Visionaries

1.800.766.0449whistlerblackcomb.com

VISIONARIES W

HISTLER BLACKCOM

B AND TH

E PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA

VISIONARIESWHISTLER BLACKCOMB AND THE PEAK 2 PEAK

G O N D O L A


VISIONARIES W

HISTLER BLACKCOM

B AND TH



G O N D O L A

THE VISIONARIESA place where boundaries are pushed and possibilities are unlimited. A place of unparalleled freedom and of Olympic proportions.

This is the spirit of Whistler Blackcomb—our catalyst for transforming big ideas into even bigger realities. For over 25 years we have

strived to maintain Whistler Blackcomb’s position at the forefront of progressive thinking. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is the consummate

expression of this goal. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is more than a world record-setting tourism icon. It is a testament to the human spirit

that resides in those who believe in innovation. It is proof of the power of optimism. It is a monument to creativity, ingenuity and, above

all, the vision that it takes to see beyond what many cannot. This story highlights the experiences of a few of the many people responsible

for envisioning, creating and seeing the infi nite possibilities of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. We present to you “The Visionaries.”

VISIONGreat ideas aren’t formulated easily—they are a delicate equation comprised of passion, ingenuity and

boldness. They are the result of vision, and with faith and conviction, the vision behind an idea has the power

to change the way people perceive the world around them. Meet our idea people, those who embraced the

concept of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola and set the stage for an even larger group of people to bring it to life.

CREATIONIt takes more than concrete and steel to turn a progressive idea into something as remarkable as the

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. As a three-time record-breaking engineering marvel, it stands as a tribute to all the

people whose hard work and dedication built it. Because, while ideas may be set in motion by a select few,

it takes the perseverance and passion of many to execute something of this magnitude. Meet the people who

turned an unbelievable idea into reality.

EXPERIENCEThe PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is, without a doubt, an impressive engineering feat. For some however, the truly

impressive nature of this lift is more than its world record-setting statistics or its bold structural breakthroughs.

Some see the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola as the key to unlocking Whistler Blackcomb’s endless potential.

These forward-thinkers are skiers, snowboarders, mountain bikers, environmentalists and local legends.

They are the people who see into the future of Whistler Blackcomb and imagine a world of infi nite possibilities.

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB HAS ALWAYS BEEN A PLACE WHERE ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN.

P: ERIC BERGER

P: ERIC BERGER

ELEVEN YEARS AGO, WHILE ON A TRIP TO EUROPE with Paul Mathews of Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners,

Hugh Smythe found himself standing in the shadow of the Matterhorn at the Swiss ski area of Zermatt. While gazing up at a tram connecting

the picturesque village to the towering mountain above, Smythe and Mathews were struck by an idea of signifi cant proportion—Whistler

and Blackcomb would no longer have to be separate entities connected only at their bases. With a gondola connecting their peaks,

Whistler and Blackcomb could truly become Whistler Blackcomb.

“I wanted to fi nally bridge the gap and bring the two mountains together,” says Smythe, “but fi nding support for the idea wasn’t easy.” For more

than a decade Smythe worked to overcome both the naysayers and the constant diffi culties of conceiving a lift that challenges convention.

”We brainstormed with engineers to fi nd the perfect combination of design, structure and technology,” and then inspired hundreds of people

to lift the dream into the sky.

P: PAUL MORRISON

SENIOR VP // INTRAWEST MOUNTAIN RESORTS

HUGHSMYTHE

ELEVEN YEARS AGO, WHILE ON A TRIP TO EUROPE with Paul Mathews of Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners,

Hugh Smythe found himself standing in the shadow of the Matterhorn at the Swiss ski area of Zermatt. While gazing up at a tram connecting

the picturesque village to the towering mountain above, Smythe and Mathews were struck by an idea of signifi cant proportion—Whistler

and Blackcomb would no longer have to be separate entities connected only at their bases. With a gondola connecting their peaks,

Whistler and Blackcomb could truly become Whistler Blackcomb.

“I wanted to fi nally bridge the gap and bring the two mountains together,” says Smythe, “but fi nding support for the idea wasn’t easy.” For more

than a decade Smythe worked to overcome both the naysayers and the constant diffi culties of conceiving a lift that challenges convention.

