Whistler Vibe
Welcome to Tourism Whistler's media newsletter, featuring information on what's new, upcoming events, as well as quirky
and interesting Whistler story ideas.
MAY 2012
Suggested tweet: May kicks off #Whistler triathlon season – golf, bike, ski/ride all in one day
What's New
007 … Grass, Bent Grass
The Whistler Golf Club has just installed all new greens – a year-long process from seed to grass to installation – using a special species of grass known as 007 Bent Grass that’s particularly resistant to snow and ice damage, while also providing a smoother putting surface. This is the resort’s first golf course, designed by Arnold Palmer, which opened in 1983. These new greens replace the original ones installed almost 30 years ago. Course opens mid-May.
A true West Coast Mountain Bike Experience
New for this year, Whistler Mountain Bike Park is offering a program mix allowing participants to take in one of the best days on a mountain bike all summer. Under the guidance of the knowledgeable Bike Park staff, riders will learn there is more to riding in Whistler than just the Bike Park. The expansive Cross Country (XC) and All Mountain (AM) trail network has over 350 km of intertwined single track that could take an entire season to experience, so why not have a guide custom tailor an epic ride.
Mountain Bike Trails Database
The Mountain Bike Trails Database is a new feature now available on Whistler.com. This database was built to showcase the extensive cross-country and on-mountain trail network equaling more than 450 km of intertwined single-track in and around Whistler. This interactive map is intended to provide an overview of trails, their locations and degree of difficulty allowing users to click on individual trails to access more detailed GPS information.
Riding on ‘Top of the World'
Whistler Mountain Bike Park will open their first alpine-specific single track trail in summer of 2012. The new trail – offering 360 degree views of the surrounding glaciers, lakes and peaks – will increase the park’s vertical by 1,091 feet. With over 60 trails and 4,946 feet of vertical, Whistler Mountain Bike Park offers more trails and more vertical feet than any other bike park in North America. The trail will begin at the top of Peak Chair, descending through three climate zones: Alpine Tundra, Mountain Hemlock and Temperate Rainforest. A limit of 100 riders per day will be permitted on the new trail, opening up new terrain to eager advanced riders ready to test their skills on Whistler’s alpine slopes.
Whistler Stories
Faces of Whistler – Brian Finestone, Mountain Parks Man
Brian Finestone is the Manager of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in the summer (and leader of Terrain Parks at Whistler Blackcomb in the winter). On a daily basis Brian is the point man for Bike Park operations, helps design trails and courses, organizes guides and instructors and helps facilitate media requests. A bestselling author, photographer and bike fanatic, Brian spends equal time riding DH, XC and BMX. Over the course of his 20 years in Whistler he has explored every corner of the mountains and valley.
“Originally, I planned to take a year off from University to shred and shoot photos to get it “out of my system”, it is now 20 years later and I’m still not quite sure if it is out so I better stick around to make sure,” said Brian.
Now he shares his knowledge of mountain biking and the mountains with his son Finn who promises to upstage him on dirt and snow in short order.
Gaper Day – celebrating the end-of-season
From the first day of ski season Whistler locals appreciate every run they get in. Throughout the season you often hear the locals bragging about their number of days on the mountains. Spring’s arrival signifies the season’s finale is near, however instead of lamenting the end of the beloved winter, Whistler-ites honour it. “Gaper Day” marks the last day of the season in Whistler – skiers and riders flock to the mountains dressed in outlandish costumes (a favourite being the one-piece ski suit circa 1970) to make the most of this last day. Whether shredding, skiing or pond-skimming – Gaper Day is the cherry on yet another epic winter season.
Events
Coming Soon...
Get further information about these events at whistler.com/events
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More fresh ideas, story starters, photography and b-roll can be found by visiting the Tourism Whistler Media Room:
www.whistler.com/media.