Atop the Pacific Coast mountain range, just 78 miles north of the internationally acclaimed city of Vancouver, is the little resort town of Whistler. In 2010 the Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games were held there, bringing the region a new kind of international fame. However before 2010, Whistler was known for its incredible natural beauty. During the spring and summer, the area is lush with ancient forests, endemic plant life and amazing wildlife. In winter, Whistler is for skiers and snowboarders. The mountains become speckled with carefree travelers whisking down hills and gliding along snowy paths.
Like any resort town, there is the ebb and flow of young seasonal workers seeking a way to pay for post-secondary education or fund their own snow-related hobby. The number of permanent residents in Whistler run about 10,000 according to a 2006 census, but almost 12,000 people own a second home there. The estimated number of seasonal workers per year average about 2500. To put that in perspective, consider that Aspen has a permanent population of almost 6000 in just a 3.5 square mile area. The density is quite high compared to that of Whistler where 10,000 people are spread over 62 square miles. In other words, there are approximately 1689.7 people living in each square mile of Aspen, Colorado, but just 142 for every square mile of Whistler (including non-permanent residents and seasonal workers). That's quite a difference.
Part of what makes Whistler such a wonderful retreat is the climate. The winters are cool and wet, while the summers are warm and dry - but without the nasty extreme highs and lows. For a resort town like Whistler, snow in winter is important for attracting the ski crowd. So winters are cool enough to produce good solid snow, with an average low of minus six degrees Celsius in December and January. February and March are still cold enough for snow, averaging between minus four and minus two degrees Celsius. Thankfully those severely cold temperatures that freeze your eyebrows are uncommon. Instead, Whistler has the privilege of being a lovely winter retreat with quiet gentle snow falling on the majestic Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
In summer, the little resort town is just as beautiful with just as many outdoors activities and is not plagued by oppressive heat. From June to September the average daily temperature sits around 20 degrees Celsius, but can climb up to 25 or 30 degrees Celsius. That warmth is well suited to a mountain top getaway, where air is clear and the breeze is scented with the old Douglas Firs in the surrounding forests. Numerous trails wind their way around Whistler Mountain, patiently waiting for visitors to jump on a bike or grab a walking stick and explore the area. With mild spring and summer temperatures, activities like hiking and biking are much more enjoyable than in the choking heat of other resorts.
Other summer activities found in Whistler include whitewater rafting, zip line and bungee jumping. Keeping in mind Whistler the town is located just at the foot of Whistler Mountain; there are several naturally occurring venues for such amped-up activities as those listed above. Whitewater rafting is at its peak in spring, as that is the time snow begins to melt on the mountain top and fuel the rivers around the resort. All tours are lead by qualified and experienced guides, but these trips are not for those who don't enjoy a thrill! Zip lining is a fabulous activity for those who don't feel like getting wet, but want a buzz. Cables are anchored from platform to platform in and around the little creeks and valleys of Whistler Mountain, all available for use year round. Be sure to wear a helmet! Bungee jumping is equally exciting, but Whistler Bungee takes it to another level by being the highest year-round site in BC. The jumper will plunge a heart-stopping 160 feet down towards the Cheakamus River before being bounced back up again.
There are many other wonderful things about Whistler that don't include adrenaline. The Whistler Blackcomb Peak2Peak Gondola rides are an incredible way to see the genuine beauty of the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Old growth forests cover the mountains, and if you look closely you may see a few of the endemic wildlife who call the region their home. The Peak2Peak is the longest unsupported lift in the world, stretching 1.88 miles, and is the highest as well, reaching its peak at 1427 feet.
The area was and is home to black bears, black-tailed deer, coyote, grouse, hawks, owls, marmots and numerous other species. With that in mind, Whistler was designed with conservation as the first priority. It is a pedestrian village, meaning access to the galleries, restaurants, shops, accommodation and ski resorts is via walking. The closeness of all the amenities gives the village a closer, more intimate appeal. It is perfect for retreating from the hustle of life.
Like any resort town, there is the ebb and flow of young seasonal workers seeking a way to pay for post-secondary education or fund their own snow-related hobby. The number of permanent residents in Whistler run about 10,000 according to a 2006 census, but almost 12,000 people own a second home there. The estimated number of seasonal workers per year average about 2500. To put that in perspective, consider that Aspen has a permanent population of almost 6000 in just a 3.5 square mile area. The density is quite high compared to that of Whistler where 10,000 people are spread over 62 square miles. In other words, there are approximately 1689.7 people living in each square mile of Aspen, Colorado, but just 142 for every square mile of Whistler (including non-permanent residents and seasonal workers). That's quite a difference.
Part of what makes Whistler such a wonderful retreat is the climate. The winters are cool and wet, while the summers are warm and dry - but without the nasty extreme highs and lows. For a resort town like Whistler, snow in winter is important for attracting the ski crowd. So winters are cool enough to produce good solid snow, with an average low of minus six degrees Celsius in December and January. February and March are still cold enough for snow, averaging between minus four and minus two degrees Celsius. Thankfully those severely cold temperatures that freeze your eyebrows are uncommon. Instead, Whistler has the privilege of being a lovely winter retreat with quiet gentle snow falling on the majestic Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
In summer, the little resort town is just as beautiful with just as many outdoors activities and is not plagued by oppressive heat. From June to September the average daily temperature sits around 20 degrees Celsius, but can climb up to 25 or 30 degrees Celsius. That warmth is well suited to a mountain top getaway, where air is clear and the breeze is scented with the old Douglas Firs in the surrounding forests. Numerous trails wind their way around Whistler Mountain, patiently waiting for visitors to jump on a bike or grab a walking stick and explore the area. With mild spring and summer temperatures, activities like hiking and biking are much more enjoyable than in the choking heat of other resorts.
Other summer activities found in Whistler include whitewater rafting, zip line and bungee jumping. Keeping in mind Whistler the town is located just at the foot of Whistler Mountain; there are several naturally occurring venues for such amped-up activities as those listed above. Whitewater rafting is at its peak in spring, as that is the time snow begins to melt on the mountain top and fuel the rivers around the resort. All tours are lead by qualified and experienced guides, but these trips are not for those who don't enjoy a thrill! Zip lining is a fabulous activity for those who don't feel like getting wet, but want a buzz. Cables are anchored from platform to platform in and around the little creeks and valleys of Whistler Mountain, all available for use year round. Be sure to wear a helmet! Bungee jumping is equally exciting, but Whistler Bungee takes it to another level by being the highest year-round site in BC. The jumper will plunge a heart-stopping 160 feet down towards the Cheakamus River before being bounced back up again.
There are many other wonderful things about Whistler that don't include adrenaline. The Whistler Blackcomb Peak2Peak Gondola rides are an incredible way to see the genuine beauty of the forests of the Pacific Northwest. Old growth forests cover the mountains, and if you look closely you may see a few of the endemic wildlife who call the region their home. The Peak2Peak is the longest unsupported lift in the world, stretching 1.88 miles, and is the highest as well, reaching its peak at 1427 feet.
The area was and is home to black bears, black-tailed deer, coyote, grouse, hawks, owls, marmots and numerous other species. With that in mind, Whistler was designed with conservation as the first priority. It is a pedestrian village, meaning access to the galleries, restaurants, shops, accommodation and ski resorts is via walking. The closeness of all the amenities gives the village a closer, more intimate appeal. It is perfect for retreating from the hustle of life.
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