10 reasons to hit Whistler after the snow melts

February 9, 8:07 PMAlbuquerque International Travel ExaminerKristin Carlson

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Bears and more bears, oh my.  Whistler from the chairlift in August.
Photo by Kristin Carlson.

Ski freaks and mountain bikers, Whistler calling.  Spring’s coming right around the corner, and if you’re already dreading the depressing approach of wildflowers in bloom and the impending snow melt that mark the end of ski season, do not despair.  That behemoth of a mountain, British Columbia’s Whistler Blackcomb Resort, is also a lesser known summer paradise.

Many tourists, ski bums, and bunnies know that the mountain is open for what you may assume to be a watered down source of warm month revenue. Fewer have given it much of a chance to be notably fun in the off season.  This means that you’ll have the Vegas of Skiing without the Vegas if you go May through October.  You’ll practically have the place to yourself.

So, don’t get the late ski season blues.  Start planning more heartpounding activities in the Whistler haven from spring till the flurries fly.

Above: Whistler-Blackcomb as seen from a summer hike.  Photo by Kristin Carlson.

As promised, here’s what you’ll find:

(1) Bears.  Lots of bears.  There are even bear viewing tours, although the mountains are so quiet- and there are enough berry bushes and random leftover food despite all the signs and special garbage cans- you can probably see a few on your own.

(2) Untold numbers of mountain bikers careening down the sheerest slopes.  This includes organized happenings with names like: Phat Wednesdays, Angry Pirate, World Cup Ho Chi Min, and- personally I think the scariest in title- The Canadian Chainless.

(3) Ziptrek.  You know what that is.  Specifically, this one is a three hour journey spent hanging from cables and suspension bridges while looking for bears and eagles.

(4) Hydro Broncs.  Seeing these in action, I deduced that they are (a) for kids, or (b) for the truly badass.  I couldn’t make a full determination as to which.  Basically, it’s a huge squishy ball with holes all over the place. They put you inside, strap you in a standing position, and throw you in the rapids.  Away down the river you go, head over badass style.

(5) Kayaks and/or canoes.  For a less than badass river experience.  Serenely beautiful views of the mountains, lakes, streams, and birds.  I know it sounds lame after the Hydro Broncs.

(6) Glaciers.  You actually can ski and snowboard there through the end of July after working on your tan down at the lake, at least until the polar icecaps and other icy natural wonders give way to our terrible SUV-driving, plastic-loving society.

(7) Relatively new Peak-2-Peak Gondola rides between Whistler and Blackcomb Peaks (thus its logical name).  Opened December 12, 2008 to the public.  You can ride in the summer during the day and enjoy gorgeous views and extreme hiking solitude at the top, other than the omnipresent bears.  You can also ride the good, old-school chairlifts for more alpine hikes.

(8) Olympic Village goings-ons.  As the venue for Alpine Skiing in the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, expect new and exciting things.  They claim to have been done and “ready to host the world” since two years ago, but you know how it goes.  There are maps of the race venues where you can hike or bike the slopes.

(9) Instant seating at even the best bars and restaurants.  Again, you’ll practically have the place to yourself without settling for waffles and barbeque.

(10) Half off or more at fancy hotels with mountain views near the foot of the gondola- that’s a chairlift, but if staying in a fancy hotel should be referred to exclusively as “gondola.”  We stayed in one such mountain view chalet in the Sundial Boutique: a suite with fireplace, kitchen, gigantic flat screen tv, and hot tub on the roof, for $110. After hiking and (lamely) kayaking instead of Hydro Broncing all day, we drank wine in the rooftop hot tub while watching the stars, and then ate some Haagen Dazs by the fire.  It was fantastic.

Above: Lame Yet Lovely Kayaking. Photo by Kristin Carlson.
Below: Badass Hydro Broncing

Please post comments with your own tales of ski resorts in summer,  especially Canadian Chainless adventures or extreme whitewater sport survival.  

If you've got something really good, please email me and I will happily write a feature about your wild ride: k@thinkcreativeconsulting.com

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