”We brainstormed with engineers to fi nd the perfect combination of design, structure and technology,” and then inspired hundreds of people

to lift the dream into the sky.

P: PAUL MORRISON

SENIOR VP // INTRAWEST MOUNTAIN RESORTS

HUGHSMYTHE

PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

DAVEBROWNLIE

P: RICK TEMPLE

THE CHALLENGES OF BUILDING a project as ambitious as the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola are numerous, but Whistler Blackcomb

President and COO Dave Brownlie was certain the fi nal product would be worth the mountain of effort invested. “I was convinced this was

an opportunity to solidify our reputation as the pre-eminent mountain resort in the world and I knew we had to make it happen.”

From the moment he was approached with the idea until the groundbreaking ceremony, Brownlie dealt with the skepticism of those who

believed the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola was too ambitious. “Any project that goes against the grain is inevitably subject to criticism. It draws

skeptics like fl ies,” says Brownlie. “You just have to keep your focus and believe in what you do.” Throughout it all, Brownlie has held the

role of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola’s chief trailblazer—from the initial discussions over its engineering feasibility to convincing investors of

its fi nancial viability, he has stayed the course. “From the beginning, I have felt that this project defi nes us. This is what we’re all about—

experiencing the mountains and pushing the envelope. My standard answer to our critics’ questions is ‘why wouldn’t we do it?”

PRESIDENT & CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

DAVEBROWNLIE

P: RICK TEMPLE

THE CHALLENGES OF BUILDING a project as ambitious as the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola are numerous, but Whistler Blackcomb

President and COO Dave Brownlie was certain the fi nal product would be worth the mountain of effort invested. “I was convinced this was

an opportunity to solidify our reputation as the pre-eminent mountain resort in the world and I knew we had to make it happen.”

From the moment he was approached with the idea until the groundbreaking ceremony, Brownlie dealt with the skepticism of those who

believed the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola was too ambitious. “Any project that goes against the grain is inevitably subject to criticism. It draws

skeptics like fl ies,” says Brownlie. “You just have to keep your focus and believe in what you do.” Throughout it all, Brownlie has held the

role of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola’s chief trailblazer—from the initial discussions over its engineering feasibility to convincing investors of

its fi nancial viability, he has stayed the course. “From the beginning, I have felt that this project defi nes us. This is what we’re all about—

experiencing the mountains and pushing the envelope. My standard answer to our critics’ questions is ‘why wouldn’t we do it?”

P: PAUL MORRISON

P: PAUL MORRISON

P: JOANNA JOHNSTONE

COMING UP WITH THE IDEA of building

something as cutting-edge as the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

takes a stretch of the imagination. Actually engineering

it is another endeavour altogether. When engineer Peter

Luger stood at the foot of Whistler Blackcomb for the

fi rst time, he witnessed the enormity of the project.

“I knew this was going to be an extremely challenging

project when I saw the gap between Whistler and

Blackcomb,” says Luger. “I knew it was possible, but it

wasn’t going to be easy.” Over three years of intensive

survey, drafting, calculation and troubleshooting went

into the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola engineering, with Luger

overseeing every single aspect of the $52-million, world

record-setting project. “Each day I would spend the full

day dealing with PEAK 2 PEAK logistics in the Austrian

offi ce, then I would go home just in time for the phone

calls to start pouring in from the North American crew.

I didn’t sleep very much,” says Luger. “But as an

engineer, this is an accomplishment unlike any other

and it’s been worth every minute I’ve put into it.”

HEAD OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT // DOPPELMAYR

PETER LUGER

P: JOANNA JOHNSTONE

COMING UP WITH THE IDEA of building

something as cutting-edge as the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

takes a stretch of the imagination. Actually engineering

it is another endeavour altogether. When engineer Peter

Luger stood at the foot of Whistler Blackcomb for the

fi rst time, he witnessed the enormity of the project.

