YEARS OF GOING

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Beyond

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Welcome to

Whistler Blackcomb

50 YEARS IN THE MAKING

For the last five decades, Whistler Blackcomb has left its mark on those

who are drawn to these mountains. What started as an Olympic dream

in 1966, has evolved into one of the most consistently number one rated

ski resorts in North America, with a slew of accolades to back it up. From its

adventure-seeking founders to its freestyle heydays; from its early adoption

of snowboarding to its pioneering of the freeski movement; and from its

Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola to realizing its

Olympic dream in 2010, Whistler Blackcomb has amassed 50 years of snow

sport milestones.

We have a lot to celebrate, but there’s no question that the last 50 years is just the beginning.

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MARK SOLLORS >SNOWBOARD ICON

< SEAN PETTITFREESKI ICON

< YUKI TSUBOTAOLYMPIAN

MARTIN GALLANT >SNOWBOARD TRAILBLAZER

SPENCER O’BRIEN >WORLD CHAMPION

AND OLYMPIAN

< MARIELLE THOMPSONOLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST

< LUKE SMARTFREESKI GROM

MARIE-FRANCE ROY >SNOWBOARD ICON

LEANNE PELOSI >SNOWBOARD TRAILBLAZER

JIM MCCONKEYORIGINAL POWDER HOUND

>

ALEX WARBURTON >SNOWBOARD LEGEND

< KAI SMARTFREESKI GROM

MERCEDES NICOLL >OLYMPIAN

SIMON D’ARTOIS >X GAMES GOLD MEDALLIST

WAYNE WONGFREESTYLE SKIING PIONEER>

JF PELCHATSNOWBOARD LEGEND>

ERIC PEHOTABIG MOUNTAIN

PIONEER>

50 YEARS OF

Icons&

Legends

Pioneers. Renegades. Innovators. Nonconformists. Groundbreakers. Antagonists. Champions. They’re drawn here like magic. And for 50 years they’ve pushed boundaries that have inspired us to keep pace. Meet just a few of the many who have left their mark on us.

< JUSTIN LAMOUREUXOLYMPIAN

STEVE PODBORSKICRAZY CANUCK

VETERAN>

< FINN FINESTONESNOWBOARD GROM

MARK ABMAFREESKI ICON

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MAËLLE RICKER >OLYMPIC GOLD

MEDALLIST

LOGAN PEHOTA >PRO SKIER

DAN TREADWAY >FREESKI ICON

< ASHLEIGH MCIVOROLYMPIC GOLD MEDALLIST

< HUGO HARRISONFREESKI LEGEND

< SHIN CAMPOSSNOWBOARD LEGEND

< RORY BUSHFIELDFREESKI ICON

JOHN SMARTOLYMPIAN AND

FREESTYLE SKIING LEGEND

>

< JEN ASHTONPRO SKIER AND MENTOR

< JULIA MURRAYOLYMPIAN

DEXTOR >RORY AND SARAH’S DOG

< MIKE DOUGLASGODFATHER OF FREESKIING

KEN ACHENBACHSNOWBOARD PIONEER>

ERIC PEHOTABIG MOUNTAIN

PIONEER

ERIC HJORLEIFSONFREESKI ICON

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KEVIN SANSALONESNOWBOARD LEGEND

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YEARS OF GOING

JANUARY 15, 1966

Whistler Mountain Official Opening Day.

APRIL 13, 1975

The first ever quadruple backflip on skis is done by Steve Corbett on the Camel Humps on Whistler Mountain.

1970s

The ‘70s were all about helicopters in Whistler. Jim McConkey pioneered heli-skiing in the area while Whistler Mountain Ski Patrol pioneered avalanche control via helicopter and avalauncher guns — a technique now used at ski areas around the world.

1991

Whistler Resort becomes the first mountain resort outside of the USA to be named No. 1 by a major American ski magazine. Five years later, in 1996, it becomes the only resort to be simultaneously named No. 1 by Snow Country, SKI and Skiing Magazines. And it’s been winning awards ever since.

