Whistler Blackcomb will continue with its on-going objective of enhancing experiences for guests with newly announced plans for summer. Highlights include:
- Completion of the Blackcomb Ascent Trails: This summer will see the completion of the Blackcomb Ascent Trails with the addition of the ‘Heart Burn’ trail. This final section completes the uphill hiking trails starting at Whistler’s valley bottom and finishing at Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain. Expected opening is July 1.
- Announcement of Peak Suspension Bridge and West Ridge Viewpoint: Whistler Blackcomb has confirmed construction this summer of a new suspension bridge at the top of Whistler Mountain, which will span more than 130 metres from the top of the Peak Chair to the West Ridge Viewpoint. The new lookouts signal the resort’s commitment to the Renaissance project, and will be finished in the fall and open to the public for winter 2017/18.
- New Roundhouse Lodge Terrace and Viewing Deck: This summer will see the completion of the Roundhouse Lodge Terrace and Viewing Deck. The new upper terrace will be open to the public in July, and the lower deck will be open in August. The two new patios will add an additional 555 seats to the Roundhouse Lodge.
- Mountain Top Summer Feast: Commencing on Saturday, June 17 the Mountain Top Summer Feast takes place at 1,800 metres in the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Guests will enjoy a chef’s choice menu, paired with live music and mountain top views.
- Winemaker’s Dinner Series at Steeps Grill & Wine Bar: Returning this summer to Steeps Grill & Wine Bar in the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain, on July 29 the dinner features Nk’Mip with winemaker Randy Picton, and September 2 features Sumac Ridge with winemaker Jason James.
- Ollie’s Grilled Cheese Shack in the Fitzsimmons Zone of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park will be open during the peak summer months of July and August to feed hungry bikers and GMC Pump Track spectators.
For more information visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com
Pangea Pod Hotel, Canada’s First Pod Accommodation Concept, to open in Whistler in 2018
In April 2018 Whistler will welcome the opening of the Pangea Pod Hotel – designer pod accommodation that’s affordable, central, and social. Designed for the discerning traveller seeking a boutique hotel feel, prime location and an affordable price-point, Pangea is set to fill Whistler's void between hostels and hotels.
Pangea is situated in the centre of the pedestrian village and will feature a series of custom suites housing a total of 88 private sleeping pods. Each pod will be lined in wood and comfortably outfitted with a memory foam double mattress, high-end linens, LED lights, multiple charging and USB ports.
Guests can enjoy the hotel’s lively communal spaces, including a café, rooftop bar, and outdoor patio overlooking the Village Stroll. Pangea will also offer secure storage for skis/snowboards and mountain bikes, places to hang wet gear, and private lockers for boots and accessories.
Image courtesy of pangeapod.com
Spearhead Traverse Huts project
After eight years of planning and permitting, the Spearhead Huts Society will break ground this summer 2017 on the first of three modern alpine huts that will link Spearhead Traverse. The creation of these huts will create a year round adventure that will rival the classic hut-to-hut experience found in the Alps. The first hut, named Kees & Claire Memorial Hut will be located at Russet Lake near the foot of the iconic Fissile Peak. The Spearhead Traverse connects Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains along the Spearhead and Fitzsimmons mountain ranges.
The Audian Art Museum features Edward Burtynsky: The Scarred Earth
From June 10 – October 16, 2017 the Audain Art Museum exhibits its third Special Exhibition of 2017 - Edward Burtynsky: The Scarred Earth.
Edward Burtynsky, as a documentary photographer, has chronicled, over the past three decades, humanity’s influence over the Earth’s surface. The Scarred Earth is an intimate look at how we, as a species, have altered our physical landscape through resource extraction.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm, closed Tuesdays. Admission is $18 +GST per person. Youth 16 and under are free.
EVENT SPOTLIGHT - NEW + NOTABLE
From sport tourism to culinary and the blending of both, Whistler’s diverse event calendar continues to grow.
Crankworx Whistler
August 11-20, 2017
Crankworx Whistler has established itself as one of the most prestigious freeride mountain bike festivals in the world. The best riders and biggest bike fans come out for a week of gravity-fueled racing, slopestyle competitions, Kidsworx, bike demos and the chance to shred Whistler's trails with other like-minded bike fans. Every day of the festival offers a schedule packed with events, races and demonstrations, many of them free to watch.
BC Culture Days
September 29 to October 1, 2017
Whistler’s Audain Art Museum will present the provincial launch for the 8th annual BC Culture Days weekend (September 29 to October 1, 2017). Culture Days is a collaborative, Canada-wide volunteer movement to raise the awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of all Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities. The BC Culture Days launch will take place at the Audain Art Museum on Thursday, September 28 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. "As an institution dedicated to showcasing the art of British Columbia, we are honoured to be the host of our province’s official BC Culture Days launch event,” said Suzanne Greening, Director of the Audain Art Museum.
The launch will kick off with a public opening ceremony, followed by a Youth Art Challenge (live art making for youth aged 13 - 18), free access to the Audain Art Museum, and a showcase of local musicians. A formal program for the weekend will be announced in September.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT - NEW + NOTABLE
New Restaurant: Fifi’s Bistro in Whistler’s Upper Village
Set to open mid-August in the Upper Village, Fifi’s Bistro aims to bring Whistler a genuine hospitality experience, similar to one you would receive in a home. Focusing on scratch made cooking with fresh, local and sustainably sourced produce and a menu equally designed for dine-in or take-out meals, Fifi’s Bistro believes in providing balance. Owners Max and Kara Dobrochodow are committed to ensuring vegetarians and meat eaters can enjoy a meal and a bottle of wine graciously together, without compromise. They approach health and dietary requirements with care and consideration so there will always be a something for everyone.
Whistler Cooks opens Hunter Gather: Whistler’s newest eatery and taphouse
Whistler Cooks, the largest off-site caterer in the Sea to Sky region, has opened Hunter Gather - a Village based eatery and taphouse featuring locally crafted food and beer by Coast Mountain Brewing. After opening early June on Main Street, Hunter Gather is a place for authentic food made with passion.