WHISTLER | number 1 ski resort!

About Whistler Resort

Nestled in the spectacular Coast Mountains of British Columbia, the town of Whistler is North America’s premier ski resort.   Whistler/Blackcomb boasts over 8,100 skiable acres with one mile vertical, 200 trails, three glaciers, 38 lifts and twelve alpine bowls. It’s a skiers dream! 

Whistler/Blackcomb has been ranked the number one ski resort in North America by Skiing magazine for 10 consecutive years.   With an average annual snowfall of 33 feet, snow abounds at this winter playground.  The two mountains are connected by a pedestrian village and will soon be joined at the top by the Peak to Peak gondola—the only one of its kind in North America.

Whistler is also a summer playground with four championship golf courses, more than 200 shops, 90 restaurants and bars, accommodation galore, hiking trails, fly fishing, canoeing, zip trekking, bungee jumping, spas and arguably the best mountain bike park in the world. Whist
Whistler's First Residents

Whistler was named after the marmot, a rock-dwelling mountain rodent. Marmots make sharp, clear whistles as a warning to other marmots of any danger. Whistler was also home to thousands of animal, bird, and fish species long before humans settled here.

Its prime, lush habitat is still home to bears, cougars, deer, rabbits, birds and fish. Many people come to Whistler just to appreciate and admire the abundant wildlife in the area either through a nature tour or Gondola sightseeing.

Whistler has everything you could possibly think of.  Whistler truly is your four season dream resort!

Whistler Facts

Statistics:

9,248 permanent residents (2006 Census unadjusted )
2,500 seasonal residents (est.)
9,100 second-home owners (est.)

Average snowfall in the valley is 430.5 cm.
Average snowfall in the alpine is 914 cm (30 ft).
Average winter temperatures range from –8º to 3º C (18º to 37º F).
Average summer temperature range from 9º to 27º C, (48º to 80º F).

9 major parks: Lost Lake, Rainbow, Lakeside and Wayside parks on Alta Lake, Alpha Lake Park, Meadow Park, Spruce Grove Park, Rebagliati Park and Whistler Village Park

10 neighborhood parks, the Emerald Forest conservation area and Rainbow Wetlands Reserve.

15 public tennis courts

Public Schools:

Spring Creek Community School, Spring Creek, Grades K-7, includes late French Immersion Program

Ecole La Passerelle, Spring Creek, Grades K-7

Mytrle Philip Community School, Whistler Cay, Grades K-7

Whistler Secondary – A Community School, Alpine Meadows, Grades 8-12

Trails & Parks

Valley Trail: multi-use, paved, 35 km
Flank Trail: multi-use, subalpine, 43 km
Lost Lake Cross Country Ski Trails, track set, groomed, 32 km

Be sure to check out Whistler’s extensive trail and park system, whether you are here in winter or summer. The major parks are listed below:

Lost Lake Park:
Location: Lost Lake
Amenities: Trails run through the trees, for biking, walking or running. Grassy area with picnic tables and bbq pits, beach, buoyed swim areas, several swimming docks, concession, washroom/changerooms. Dogs welcome to swim at Canine Cove, across from the main beach.
Highlights: In winter snowshoeing and x-country ski trails surround the park.

Rainbow Park:
Location: Off Alta Lake Road on Alta Lake
Amenities: Picnic tables, bbq pits, beach volleyball courts, summer concession, boat dock, swimming dock, wheelchair ramp and bouyed swimming area, grassy lawn, picnic shelter, washroom/changeroom with flush toilets and a living roof.
Highlights: Popular spot for locals in the summer. Accessible via Alta Lake Road, the Valley Trail and special bus service.

Wayside Park
Location: In Alta Vista along Alta Lake
Amenities: Small beach, grassy picnic area, concession and very limited parking off Hillcrest Drive.
Highlights: Park is being redesigned to incorporate new parkland.

Lakeside Park
Location: In Alta Vista along Alta Lake
Amenities: Canoe and kayak rental, bike racks, picnic tables, bbq pits, temporary outhouse, until a new washroom is completed.
Highlights:

Alpha Lake Park
Location: Creekside
Amenities: Playhouse,  beach, volleyball courts, tennis courts, picnic tables bbqs.
Highlights: Being redesigned to include new features.

Meadow Park
Location: Behind Meadow Park Sports Centre
Amenities: Ball diamonds, playground, water park, tennis courts, washrooms, picnic tables and bbq's. Concession is located indoors at the sports centre.
Highlights: Stunning views of the River of Golden Dreams with the mountains in the background.

Spruce Grove Park
Location: Off of Spruce Grove Lane
Amenities: Three competition quality baseball diamonds, clubhouse which can be rented for events, concession, children’s playground.
Highlights: Start of the Disc Golf Course accessed from Spruce Grove Park.

Rebagliati Park
Location: In the village, beside the covered bridge and bordered by Fitzsimmons Creek
Amenities: Grassy lawn, picnic tables, “granny” walk, Skate Park, BMX Trails and jump park.
Highlights: Popular for use by groups.

The Valley Trail
The 35-kilometre Valley Trail is a paved, multi-use trail that runs north to south from Emerald Estates to Spring Creek, with an extension planned to Function Junction and the new neighbourhood at the Cheakamus Valley. The trail leads riders to all schools, lakes, neighbourhoods and destination parks and is heavily used both for commuter traffic and as a tourist attraction.

Health Services

Whistler Health Care Centre includes treatment facilities with ambulance and helicopter, x-ray, laboratory, and emergency care. Ambulance and doctors are on call 24-hours every day. Full-time general practitioners and part-time specialists operate from the second floor. The Vancouver Coast Health Unit provides a range of community services including Environmental Health, Public Health, Nursing, Speech Therapy, Alcohol and Drug Counselling, Mental Health, Baby Clinics and Home Care.

Usefull Whistler Links

Whistler Arts Council is a registered charity established in 1981 with a mandate of fostering and promoting the growth of the performing, literary and visual arts in Whistler.

4335 Blackcomb Way
Whistler, BC
V0N 1B2
Phone: 1-604-938-9221
Fax: 1-604-938-9241
Website: www.whistlerartscouncil.com

Whistler Farmers' Market is a not-for-profit society with a mission to showcase the best of local and BC produce, food and artisans in Whistler. Located in the Upper Village, the outdoor market runs Sundays 11am-4pm, Father's Day to Thanksgiving.

PO Box 344
Whistler, BC
V0N 1B0
Phone: 604-932-5998
Website: www.whistlerfarmersmarket.org

Whistler Film Festival Society and its programs are a non-profit cultural and educational organization dedicated to being a catalyst for the viability and sustainability of Canadian and world cinema. The Festival strives to support artistic innovation, to profile new technology and to provide a stimulating and enriching cultural experience for local, national and international audiences.

Suite 1004, 102-4369 Main Street
Whistler, BC
V0N 1B4
Phone: 604-935-8035
Website: www.whistlerfilmfestival.com