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View from Little Whistler peak over Whistler - Whistler
View from Little Whistler peak over Whistler
by Ann75
Tips and photos for Whistler vacations and tourism, posted by real travelers and Whistler locals.
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Skiing or snowboarding in the winter
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  • Ann75
  • By Ann75 on September 26, 2003
  • Whistler Page by Ann75
  • Going downhill on the ski slopes - Whistler
    Going downhill on the ski
    slopes
    by Ann75
    Both Whistler and Blackcomb mountains are blessed in the amount of yearly snow. The average of 35 feet of snow provides fantastic snow conditions, especially for the powder skiing enthusiast. What is also fantastic is the length of the skiing season. You can ski during the summer in Blackcomb’s high Alpine.

    When you think you have covered all the runs, you will be surprised at finding a whole new area of the mountain that is uncharted territory for you. That is what makes Whistler- Blackcomb almost a new ski experience everytime you go.

    On the slopes, every level of skier and snowboarder is catered for -- every type of terrain imaginable can be accessed by a fast and efficient lift system yet the slopes remain relatively uncrowded.

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    Take the gondola up to Whistler Mountain
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  • Ann75
  • By Ann75 on September 24, 2003
  • Whistler Page by Ann75
  • View from the gondola while going up - Whistler
    View from the gondola while
    going up
    by Ann75
    On a nice summer day it's well worth it to go up the gondola to spent some time on the top of Whistler Mountain. Visit the Roundhouse Lodge, enjoy the many different hiking trails and much more.

    The gondola ride is really nice. It takes about 20 minutes to get to the top, but the views you get along the way are beautiful. Once you get to the top you get some spectacular views over the mountain tops with it's glaciers.

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    The somewhat challenging hiking trails
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  • Ann75
  • By Ann75 on September 24, 2003
  • Whistler Page by Ann75
  • Me near the top of the Ridge Lookout - Whistler
    Me near the top of the Ridge
    Lookout
    by Ann75
    On the top of Whistler Mountain you can choose from different hiking trails. Make sure to get a free trail map when you purchase your tickets.

    The somewhat challenging hiking trails to choose from are the following:
    *Paleface Trail: This trail starts at the back of the Roundhouse Lodge. It's about 1km/0.6mi and will take about 20-30 minutes return. This trail features views over extinct volcanoes.

    *Ridge Lookout Trail: This trail starts right outside the Roundhouse Lodge. Just follow the signs and you will see the short steep trail going up a hill. This trail is 1.2km/0.7mi long and takes about 30-35 return. The views from the top are spectacular.

    We did the Ridge Lookout Trail, it's a fairly short trail that's quite steep. Make sure to look back down once in awhile to enjoy the lovely views. We had a lovely picnic near the end of the Ridge Lookout Trail with stunning views surrounding us.

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    The Roundhouse Lodge
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  • Ann75
  • Updated By Ann75 on September 24, 2003
  • Whistler Page by Ann75
  • The Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain - Whistler
    The Roundhouse Lodge on
    Whistler Mountain
    by Ann75
    Once you are on the top of Whistler Mountain you enter the Roundhouse lodge. The Roundhouse Lodge has different eateries, a fine dining restaurant, The Roundhouse Traders (a shop with original Whistler-Blackcomb logo wear), washrooms, a viewing deck, picnic area and more.

    It's a nice place to look around and especially the nice shop with the official Whistler-Blackcomb wear. Go up to the viewing where you get fantastic views.

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    The challenging hiking trails
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  • Ann75
  • By Ann75 on September 24, 2003
  • Whistler Page by Ann75
  • Here I am sitting at Harmony Lake - Whistler
    Here I am sitting at Harmony
    Lake
    by Ann75
    The next choice are the more challenging hiking trails. These include the following trails:
    *Glacier Trail: This trail leads to some great views of Whistler Glacier. The trail is about 2.5km/1.6mi and takes about 1 hour to return. There is some elevation gain and steep sections in places.

    *Harmony Lake Trail & Loop: This is a lovely hike to Harmony Lake and its lower lakes. The trail to the lake is about 2km/1.25mi and when you include the loop it's about 3.5km/2.2mi. It takes about 60-90 minutes to return. The trail features alpine forests, lakes and expansive views.

    *Harmony Meadows: This is a lovely hike through the meadows. The trail is about 2.6km/1.6mi and takes about 30-60 minutes to return. Great views over the valley and Harmony Lake.

