Whistler Mountain
Whistler, or Whistler Blackcomb as the resort is known,is located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia near the foot of Garibaldi Provincial Park’s 10,000 foot peaks (3,000 meters). Located only about 78 miles (125 km) north of Vancouver, it was once a sleepy little ski town, but now it’s been developed into a world class ski resort. It is actually designated as the “Resort Municipality of Whistler”!
Whistler B.C. has always been ranked as one of the top year-round mountain resorts in North America.
Why is it called Whistler?
This resort area was originally known as “London Mountain” and only officially became Whistler in 1965. So why Whistler? Do the winds whistle through the mountains? No, its climate is really pretty mild considering its northern mountain location.
Highs in the summer are only 80 degrees Fahrenheit (26 C). In winter the chill makes for great powder, with average highs of 22 F (-5C). (Chilly for sure, but winter is when you go for the skiing and other snow sports and you can always sit around the fire!)
The hoary marmot emits a high-pitched whistling noise, so the area became known as Whistler Mountain
OK, then where did the name come from? From a hoary marmot that’s native to these hills. A marmot is a cute little critter which emits a high-pitched whistling noise, so the area became known as Whistler Mountain.
There are two great mountains for skiers and snowboarders: Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. Thanks to the glaciers in the area, ski season often lasts into August.
There are four championship golf courses for chasers of that little round white ball. You could ski in the morning and golf in the afternoon!
There are hiking trails, a mountain bike park and rocks to climb. For the less active (or for the active to recover) there are restaurants, hotels, spas, and lots of shopping. That should pretty much tell you that it’s a place almost anyone would enjoy.
Whistler Village is pedestrian-only
Whistler Village, a planned resort community designed in the 1960s, is pedestrian only . . . no cars, but there is a free Village Shuttle to help you get around. Whistler Mountain was a ski destination for years, but Blackcomb Mountain and the Village opened in 1980.
You might not suspect that it’s all so new. There is a strict building code: all large hotels are built in the chateau style, and all buildings are built with quarried stone, so it looks like it’s been there much longer than it has. It has a comfortable, European ambiance.
This area is going to be higher on most tourist’s lists thanks to their hosting of the 2010 Winter Olympics, but they can handle the crowds. Summer or winter, Whistler B.C. is a destination worth considering.
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