Media Releases

Tuesday, August 14, 2018

The RBC GranFondo pedals into Whistler

Whistler, B.C. – The RBC GranFondo Whistler returns to the scenic Sea to Sky Highway and pedals into Whistler on September 8. The epic 122km ride challenges over 4,500 riders representing 45 countries to bike from Vancouver’s Stanley Park to Whistler Village. With an endless supply of adventure, there’s plenty to do in Whistler after the big race.

Riders are given the option to choose from three scenic and challenging rides: the GranFondo, the Forte, and new this year, the Medio. The GranFondo will tour riders along the Sea to Sky Highway starting in Stanley Park and ending 122km later in Whistler Village. The Forte offers riders an extra challenge along the GranFondo route with an added detour up and down the Cypress Mountain switchbacks before continuing on to Whistler Village for a total of 152km. New for this year, the Medio will start and finish in Whistler Village as participants will ride 55km into the Callaghan Valley then return to the village finish line.

Riders will find no better place than Whistler to sit back and relax after the GranFondo experience. Soothe tired and sore muscles with a massage and dip in the hot and cool baths at the Scandinave Spa. Participants can toast to victory with fellow riders and supportive friends and family at one of the many restaurants and bars in the village. Head to Lost Lake or Rainbow Park for a sun-soaked hangout on a beach or dive in for a cooling lake swim. Finally, a comfortable good night’s rest at one of Whistler’s world-class hotels or lodges is the perfect way for participants to recharge for next day adventures.

Adventure never ends in Whistler. From thrill seeking ventures to family-friendly and fun experiences in the wilderness, there are plenty of activities to explore after GranFondo. Guests can reach new heights with a ride on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola for spectacular views of the Whistler Valley and alpine. Chooses to wander Whistler Mountain on a mountain top hike surrounded by wildflowers or venture in the valley and uncover a local secret like the Train Wreck. GranFondo participants and spectators alike can also keep pedaling throughout Whistler along the scenic Valley Trail, or crush dirt with a downhill ride in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

After conquering an exhilarating ride of GranFondo, participants deserve to unwind and take in the sights. Book your GranFondo and Whistler experience with confidence at www.whistler.com. With the best price guarantee, Whistler.com, the official central reservations for Whistler, offers one-stop shopping with the largest selection and no booking fee for accommodation or activities. Travel consultants at Whistler.com are based in Whistler, with the call centre located in the heart of Whistler Village. Call 1.800.944.7853 to request a no-obligation quote or visit whistler.com for more details and offers.

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Whistler is Canada's premier year-round leisure and meeting destination located in the Coast Mountains 120 kilometres (75 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Consistently rated the top ski resort in North America, Whistler was the Host Mountain Resort of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The resort offers an extensive range of accommodations totaling 10,000 bedrooms among 24 hotels as well as townhomes, condos, B&Bs and chalets. Whistler also boasts more than 100 restaurants and bars, 200 retail shops, 25 spas and countless activity options from world-renowned skiing and snowboarding, mountain biking and golf, to hiking, rock climbing, and watersports. The Resort Municipality of Whistler is home to a diverse community of more than 10,000 permanent residents.

Tourism Whistler is the member-based marketing and sales organization representing Whistler, operating the Whistler Conference Centre, Whistler Golf Club, Whistler Visitor Centre, as well as 1.800.944.7853 and whistler.com - Whistler's official source for visitor bookings and information. As the convention and visitors bureau for the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Tourism Whistler represents more than 7,000 members who own, manage and operate properties or businesses on resort lands including hotels, restaurants, activity operators and retail shops.

Media can visit whistler.com/media for Whistler facts, media releases, story starters, local personality profiles and access to images and B-roll.

Broadcasters: Whistler now has the capability to take you live with our enhanced fibre network. The significantly expanded network of more than 200 kilometres of fibre optic cabling throughout the resort allows instant transmission of HD signals to any location at any time. Details on how to access, and book the fibre are available on our media site.

Media Contact

Michelle Fernandes
Coordinator, Communications
T: 604.938.2726
E: mfernandes@tourismwhistler.com

Bree Eagles
Coordinator, Travel Media
T: 604.938.2718
E: beagles@tourismwhistler.com

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