    The Harmony Lake Trail & Loop is definitely a must. The trail is nice and downhill to the lake. The views along the way are wonderful, but once you get to Harmony Lake the views are even more spectacular. Make the whole loop and enjoy some more stunning scenery. Really a great hike to do, it's uphill going back to the Roundhouse, but who cares! : )

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    The difficult hiking trails
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  • Ann75
  • By Ann75 on September 24, 2003
  • Whistler Page by Ann75
  • View from Little Whistler peak over Whistler - Whistler
    View from Little Whistler peak
    over Whistler
    by Ann75
    There is also a choice of the more difficult hiking trails on the top of Whistler Mountain. These are the trails you can choose from:
    *Musical Bumps to Singing Pass in Garibaldi Provincial Park: This is a long trail with great views of Black Tusk, Cheakamus Glacier and Cheakamus Lake. The trail is 19km/11.8mi one to the village and takes about 5-6 hours. Some steep sections in this trail.

    *Little Whistler Way:This trail takes you up to the Little Whistler Peak and has impressive views of Black Tusk and the surround mountains. This trail is about 3.8km/2mi and 1.5 to 2 hours. There are quite some steep sections.

    *Burnt Stew: This trail connects with the Musical Bumps and has lovely views of the Valley. The trail is 2.2km/1.3mi and takes about 20 minutes.

    *Peak Road: This one you can hike when the Peak Chair lifts are open. The trail up there is 0.9km/0.6mi and has wonderful high alpine panoramic views.

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    The wonderful views surrounding Roundhouse Lodge
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  • Ann75
  • By Ann75 on September 24, 2003
  • Whistler Page by Ann75
  • Me just outside of the Roundhouse Lodge - Whistler
    Me just outside of the
    Roundhouse Lodge
    by Ann75
    When you step out of the Roundhouse Lodge you can't help but notice the stunning surrounding scenery. You can see the glaciers, the surrounding mountains and much more. Take a moment to look around to enjoy all the scenery.

    "Wow" was the first word coming out of my mounth when I came of the gondola and walked outside. The view was absolutely fantastic, in my eyes anyway.

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    Take some time out to relax in Whistler Village
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  • Ann75
  • By Ann75 on September 24, 2003
  • Whistler Page by Ann75
  • Me in Whistler Village and it's typical buildings - Whistler
    Me in Whistler Village
    and it's typical
    buildings
    by Ann75
    Whistler Village is very nice place to visit. Take some time out to stroll around in the car free streets. Stop at some shops to look around or do some shopping. There is big variety in shops and something for everybody. Enjoy a lovely breakfast, lunch or dinner in one of the many restaurants, diners or eateries that you can find in the village.

    Relax on a patio of the pubs and cafes that you can find in Whistler Village. Enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery and all the different events that are held in the village.

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    Snowmaking Reservoirs on Whistler Mountain
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  • Ann75
  • By Ann75 on September 24, 2003
  • Whistler Page by Ann75
  • One of the snowmaking reservoirs - Whistler
    One of the snowmaking
    reservoirs
    by Ann75
    Whistler has 3 snowmaking reservoirs on the top of Whistler Mountain. They are protected by ropes with electricity on it. This electricity is mainly to protect wildlife from falling into these reservoirs as they can't climb out of it anymore.

    The snowmaking reservoirs are there in case there is not enough snow on the slopes. This way they can make their own snow to get the slopes all ready to go while they wait for real snow. This is usually used when there are big events planned.

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    Cars are useless to have in Whistler
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  • Carmanah
  • By Carmanah on October 7, 2004
  • Whistler Page by Carmanah
  • Whistler is a pedestrian-only village. No cars are allowed on the village streets. Cars are only allowed on the highway (that bypasses to the west of the village) and the residential side streets.

    Most visitors rent a car in Vancouver and drive it up to Whistler, where it will then sit in a parking lot for their entire time there. There is a free gravel parking lot outside of the village, but you're only allowed to park there during the day. Hotels charge visitors up to $25 (or more) a night to park in their underground parkades.

    Having a car for a daytrip is good if you're not renting the car, as it will only cost you one tank of gas to get there and back from Vancouver. However, if you're only renting a car to get to Whistler, I'd suggest taking one of the many buses, limos, shuttles and taxi services that frequently travel between Whistler and Vancouver. It will likely save you a lot of money.

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    More Whistler Tips
    Overview
     
    Hotels and Accommodations
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    Transportation
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    Restaurants
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    Shopping
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    Off the Beaten Path
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    Tourist Traps
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    Warnings or Dangers
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    Local Customs
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    Packing Lists
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    Sports Travel
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    General Tips
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