1988

Blackcomb Mountain embraces snowboard culture, al lowing all snowboarders to ride on the mountain.

DECEMBER 6, 1980

Blackcomb Mountain Official Opening Day.

1985/86

Blackcomb Mountain opens 7th Heaven terrain to access Blackcomb’s alpine by lift, making it North America’s only ‘Mile High Mountain’, while Whistler Mountain opens Peak Chair for direct access to Whistler’s alpine.

1960 1970 1980 1990

For 50 years, icons, legends and dreamers have pushed boundaries that have inspired us to keep pace—and this timeline only skims the surface. Discover our history online at whistlerblakcomb.com/50.

1996

The first World Ski & S n o w b o a r d Fe s t i v a l is born (incorporating 22 sports events and competitions, including the World Technical Skiing Championships, the World Masters Alpine Open, the Westbeach Snowboard Classic, the Air Canada Whistler Cup, the Couloir Extreme Race, the World Ski Instructors Festival, Industry Week, and the Lifty Olympics.)

1998

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park opens.

DECEMBER 2009

The Fitzsimmons Creek Renewable Energy Project is launched, producing the equivalent energy to power the ski resort’s year-round operations and significantly moving Whistler Blackcomb towards its goal of achieving a zero operating footprint.

FEBRUARY 2010

A dream come true — Vancouver and Whistler host the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.SUMMER 2004

The f irst Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival is held.

Local skier Mike Douglas and Stephen Fearing pioneer freestyle skiing with the development of the Salomon TenEighty twin tip ski.

1997

Whistler Mountain Ski Corporation (Whistler) and Intrawest Corporation (Blackcomb) merge to create one of the biggest mountain resort companies in the world.

APRIL 2015

Max Parrot lands the world ’s f i rs t Switch Quadruple Underflip 1620 on a Monster-built jump in 7th Heaven.

DECEMBER 2008

The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opens to transport guests 4.4km across the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb and breaks 3 world records instantly.

JANUARY 2016

W h i s t l e r B l a c kco m b celebrates the 50th anniversary of the opening of Whistler Mountain .

2000 2010 2016

Whatsets us

Apart

THE PEOPLE. THE PLACE. THE PASSION.

Whistler Blackcomb has become synonymous with towering peaks, deep

snow, innovative ideas and the passionate people who are drawn to it all.

Pacific storms collide with the Coast Mountain Range, reliably depositing

an average of over 11.6 metres of snow each year. Vast alpine bowls and

ancient glaciers stretch down to meet a seemingly endless variety of

glades, groomers and learning areas that make up the most terrain in

North America. The Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

stretches 4.4 kilometres between the tops of the two mountains to provide

an unparallelled experience and a glimpse at an engineering feat. And finally,

legendary big mountain athletes, Olympians and Paralympians mingle with

the snow industry’s pre-eminent writers, photographers and filmmakers,

creating a cultural mecca that has made Whistler Blackcomb the No. 1 ski

resort in North America.

And while Whistler Blackcomb is defined by winter, that’s only half of

what makes it special. It’s spring glacier skiing and riding on Blackcomb’s

renowned Hortsman Glacier. It’s long, warm summer days that start with

ripping trails in the world’s best mountain bike park or a hike through

pristine alpine peaks, and end with a beer on a sunny patio. It’s the

early-morning anticipation of winter that lingers in the crisp autumn air

as the seasonal cycle begins to repeat itself.

It’s the inspirational pull of the mountains, and the gravitational pull that fuels all the adventures within them.

What’s Newon the

Mountains

BIG IDEAS COME TO LIFE

Progression and innovation are the driving forces behind Whistler Blackcomb’s ongoing upgrades. The engineering feat of the Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a testament to this dedication, but it’s not the only commitment we’ve made to push the envelope of ski resort infrastructure and guest experience.

Rendezvous Lodge RenovationThe Rendezvous Lodge atop Blackcomb Mountain reopens with more

seating, an improved layout and fresh, customizable menu options in the

food court. Highlights include a sushi counter, a wok station, a Mexican

stand and a burger bar.