“I knew this was going to be an extremely challenging

project when I saw the gap between Whistler and

Blackcomb,” says Luger. “I knew it was possible, but it

wasn’t going to be easy.” Over three years of intensive

survey, drafting, calculation and troubleshooting went

into the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola engineering, with Luger

overseeing every single aspect of the $52-million, world

record-setting project. “Each day I would spend the full

day dealing with PEAK 2 PEAK logistics in the Austrian

offi ce, then I would go home just in time for the phone

calls to start pouring in from the North American crew.

I didn’t sleep very much,” says Luger. “But as an

engineer, this is an accomplishment unlike any other

and it’s been worth every minute I’ve put into it.”

HEAD OF RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT // DOPPELMAYR

PETER LUGER

PEAK 2 PEAK PROJECT MANAGER AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

BARB HOUGHTON & RICK TEMPLE

WHEN RICK TEMPLE AND BARB HOUGHTON PAIRED UP to lead the team in charge of the PEAK 2 PEAK

Gondola construction, they had no idea just how talented and diverse the team would become. Over the 18 months of construction,

Temple and Houghton have worked with hundreds of highly-trained specialists from around the globe in order to bring this phenomenal

project to completion.

“We realized quickly that both the size and location of this project would require a special team,” says Temple. With one of the deepest

winters in Whistler Blackcomb history threatening to delay the project on a daily basis, the duo were kept on their toes dealing with the

Coast Mountains’ legendary snowfall. “We were faced with transporting 4,344 cubic metres of concrete up the mountain to build the towers

and terminals. That’s about 600 truck loads getting caught in storms, stuck on the access roads, and grinding to a halt with broken axles,”

says Houghton. “We had tractors pulling the trucks up the mountain through snowbanks—it wasn’t pretty.” The end result, however,

is something the team can fi nd beauty in. “I’ve been working in mountain operations for 45 years; and this project is, without a doubt,

the pinnacle of my career,” says Temple. “And I think everyone I’ve worked with on this shares the same excitement in building a world-

record breaking project—that is something you can take pride in.”

P: RICK TEMPLE

PEAK 2 PEAK PROJECT MANAGER AND CONSTRUCTION MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

BARB HOUGHTON & RICK TEMPLE

WHEN RICK TEMPLE AND BARB HOUGHTON PAIRED UP to lead the team in charge of the PEAK 2 PEAK

Gondola construction, they had no idea just how talented and diverse the team would become. Over the 18 months of construction,

Temple and Houghton have worked with hundreds of highly-trained specialists from around the globe in order to bring this phenomenal

project to completion.

“We realized quickly that both the size and location of this project would require a special team,” says Temple. With one of the deepest

winters in Whistler Blackcomb history threatening to delay the project on a daily basis, the duo were kept on their toes dealing with the

Coast Mountains’ legendary snowfall. “We were faced with transporting 4,344 cubic metres of concrete up the mountain to build the towers

and terminals. That’s about 600 truck loads getting caught in storms, stuck on the access roads, and grinding to a halt with broken axles,”

says Houghton. “We had tractors pulling the trucks up the mountain through snowbanks—it wasn’t pretty.” The end result, however,

is something the team can fi nd beauty in. “I’ve been working in mountain operations for 45 years; and this project is, without a doubt,

the pinnacle of my career,” says Temple. “And I think everyone I’ve worked with on this shares the same excitement in building a world-

record breaking project—that is something you can take pride in.”

P: RICK TEMPLE

THE PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA IS NO REGULAR GONDOLA. It breaks world records for being the highest above the

valley fl oor, and for having the longest freespan for a lift of its kind. Each spool of cable – 28 kilometres in total - weighs 90 metric tonnes.

Each of the terminal stations supports the equivalent force of four Boeing 747-400 jetliners in fl ight. So when it came time to build

terminals for this record-setting lift, a company with a vast amount of experience was needed. As General Superintendent of Vancouver-

based Timberline Construction, Steve Pattitucci came to the table with a highly specialized, hand-picked team that was prepared to

think outside the box. “With the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, we had to rethink our standard approach and set a new benchmark,” he says.

“The adverse weather, the tight timelines, the innovative construction, all the challenges involved made this a very rewarding experience.”

