Some cool vacation village resort images:
DSC03297
Image by Alex Dodd
what i'm listening to:
The Roundhouse on Whistler Mountain taken from the Peak Chairlift...
Image by Rick Leche
The two previously separate ski areas of Whistler and Blackcomb have been systematically integrated into one mega-resort since 1997[1] when Intrawest finally completed the addition of neighboring Whistler Mountain to their Blackcomb ownership. Together they form the largest single ski area in North America at 8,171 acres (33.07 km²), over 50% larger than that of Vail, the runner-up, with 5,289 acres (21.41 km²). Their combined areas also boast the highest "vertical drop" in North America, with Blackcomb being the highest at 1564 m (5,133 ft), but often rounded to one mile for marketing purposes (these vertical statistics are in contrast to the resort-promoted statistics in the right column of this page). Whistler is only slightly "shorter", at 1530 m (5,018 ft), making it the second highest vertical drop. The highest lift elevation, on Blackcomb, is 2240 m (7347 ft), and the combined terrain is accessed by 24 major lifts.
The mountains are accessed primarily by two gondolas, one for each mountain, meeting at the base of Whistler in Whistler Village. A third gondola, serving Whistler only, is located some distance to the south at the Creekside base. Traversing from one mountain to the other is currently possible only at the bottom, via the gondolas. Combined ticketing, pass, and access control systems for the two ski areas were finally integrated in 2003.
A new gondola connecting the two mountains named the "Peak to Peak Gondola", has been in the planning stages for several years. It was officially announced on April 17, 2007, and is currently planned for completion by December 2008. When completed, the lift will have a total length of 4.4 km (2.7 mi) and the longest unsupported span for a lift of its kind in the world at 3,024 m (9,921 ft), while also being the highest lift of its kind above the valley floor at 415 m (1,362 ft) above Fitzsimmons Creek. The new gondola will have a capacity of 28 persons per cabin, and 2050 persons per hour in each direction.[2]
The well-developed village contains several large hotels, eateries and bars, condominiums, and vacation homes. The village is 675 m (2,214 ft) above sea level, and is located approximately 126 km (78 miles) from Vancouver, and Vancouver International Airport. Whistler Village serves as the model for Intrawest's other properties, such as Solitude Ski Resort in Utah. A new village, Creekside, is currently being developed several kilometers away from the main village, and is served by the third gondola.
Whistler Blackcomb will host events for the 2010 Winter Olympics, including the men's and women's slalom, giant slalom, bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton events.
Another view of the summer colours of Blackcomb Mountain
Image by Rick Leche
The two previously separate ski areas of Whistler and Blackcomb have been systematically integrated into one mega-resort since 1997[1] when Intrawest finally completed the addition of neighboring Whistler Mountain to their Blackcomb ownership. Together they form the largest single ski area in North America at 8,171 acres (33.07 km²), over 50% larger than that of Vail, the runner-up, with 5,289 acres (21.41 km²). Their combined areas also boast the highest "vertical drop" in North America, with Blackcomb being the highest at 1564 m (5,133 ft), but often rounded to one mile for marketing purposes (these vertical statistics are in contrast to the resort-promoted statistics in the right column of this page). Whistler is only slightly "shorter", at 1530 m (5,018 ft), making it the second highest vertical drop. The highest lift elevation, on Blackcomb, is 2240 m (7347 ft), and the combined terrain is accessed by 24 major lifts.
The mountains are accessed primarily by two gondolas, one for each mountain, meeting at the base of Whistler in Whistler Village. A third gondola, serving Whistler only, is located some distance to the south at the Creekside base. Traversing from one mountain to the other is currently possible only at the bottom, via the gondolas. Combined ticketing, pass, and access control systems for the two ski areas were finally integrated in 2003.
A new gondola connecting the two mountains named the "Peak to Peak Gondola", has been in the planning stages for several years. It was officially announced on April 17, 2007, and is currently planned for completion by December 2008. When completed, the lift will have a total length of 4.4 km (2.7 mi) and the longest unsupported span for a lift of its kind in the world at 3,024 m (9,921 ft), while also being the highest lift of its kind above the valley floor at 415 m (1,362 ft) above Fitzsimmons Creek. The new gondola will have a capacity of 28 persons per cabin, and 2050 persons per hour in each direction.[2]
The well-developed village contains several large hotels, eateries and bars, condominiums, and vacation homes. The village is 675 m (2,214 ft) above sea level, and is located approximately 126 km (78 miles) from Vancouver, and Vancouver International Airport. Whistler Village serves as the model for Intrawest's other properties, such as Solitude Ski Resort in Utah. A new village, Creekside, is currently being developed several kilometers away from the main village, and is served by the third gondola.
Whistler Blackcomb will host events for the 2010 Winter Olympics, including the men's and women's slalom, giant slalom, bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton events.