Revamped Christine’s RestaurantChristine’s Restaurant in Rendezvous Lodge elevates the fine dining experience

at Whistler Blackcomb with new interior décor, upgraded kitchen facilities

and a redesigned menu from head chef Steve Ramey, who came to Whistler

Blackcomb from the award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant in Vancouver.

Crystal Ridge & Harmony 6 Express ChairliftsThe opening of Crystal Ridge Express and Harmony 6 Express chairlifts

in 2013.14 dramatically improved Whistler Blackcomb’s uphill capacity.

But more importantly, the two lifts expanded access to some of the most

well-loved terrain for beginner, intermediate and expert skiers.

New Whistler Village Gondola CabinsNew cabins on the Whistler Village Gondola made the journey into the alpine

more enjoyable when they debuted for the 2014.15 season. The renovation

included comfortable seating, quieter infrastructure, and an overhaul of

the base, “mid” Olympic Station and top terminals to reduce congestion.

WB+For 2015.16, Whistler Blackcomb unveils WB+, an interactive platform

connected to the resort’s RFID technology that tracks guests’ ski days and

vertical stats. The platform is equipped with goals and badges so guests can

celebrate their achievements.

TELUS Wi-FiDesignated Inukshuks at various landmarks and chairlifts and a number

of lodges throughout Whistler Blackcomb provide guests with free TELUS

Wi-Fi hotspots.

PEAK 2 PEAKGondola

BREAKING RECORDS AND BLOWING MINDS

Nothing exemplifies Whistler Blackcomb’s dedication to innovation better

than the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. This awe-inspiring, engineering feat breaks

three world records, as the longest unsupported span in the world, the tallest

lift of its kind and the largest continuous lift network anywhere—the first two

of which are recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. A ride on the

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a 4.4 kilometre journey between the top of Whistler

and Blackcomb Mountains. Crossing 436 metres above the valley floor, and

providing 360 degree views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers, as well as

an opportunity for a glass-bottomed view to the ground, the PEAK 2 PEAK is

a jaw-dropping experience that needs to be ridden to be believed.

The PEAK 2 PEAK isn’t just a technological marvel. It is the single best way to make the most of a day on Whistler Blackcomb. In just 11 minutes, skiers and riders can move between mountains to chase the sun, seek new powder stashes, or simply access the best alpine skiing on both Whistler and Blackcomb in the same day. For sightseers, the gondola creates access to Whistler Blackcomb’s spectacular mountaintop environments for anyone to enjoy, any time of year.

Whistler

Heli-Skiing

THE ROUTE TO SKIING NIRVANA

If you’re a skier or snowboarder, you’ve likely dreamt of it: just you, atop

a majestic peak, and an untracked, perfect, pristine blanket of white laid

out before you. Yours for the taking. It’s a heli-ski dream that Whistler

Blackcomb is proud to make happen for many of its guests each year with

Whistler Heli-Skiing.

British Columbia’s coastal mountains make for some of the best heli-ski

conditions in the world, and experiencing this with Whistler Heli-Skiing  is,

without a doubt, snow nirvana: 432,000 acres of exclusive terrain,

wide-open bowls, 173 glaciers, and absolutely breathtaking peaks.

With 475 runs that range from intermediate to expert, friendly, multi-lingual

and certified guides with a reputation for safety and guest satisfaction,

and over 30 years of experience, Whistler Heli-Skiing is the most trusted

operator in the region. Unlike many heli-ski operators that offer only

multi-day packages, Whistler Heli-Skiing offers several one-day options

for skiers or snowboarders.

And while some think of heli-skiing as a once in a lifetime experience, those who’ve had a taste always want more.

Creating

Memories

FAMILY MATTERS

There’s something about the majesty and immensity of these mountains that makes people feel a part of something much bigger in life. There’s an energy that enchants them, connects them and makes them feel capable of so much more. Maybe that’s why Whistler Blackcomb is a special place for families from all over the world, where generations come together to bond with each other and with this special environment.