P: RICK TEMPLE

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT // TIMBERLINE CONSTRUCTION

STEVEPATTITUCCI

THE PEAK 2 PEAK GONDOLA IS NO REGULAR GONDOLA. It breaks world records for being the highest above the

valley fl oor, and for having the longest freespan for a lift of its kind. Each spool of cable – 28 kilometres in total - weighs 90 metric tonnes.

Each of the terminal stations supports the equivalent force of four Boeing 747-400 jetliners in fl ight. So when it came time to build

terminals for this record-setting lift, a company with a vast amount of experience was needed. As General Superintendent of Vancouver-

based Timberline Construction, Steve Pattitucci came to the table with a highly specialized, hand-picked team that was prepared to

think outside the box. “With the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, we had to rethink our standard approach and set a new benchmark,” he says.

“The adverse weather, the tight timelines, the innovative construction, all the challenges involved made this a very rewarding experience.”

P: RICK TEMPLE

GENERAL SUPERINTENDENT // TIMBERLINE CONSTRUCTION

STEVEPATTITUCCI

UELI SCHMID HAS SPENT DECADES WORKING ON THE WORLD’S LARGEST LIFTS, but when it came

to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Schmid was faced with a challenge unlike any he had dealt with before. With a world record-setting

3.024-kilometres of unsupported cable between towers two and three, the gondola presented a unique obstacle to overcome—how to string

28-kilometres of cable across the massive span between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The answer? With skill, determination and

a good pair of hiking boots. Schmid’s team spent over six months planning, measuring and pulling cable and haul ropes across the valley

from Blackcomb to Whistler. Using a team of 13 highly-trained Swiss specialists, Schmid installed the cables using an intricate system—

threading fi ve progressively larger cables one at a time down the mountain, across the valley bottom and up the other side until four

56-millimetre (2.2 inch) diameter cables and the haul rope were in place and ready to be spliced together. Schmid himself walked across

the vast valley countless times proving that to truly be the best, you have to go the extra distance. “It is a lot of hiking but there’s simply no

other way to do it,” says Schmid with a smile. “In the end, the blisters are worth it.”

P: RICK TEMPLE

CHIEF CABLE ERECTOR // GARAVENTA SWITZERLAND

UELISCHMID

UELI SCHMID HAS SPENT DECADES WORKING ON THE WORLD’S LARGEST LIFTS, but when it came

to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Schmid was faced with a challenge unlike any he had dealt with before. With a world record-setting

3.024-kilometres of unsupported cable between towers two and three, the gondola presented a unique obstacle to overcome—how to string

28-kilometres of cable across the massive span between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. The answer? With skill, determination and

a good pair of hiking boots. Schmid’s team spent over six months planning, measuring and pulling cable and haul ropes across the valley

from Blackcomb to Whistler. Using a team of 13 highly-trained Swiss specialists, Schmid installed the cables using an intricate system—

threading fi ve progressively larger cables one at a time down the mountain, across the valley bottom and up the other side until four

56-millimetre (2.2 inch) diameter cables and the haul rope were in place and ready to be spliced together. Schmid himself walked across

the vast valley countless times proving that to truly be the best, you have to go the extra distance. “It is a lot of hiking but there’s simply no

other way to do it,” says Schmid with a smile. “In the end, the blisters are worth it.”

P: RICK TEMPLE

CHIEF CABLE ERECTOR // GARAVENTA SWITZERLAND

UELISCHMID

P: BLAKE JORGENSON

P: BLAKE JORGENSON

THE PROGRESSION OF A PARK SKIER OR RIDER IS AN INSPIRING JOURNEY. From the fi rst awkward grab to

the fi rst stomped switch cork 7, the sensation of putting daylight between p-tex and snow is the reason many are drawn to the mountains.

As the terrain park supervisor for Whistler Blackcomb, Brian Finestone understands this lure. He and his team are responsible for conceiving,

crafting and maintaining the perfectly manicured pipe, jumps and features that Whistler Blackcomb has become world famous for.

