Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America and it isn't even close. Nearly 50% larger than their nearest competition with 39 different lifts and gondolas; 39! It's no wonder US Presidents, Canadian Prime Ministers, countless celebrities and even British Royalty have all been seen carving its massive terrain. Their lifts are capable of bringing up over 65,000 skiers and snowboarders every hour and they average 2,000,000 visitors per year yet it never seems overcrowded!
Originally 2 separate resorts their fierce competition during the 80's and 90's fuelled innovations and upgrades so by the time Whistler and Blackcomb resorts became Whistler Blackcomb in 2003 the result was a behemoth and mecca for powder hounds the world around.
Our spring visit started on a glaringly sunny morning. The line for the gondola was short and we were whisked up the mountain with a car all to ourselves. The snow was still deep and soft, even in April, and families, kids, seniors and pros alike were all enjoying the bounty of the final months of the season. Nearly all of the 200+ runs were still open and you could turn a corner and have an entire run to yourself. The runs were all well groomed, the parks still built for pro competition level and the terrain still as varied as in the middle of winter during a blizzard.
Creekside Chairlift
Still lots of snow up at Whistler
Looking down the Mountain from the Chairlift
Looking up towards the Glacier
Majestic Northshore Mountains
Whistler Mountain
Your adventure with Superfly begins in the heart of the picturesque Whistler Village, a stone's throw to the main gondola up the mountain. A beaming Superfly staffer whisks you off to an awaiting shuttle for a quick, 12-minute ride to beautiful Cougar Mountain.
Almost as enthralling as the 4 high-speed, high-adrenaline zip lines was the slow wind up the mountain to the first line in a tank tracked, customized 6-seater Polaris Ranger. As soon as you strap into Z1, the first zip line, 1 kilometre long and 500 feet off the valley floor you know you are in for a thrilling ride. Riding tandem, a mere 10 feet separating you and your zip line partner, you hit speeds of more than 100 kilometres an hour as you wiz past lush, green trees and and a meandering creek.
By the fourth zip line you feel as giddy as a second grader and the final line is only 5 feet apart so, with the help of the skilled guides, you can choose to hold hands as you descend; the perfect ending to a perfect day. Definitely the kind of adventure you would do again!
On our way up on the Polaris Ranger to the top with Superfly Zipline
Superfly Zipline
Superfly Zipline - Godzilla
Coming in hot on the Zipline
Beautiful Milky Way seen over Nita Lake, Whistler
Thank you for having us Whistler & Superfly Zipline!
Words: Scott Allan
Photos & Videos: Jenn Chan