Topography of Whistler
Whistler, British Columbia is located 125 kilometers north of Vancouver in the coastal mountain range. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are the two mountains framing the town of Whistler and the source of the many winter and summer activities that are the feature of this resort town. The mountains form part of the Pacific Range of the Coast Mountains.
History of Whistler
Whistler, BC and the surrounding region has a rich history extending back to the nomadic Coast Salish First Nations people, its first inhabitants as well as the Lil’wat and Squamish Nations. The first Europeans settled in the area in the 1860’s. Legend has it they were responsible for the Whistler name, choosing it after the whistling sound made by the western hoary marmot that also makes its home in the area.
Whistler and the 2010 Olympics
Vancouver, BC hosted the 22nd Winter Olympics in February 2010 with its neighbor, Whistler providing host to the alpine events. Whistler also took centre stage as host to the 2010 Paralympic Games following the Olympics.
Outdoor Activities
Whistler’s reputation as both a winter and summer resort destination is well known. Well over two million people visit Whistler each year. Major attractions are alpine skiing and mountain biking at Whistler Blackcomb. With 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, the dual mountains of Whistler Blackcomb represent the largest ski area in North America. The resort has regularly been voted among the top destinations in North America by major ski magazines. In the summer, mountain biking takes over with the resort alone offering a lift-serviced descending mountain bike trails for all levels of mountain bike riders. Beyond resort activities the Whistler area has lots more to offer from hiking to more leisure walking to golf and fishing.