With the arrival of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Finestone is stoked for the new easy access to all of the terrain parks in his domain. “For park

riders, it’s all about minimizing the time it takes to get you from the bottom of the park run to the top. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola stations

are situated at the entrances to our two main terrain parks,” says Finestone. “With this lift, a rider can work his or her way up from the small

boxes and hits of an easier park to the massive tables and kinked rails of the expert park…on opposite mountains. A Gondola like this is a

park rider’s dream come true—I like to call it the ‘PARK 2 PARK.”

P: BRIAN FINESTONE

TERRAIN PARK SUPERVISOR, BIKE PARK MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

BRIANFINESTONE

THE PROGRESSION OF A PARK SKIER OR RIDER IS AN INSPIRING JOURNEY. From the fi rst awkward grab to

the fi rst stomped switch cork 7, the sensation of putting daylight between p-tex and snow is the reason many are drawn to the mountains.

As the terrain park supervisor for Whistler Blackcomb, Brian Finestone understands this lure. He and his team are responsible for conceiving,

crafting and maintaining the perfectly manicured pipe, jumps and features that Whistler Blackcomb has become world famous for.

With the arrival of the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Finestone is stoked for the new easy access to all of the terrain parks in his domain. “For park

riders, it’s all about minimizing the time it takes to get you from the bottom of the park run to the top. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola stations

are situated at the entrances to our two main terrain parks,” says Finestone. “With this lift, a rider can work his or her way up from the small

boxes and hits of an easier park to the massive tables and kinked rails of the expert park…on opposite mountains. A Gondola like this is a

park rider’s dream come true—I like to call it the ‘PARK 2 PARK.”

P: BRIAN FINESTONE

TERRAIN PARK SUPERVISOR, BIKE PARK MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

BRIANFINESTONE

P: PAUL MORRISON

THEY CALL HIM THE GODFATHER OF FREESKIING, and for good reason—Mike Douglas has been a part of Whistler

Blackcomb’s freeski scene since the early days. So early in fact, that he’s credited for sparking the freeski fire and inventing the

revolutionary twin tip ski. Since then, Douglas has been instrumental in the progression of the sport and the history of Whistler Blackcomb.

From the steep and deep of Whistler’s Peak to the insanely exposed chutes of Blackcomb’s Gem Bowls, Douglas has explored this resort

inside out. As a result, Douglas knows each mountain intimately. “Whistler and Blackcomb are two huge mountains—both with unique

personalities. Before the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola you could ski both mountains in a day but it wasn’t practical. Now the possibilities for

my dream day have exploded exponentially. Fresh tracks on Whistler Peak in the morning, lunch at Blackcomb’s Glacier Creek Lodge

followed by a Highest Level park session, then back over to Whistler for a sunset run down the Kyber Pass right to my doorstep.”

That’s a big day, even for the godfather.

PROFESSIONAL SKIER

MIKEDOUGLAS

P: PAUL MORRISON

THEY CALL HIM THE GODFATHER OF FREESKIING, and for good reason—Mike Douglas has been a part of Whistler

Blackcomb’s freeski scene since the early days. So early in fact, that he’s credited for sparking the freeski fire and inventing the

revolutionary twin tip ski. Since then, Douglas has been instrumental in the progression of the sport and the history of Whistler Blackcomb.

From the steep and deep of Whistler’s Peak to the insanely exposed chutes of Blackcomb’s Gem Bowls, Douglas has explored this resort

inside out. As a result, Douglas knows each mountain intimately. “Whistler and Blackcomb are two huge mountains—both with unique

personalities. Before the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola you could ski both mountains in a day but it wasn’t practical. Now the possibilities for

my dream day have exploded exponentially. Fresh tracks on Whistler Peak in the morning, lunch at Blackcomb’s Glacier Creek Lodge

followed by a Highest Level park session, then back over to Whistler for a sunset run down the Kyber Pass right to my doorstep.”

That’s a big day, even for the godfather.

