By Susan H. Green
Facts About Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is the year-round skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking and hiking
resort located 72 miles (115 kilometers) north of Vancouver, British Columbia,
Canada. The scenic drive from Vancouver take about two hours, depending on road conditions.
History
Whistler was originally a fishing destination, with nearby Alta Lake becoming one of the most popular fishing areas in western Canada during the 1920s. A group of Vancouver businessmen developed Whistler into a skiing destination, and Whistler Mountain opened in 1966. Whistler Village began to develop and grow as a result, and neighboring Blackcomb Mountain opened in 1980.
Topography
Whistler and Blackcomb mountains boast top elevations of 7,160 feet (2,182 meters) and 7,494 feet (2,284 meters), respectively. Combined, they have more than 10,300 vertical feet (3,100 meters) and 8,171 acres of skiable terrain.
Fun Fact
Whistler Mountain is named after a local species of alpine marmot, which whistles when it "speaks." The mountain was originally named London Mountain.
Famous Ties
Whistler Blackcomb will be the host mountain resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.
Considerations
Traffic and parking during the peak winter season can be difficult. For tourists staying in Whistler Village or Creekside, arriving in Whistler by bus from Vancouver might be desirable. Once in Whistler, there are public bus routes connecting most of the primary locations.
About the Author:
Susan Green has ten years of business writing and proofreading experience and three years of web content writing experience. Areas of expertise include personal finance, small businesses, travel, and pet care. Susan has a bachelor's degree from Tufts University.
Photo Credits:
Morguefile.com