Whistler Blackcomb’s dedication to families shines through its vast terrain and

varied activities. In the winter, that means 8,171 acres to entice every type of skier

and snowboarder, designated on-hill family zones, and a 4.4 kilometre sightseeing

journey in the Guinness World Record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. In the summer,

that means pristine alpine adventures, a world-renowned bike park, and events to keep

you entertained from sunrise to well past sunset.

Whistler’s famous village has no shortage of family-style accommodation options and,

of course, the friendly and compact pedestrian village means you can keep the family

together while exploring your favourite off-hill activities.

Winter HighlightsN Cruiser runs & alpine bowlsN Nintendo Terrain ParksN Family Certified zonesN Fresh Tracks Mountaintop

Breakfast presented by The Globe and Mail

N Snow School lessonsN Coca Cola Tube Park

Summer HighlightsN Alpine hikingN Heli toursN Family Adventure Zone

presented by NintendoN Mountaintop diningN Bear toursN Glacier walks

Village HighlightsN ShoppingN Casual & fine diningN Mountainside lodgingN Village strollingN Slopeside aprèsN Ongoing events

Our

Olympic Legacy

BORN FOR THE GAMES

Despite the fact that Whistler Blackcomb was literally built to host the

Olympics, it took 50 years and five separate Olympic bids before “the greatest

show on earth” arrived in the resort. When it finally did, it was unanimous—

the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games was a shining moment

for Whistler. The spirit of the Games was exemplified in the resort’s own

spirit of progression, innovation, inclusive friendliness, outdoor adventure

and world-class performance.

Today, that spirit lives on in on-mountain legacies that are training grounds

for future Olympians and playgrounds for Whistler Blackcomb guests.

Whistler Blackcomb’s Nintendo Terrain Parks are an Olympic training

facility for six events at the Winter Games—Ski Cross, Snowboard Cross,

Ski Halfpipe, Snowboard Halfpipe, Ski Slopestyle and Snowboard Slopestyle.

Guests at Whistler Blackcomb can ski or ride those same terrain parks as

well as the runs that held the 2010 Olympic Downhill, Super-G, Giant Slalom,

Slalom and Super Combined race courses, experiencing every tight turn,

drop, fall-away, and even “Hot Air”, just as the Olympians did.

An Olympic display in the Roundhouse Lodge atop Whistler Mountain documents the historic event and points guests towards the legendary Olympic race run, the Dave Murray Downhill.

Festivalsand

Events

EVENTS THAT ARE AS ICONIC AS THE PLACE

It seems only fitting that Whistler Blackcomb’s festivals and events have

become as iconic and influential as the place itself. Twice each year,

the world of action sports descends on Whistler Blackcomb to celebrate all

that is awesome in mountain sports. From the ultimate ski and snowboard

celebration at The World Ski & Snowboard Festival in April, to mountain

biking’s most famous gathering at the Crankworx Whistler Freeride Mountain

Bike Festival in August, nothing matches the combination of the world’s best

athletes, world-class competitions, sport spectacles, outdoor concerts, arts

and culture exhibits and memorable parties. The energy and excitement

spawned by a crowd of 25,000 stoked fans taking in a Whistler Blackcomb

festival is beyond compare.

In between the main events, Whistler Blackcomb keeps the spirit of

celebration alive. Rarely a week goes by without a festival, event or

competition that draws mountain enthusiasts from in town or around

the globe. Take a locally grown mountain culture event like the Arc’teryx

Deep Winter Photo Challenge, presented by GORE-TEX, for example. Now in

its second decade, six of the best ski and snowboard photographers are tasked

with documenting the storm season at Whistler Blackcomb in a 72-hour

marathon of shooting and editing.

Squeeze in events like the Bulleit Bourbon Canadian National BBQ Championships, the Phat Wednesdays weekly mountain bike race series and the famous 180-gate Peak to Valley Race (to name just a few), and every week of the year is covered with something to celebrate.

Our

Environment

A RESPONSIBILITY TO THIS MAGNIFICENT PLACE

With every new advancement, whether constructing the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

or opening a new chairlift, we stop to take stock of what is most important.