PROFESSIONAL SKIER

MIKEDOUGLAS

P: BRUCE ROWLES

BEHIND EVERY GREAT RESORT IS THE GLUE THAT HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER. While Whistler Blackcomb’s

bond lies in its unbelievable skiing and snowboarding, there’s one other facet of this place that has cemented its reputation —the après

and party scene. From the mid-afternoon buzz of the GLC patio après to the late-night manic energy of the village’s club scene, Whistler

is a resort unlike any other. Mike Varrin, the unofficial mayor of Whistler and a party legend himself, has been at the raucous centre of

the après scene for the past 13 years, watching over the three best party venues in town: Merlins, Dusty’s and the iconic Garibaldi Lift

Company. Predictably, Varrin views the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola as the vehicle to good times. “If someone asked me for a list of must-do’s

in Whistler I’d tell them they need a Belgian waffle breakfast at Crystal Hut, a cold one and BBQ at Dusty’s for lunch, nachos with the

Hair Farmers at Merlins for après and then a live show at the GLC for a little taste of the Whistler wee hours…and the PEAK 2 PEAK is

the best way to set that up.”

REVEREND J. MICHAEL VARRIN, ESQ., MANAGER OF BARS // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

MIKE VARRIN

P: BRUCE ROWLES

BEHIND EVERY GREAT RESORT IS THE GLUE THAT HOLDS IT ALL TOGETHER. While Whistler Blackcomb’s

bond lies in its unbelievable skiing and snowboarding, there’s one other facet of this place that has cemented its reputation —the après

and party scene. From the mid-afternoon buzz of the GLC patio après to the late-night manic energy of the village’s club scene, Whistler

is a resort unlike any other. Mike Varrin, the unofficial mayor of Whistler and a party legend himself, has been at the raucous centre of

the après scene for the past 13 years, watching over the three best party venues in town: Merlins, Dusty’s and the iconic Garibaldi Lift

Company. Predictably, Varrin views the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola as the vehicle to good times. “If someone asked me for a list of must-do’s

in Whistler I’d tell them they need a Belgian waffle breakfast at Crystal Hut, a cold one and BBQ at Dusty’s for lunch, nachos with the

Hair Farmers at Merlins for après and then a live show at the GLC for a little taste of the Whistler wee hours…and the PEAK 2 PEAK is

the best way to set that up.”

REVEREND J. MICHAEL VARRIN, ESQ., MANAGER OF BARS // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

MIKE VARRIN

AS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB’S long-time

environmental advocate, Arthur DeJong knows better

than anyone the ecological wonder that is Whistler

Blackcomb. With the installation of the PEAK 2 PEAK

Gondola DeJong sees an opportunity to educate guests

on the environment, while offering new outdoor options

to reinforce the experience. Whistler and Blackcomb

will now combine to provide over 60-kilometres of

some of the best hiking in B.C., with trails bordering

the pristine wilderness of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

From the gondola Sky Cabins high above Fitzsimmons

Creek, guests will view Whistler Blackcomb’s ‘run-of-

river’ renewable energy project, as well as safely and

unobtrusively view Green Acres, a dense concentration

of berry-rich terrain which attracts the largest population

of bears on Whistler Blackcomb. “I see the PEAK 2

PEAK as an experience to get people, who might not

normally have the chance to view ecologically rich

areas, out amongst nature,” says DeJong. “The more

interaction humans have with the natural environment,

the more likely they are to preserve it.”

P: RANDY LINCKS

MOUNTAIN PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

ARTHUR DEJONG

AS WHISTLER BLACKCOMB’S long-time

environmental advocate, Arthur DeJong knows better

than anyone the ecological wonder that is Whistler

Blackcomb. With the installation of the PEAK 2 PEAK

Gondola DeJong sees an opportunity to educate guests

on the environment, while offering new outdoor options

to reinforce the experience. Whistler and Blackcomb

will now combine to provide over 60-kilometres of

some of the best hiking in B.C., with trails bordering

the pristine wilderness of Garibaldi Provincial Park.

From the gondola Sky Cabins high above Fitzsimmons

Creek, guests will view Whistler Blackcomb’s ‘run-of-

river’ renewable energy project, as well as safely and

unobtrusively view Green Acres, a dense concentration

of berry-rich terrain which attracts the largest population

of bears on Whistler Blackcomb. “I see the PEAK 2

PEAK as an experience to get people, who might not

normally have the chance to view ecologically rich

areas, out amongst nature,” says DeJong. “The more

interaction humans have with the natural environment,

the more likely they are to preserve it.”

