Happy Pride Weekend up at Whistler! My weekend was filled with fun, adventure, and relaxation - sounds pretty perfect to me!
Whistler was named the best ski resort on Earth by Ultratravel for 2015 - 2016; Earth. The 30 year old bible of snow sports, Ski Magazine, named it best in North America and it takes all of 10 minutes to see why! With over 110 different runs you would have to go once a day, every day, forever, to learn them all by name. Even the charming Australian Lifties will scratch their head if you ask by name, "what does it look like?" they'll reply. The terrain is so diverse, the snow, especially in the alpine areas, so fluffy and inviting and the energy of the mountain so uplifting you will wish they stayed open past 3 PM so you could soak it in a all day and night.
Whistler Village
Blackcomb Mountain
Fitzsimmons Chairlift
Looking down from the Chairlift towards Whistler Village
Lots of Skiers & Snowboarders came out for some fun on the mountains!
Roundhouse Lodge & Peak2Peak at the top of Whistler Mountain
Getting ready to hop down the Mountain
The Peak 2 Peak is a 4.4 KM long Gondola that connects Whistler & Blackcomb mountain. It's the longest and highest lift in the world with breathtaking views. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola isn't only built for the skiers & snowboarders, but also for sightseers in the winter and summer. There is 1 cabin every 49 seconds, and takes about 11 minutes to travel from one mountain to the other.
Peak 2 Peak Station
Gondola through the fog & snow
Snowing heavily on the Peak 2 Peak ride through the valley
Rendezvous Lodge at the top of Blackcomb Mountain proudly adorning a Pride flag
White-out at Blackcomb Mountain
A snack hut brings many Whiskey Jacks close, hoping to dive in for a snack.
Whiskey Jack
When night falls, the vibe of the village changes, and transforms into a vibrant town filled with party-goers.
Speaking of night... Even before the accolades for terrain and ski conditions were raining, sorry snowing, down on Whistler it was ranked, and high, in nearly every ski and snowboard publication on Earth for après ski activities. As soon as the sun goes down the music goes up and the sleepy town filled with charming shops gets a little bit Vegas - In a good way! Free community events, this past weekend Whistler's Gay Pride festivities, light up the public squares, bars and pubs glow with light and the action is taken indoors (when it's not also on many pubs' massive, heated, snow-licked patios).
Overlooking the hot tubs & pool at Cascade Lodge, looking towards the Village. The little light spots at the top of the photo are Mountain Groomers heading up and down the runs.
Christmas lights are up in Whistler - creating a fewtiv
After a night of partying, there's no better way to recuperate than to go up to the famous Scandinave Spa for a day of relaxing in their baths & massages.
Welcome to the Scandinave Spa
Tranquil trail leading to the Scandinave Spa
Blending in with Nature
Thanks for having us, Whistler! It was fun to play outside for the weekend for a mini-getaway! Happy Golden Anniversary, Whistler - Here's to another 50 years!
words: Scott Allan
photos: Jenn Chan Photography