel rooms available in Whistler Village, but also a variety of activities, adventure and entertainment this summer in Whistler Blackcomb.