P: RANDY LINCKS

MOUNTAIN PLANNING & ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE MANAGER // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

ARTHUR DEJONG

P: PAUL MORRISON

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF EXPERIENCING SOMETHING SPECTACULAR is sharing it with others.

Twenty-three years ago, Rosemary Hotell joined the Mountain Host program to share with the world the beauty of the Coast Mountains.

Over two decades later, Hotell can still be found guiding summer guests through the colourful wildfl owers of Harmony Meadows or showing

eager skiers and snowboarders her secret powder stashes on Blackcomb. “I volunteered because I was passionate about sharing the

beauty of the mountains with people from all walks of life and from different parts of the world,” says Hotell. “Not only will the PEAK 2 PEAK

Gondola allow me to share even more of these mountains with our guests, but it will provide a totally unique and distinct Whistler Blackcomb

experience. You won’t get this anywhere else in the world.”

MOUNTAIN HOST // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

ROSEMARYHOTELL

P: PAUL MORRISON

THE MOST REWARDING PART OF EXPERIENCING SOMETHING SPECTACULAR is sharing it with others.

Twenty-three years ago, Rosemary Hotell joined the Mountain Host program to share with the world the beauty of the Coast Mountains.

Over two decades later, Hotell can still be found guiding summer guests through the colourful wildfl owers of Harmony Meadows or showing

eager skiers and snowboarders her secret powder stashes on Blackcomb. “I volunteered because I was passionate about sharing the

beauty of the mountains with people from all walks of life and from different parts of the world,” says Hotell. “Not only will the PEAK 2 PEAK

Gondola allow me to share even more of these mountains with our guests, but it will provide a totally unique and distinct Whistler Blackcomb

experience. You won’t get this anywhere else in the world.”

MOUNTAIN HOST // WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

ROSEMARYHOTELL

P: PAUL MORRISON

P: PAUL MORRISON

THE FUTUREThis is the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola story. And it has only just begun. Through leadership and determination, a collection of visionaries have

brought this idea to life, inspiring skiers, riders, hikers and sightseers alike to create new ways to explore these mountains for years to come.

We invite you to be our guest, and let the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola inspire your own story.

HERE AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, WE UNDERSTAND WHAT IT TAKES TO TRANSFORM BIG IDEAS INTO BIGGER REALITIES.

PHOTOS: MICHAEL ALLEN, ERIC BERGER, COASTPHOTO.COM, BRIAN FINESTONE, JOANNA JOHNSTONE, BLAKE JORGENSON, RANDY LINCKS, PAUL MORRISON,ROBIN O’NEILL, DANO PENDYGRASSE, BRUCE ROWLES, JOERN ROHDE, INSIGHT-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM, RICK TEMPLE.

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB 2008.09 STATS AND FACTSWHISTLER BLACKCOMB 2008.09 CALENDAR OF EVENTSFEBRUARY 2009 (Cont.)16 Presidents Day (US)19 Kokanee Valley Race Series Feb 23 - Mar 13 Discover Whistler Days

(Save up to 40% on lessons)26 Kokanee Valley Race Series 27-28 Showcase Showdown

Snowboard CompetitionFeb 28 - Mar 4 Pontiac GMC J1 Championships

MARCH 20099-14 International Paralympic Committee

Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals19 Kokanee Valley Race Series22 Park Rider Ski Sessions,

presented by TELUS: Slopestyle26 Kokanee Valley Race Series Dual GS

Finals and Team Relay on Blackcomb

APRIL 20095 Park Rider Sessions, presented

by TELUS: Halfpipe on Blackcomb10-12 Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup13 Fresh Tracks Breakfast

presented by Nature’s Path ends17-26 TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival20-26 Discover Whistler Days