One look at the environment in which we do business is all it takes to realize

our focus on sustainable practices is paramount. The passionate and dedicated

people of Whistler Blackcomb are committed to protecting this playground;

working every day to move closer to the worthy goal of one day achieving

a zero operating footprint. They understand that to provide exceptional

experiences in a pristine, rugged and beautiful natural environment, you

have to continue to take small, meaningful steps to minimize impact and

implement sustainable practices. Since 2000, Whistler Blackcomb has reduced

its waste by more than 70 percent through the use of non-disposable dishes

and cutlery, the recycling of over 25 types of materials from paper and plastic

to electronics and ski poles, as well as the implementation of composting

in all mountain facilities. Whistler Blackcomb staff are engaged through

EnviroFund, which allows them to contribute a percentage from their pay

cheques to help fund local environmental initiatives. In addition, Whistler

Blackcomb has partnered on the Fitzsimmons Creek Renewable Energy

Project, which returns back to the power grid what Whistler Blackcomb

consumes annually—33 gigawatt hours—the equivalent of powering the ski

resort’s winter and summer operations including 37 lifts, 17 restaurants,

270 snowguns and countless other buildings and services.

This is a company comprised of mountain-lovers who have a personal relationship with their environment. They acknowledge there is a long way to go, but even small things can make a big difference. Whistler Blackcomb has emerged as a role model for others in the protection of the very thing that it is closest to—the environment.

Summerin the

Mountains

THE PEAK 2 PEAK 360 EXPERIENCE

Winter may be Whistler Blackcomb’s most celebrated season, but summer is

the hidden jewel in these rough and rugged mountains. From early-morning

scrambles up glacial landscapes to sunset dining on an alpine patio,

the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience is the key to enjoying summer to its

fullest extent. The full 360 Experience begins at 1,800 metres in Whistler

Blackcomb’s rugged alpine, where the Guinness World Record-breaking

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connects the two mountains for boundless adventures.

One pass provides access to a wide breadth of vibrant alpine adventures that constantly unfold throughout summer’s ever-changing glory.

PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience Signature HighlightsN PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola ridesN Open-air chairlift ridesN 50+ km of alpine walking, hiking and running trailsN Free and custom guided toursN Bear and wildlife viewingsN Mountaintop dining and barbequesN Glacial sightseeing

WhistlerMountain

Bike Park

A WORLD LEADER IN MOUNTAIN BIKING

Thanks to over 15 years of ground-breaking innovation in the

Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Whistler Blackcomb is widely-acknowledged

as a mecca for gravity-fueled, mountain biking enthusiasts. Downhill

mountain biking is rooted in these mountains, and they are home to both

riders who have grown to become icons of the sport, and park builders

who are blazing new trails with innovative track, feature and stunt

building techniques. Their accomplishments have set the benchmark

for others the world over.

Each year, Whistler Blackcomb celebrates its relationship with freeride and downhill mountain biking with the mother of all bike parties: Crankworx Whistler. The event celebrated its ten-year anniversary in 2013. It features every discipline of freeride mountain biking including downhill and enduro; biking spectacles including a Diamond Level slopestyle event on the Freeride Mountain Biking World Tour; and outdoor concerts and parties.

On-mountain

Dining

DINING WITH AN ALTITUDE

Exploring Whistler Blackcomb is not only about the glaciers and glades

but also the fresh and mouth-watering cuisine served up in locations that

defy description. What better way to resonate with guests from around the

world than to introduce them to the finest local and regional ingredients

of BC’s South Coast, while serving up healthy meal options and exciting,

new flavours. 

Wolfgang Sterr joined Whistler Blackcomb as Executive Chef in 2011.

Arriving in Whistler from the Bavarian Alps, he contributes a lifelong

passion for food and skiing, combined with an expertise in Italian, French,

German and Canadian cuisine. From the vegan and vegetarian menu at

Raven’s Nest, to the high altitude fine dining at Steeps and Christine’s,

Chef Sterr shares Whistler Blackcomb’s commitment to quality, innovation

and sustainability. In 2015, Steve Ramey also joined the culinary team as

Head Chef at Christine’s Restaurant. Coming from the contemporary,

award-winning Hawksworth Restaurant in Vancouver, Chef Ramey brings

fresh flavour and creativity to the mountaintop fine dining restaurant inside

Rendezvous Lodge.

Whistler Blackcomb celebrates après with the dedication it too deserves, marking the end of an adventurous day with drinks, food, live music and tall tales. Dusty’s Bar and BBQ in Creekside, the Garibaldi Lift Co. (GLC) in the Village and Merlin’s Bar & Grill at Blackcomb have all helped Whistler Blackcomb earn the impressive ranking as the No.1 resort in the world for its après experience.

Look for these diet-specific icons on menus at each restaurant.

Shoppingand

Rentals

NEED A LITTLE RETAIL THERAPY?

While shopping at Whistler Blackcomb may be just what the doctor ordered,

chances are it’s what the environment ordered as well. Having the right

gear is essential for making the most of a mountain vacation—from the

latest in high-performance ski or snowboard equipment, to technical

outerwear designed for Whistler’s winter conditions, to lifestyle fashion

from the hottest brands in outdoor sports. Whistler Blackcomb’s retail focus

is twofold: deliver the best products from the world’s premier mountain

brands, through staff who have a unique knowledge and expertise that

comes from living, working and playing in these same mountains.

Whistler Blackcomb’s retail specialists understand what Whistler’s

conditions demand, and are trained to ensure the right fit in the right

product for each and every customer. That’s something you just can’t buy

in your typical urban sports store.

Whistler Blackcomb’s shopping experiences include five CAN-SKI locations (Whistler’s premiere ski shop since 1975), Showcase Snowboards, Patagonia, Columbia, Quiksilver, provisioner and The North Face. There is a Salomon store which features the Performance Lab for bootfitting, as well as two Whistler Blackcomb Store locations for an amazing selection of official Whistler Blackcomb merchandise. In the summer, Garbanzo Bike & Bean is the hub for all your mountain bike needs.

STATS & FACTSWhistler Blackcomb - CombinedAverage Snowfall 1,163 centimetres / 458 inches / 38.2 feet per year

Total Terrain 8,171 acres / 3,307 hectares

Trails 200+

Number of Bowls 16

Longitude/Latitude 122 longitude, 50 latitude

Mountain Restaurants 17, with a total of 6,540 restaurant seats

Highest Lift 2,284 metres / 7,494 feet

Vertical 1,609 metres / 5,280 feet

Whistler Village Elevation 675 metres / 2,214 feet

Creekside Base Elevation 653 metres / 2,140 feet

Number of Lifts 37 including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

Hourly Lift Capacity 69,939 skiers per hour

(including PEAK 2 PEAK)

Whistler MountainVertical 1,530 metres / 5,020 feet

Top Elevation 2,182 metres / 7,160 feet

Skiable Terrain 4,757 acres / 1,925 hectares

Terrain Type (beg, int, adv) 20%, 55%, 25%

Trails 100+

Terrain Parks and Pipes 2 parks

Longest Run 11 kilometres / 7 miles: Burnt Stew to Side-Winder,

Upper & Lower Olympic

Mountain Restaurants 8

Blackcomb MountainVertical 1,609 metres / 5,280 feet

Top Elevation 2,284 metres / 7,494 feet

Skiable Terrain 3,414 acres / 1,382 hectares

Terrain Type (beg, int, adv) 15%, 55%, 30%

Trails 100+

Terrain Parks and Pipes 3 parks, 1 Super Pipe, 1 Snow Cross Track

Longest Run 11 kilometres / 7 miles: Green Road down Easy Out

Mountain Restaurants 9

Photos: Michael Allen, Eric Berger, Mike Crane, Erik Graham, Jussi Grznar, Blake Jorgenson, Toshi Kawano, David McColm, Paul Morrison, Robin O’Neill, Margus Riga, Emily Serrell: Coast Mountain Photography, David Steer, Whistler Museum

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