(Save up to 40% on lessons)26 Whistler Mountain closes for skiing

Blackcomb Mountain still open

MAY 200916 Whistler Mountain and the

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opensfor Summer Operations

16 Whistler Mountain Bike ParkOpening day

JUNE 200915 Summer Glacier Skiing & Riding

on Blackcomb Mountain Opens21 Bone Yard Air Affair Mountain

Bike Competition

JULY 200926 Summer Glacier Skiing & Riding

on Blackcomb Mountain Closes

AUGUST 20091-2 Canadian National BBQ Championships8-16 Kokanee Crankworx

Mountain Bike Festival

OCTOBER 200810-13 Turkey Sale – Whistler Blackcomb’s

legendary ski & snowboard sale13 Thanksgiving Day (CAN) Whistler Mountain Bike Park closing day Whistler Mountain Sightseeing closing day Early Bird Season Pass deadline

NOVEMBER 20086-10 Cornucopia – Whistler’s

Food & Wine Festival27 Offi cial Opening Day Thanksgiving Day (US)Opening - Dec 19 Discover Whistler Days

(Save up to 40% on lessons)

DECEMBER 20084-7 Whistler Film Festival12 PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Grand Opening Fresh Tracks Breakfast

presented by Nature’s Path opening14 Park Rider Sessions,

presented by TELUS: Rail Jam18 Kokanee Valley Race Series31 First Night Whistler 2009

JANUARY 20095-23 Discover Whistler Days

(Save up to 40% on lessons)8 Kokanee Valley Race Series 9 Deep Winter Photo Challenge

presented by ARC’TERYX & GORE-TEX 11 Park Rider Sessions,

presented by TELUS: Slopestyle 15 Kokanee Valley Race Series 22 Kokanee Valley Race Series 23-24 TELUS Mobility Winter Classic (Whistler

Blackcomb Foundation Fundraiser)

FEBRUARY 2009Month long 2010 Olympic Countdown – Only one

year to go until the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Whistler celebrations include live music,parties and special visits from Canada’s top athletes

1-8 WinterPRIDE – Whistler’sGay & Lesbian Ski Week

6-8 Appleton Rum Peak-To-Valley Race15 Park Rider Sessions,

presented by TELUS: Slopestyle

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB - COMBINED

Average Snowfall 402 inches/33.5 feet/10.22 metres per yr

Total Terrain 8,171 acres/3,307 hectares

Trails 200+

Longitude/Latitude 50 latitude, 122 longitude

Mountain Restaurants 17, with a total of 6,540 restaurant seats

Highest Lift Accessed Elevation 2,284 metres/7,494 feet

Vertical 1,609 metres/5,280 feet

Whistler Village Elevation 675 metres/2,214 feet

Creekside Base Elevation 653 metres/2,140 feet

Number of Lifts 38 including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

Hourly Lift Capacity 65,507 skiers per hour (including PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola)

Summer Glacier Season June 15, 2009 to July 26, 2009

Summer Sightseeing Dates May 16, 2009 to October 12, 2009

Mountain Bike Park Dates May 16, 2009 to October 12, 2009

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN


Top Elevation 2,182 metres/7,160 feet

Skiable Terrain 4,757 acres/1,925 hectares

Terrain Type (beg/int /adv) 20% / 55% / 25%

Trails 100+

Terrain Parks and Pipes 2 parks

Total Number of Lifts 20 + PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola 2 high-speed gondolas 7 high-speed quads 2 triple chairs 1 double chair 9 surface lifts

Total Hourly Lift Capacity 34,345 skiers per hour

Longest Run 11 kilometres/7 miles Burnt Stew to Side-Winder, Upper and Lower Olympic

Snowmaking 215 acres/87 hectares

Mountain Restaurants 8

Season Dates November 27, 2008 to April 26, 2009

BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN





Trails 100+

Terrain Parks and Pipes 3 parks, 1 Super Pipe

Total Number of Lifts 17 + PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola 1 high-speed gondola 7 high-speed quads 3 triple chairs 7 surface lifts


Longest Run 11 kilometres/7 miles - Green Road down Easy Out



Season Dates November 27, 2008 to June 14, 2009

Summer Glacier Dates June 15, 2009 to July 26, 2009

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB 2008.09 STATS AND FACTSWHISTLER BLACKCOMB 2008.09 CALENDAR OF EVENTSFEBRUARY 2009 (Cont.)16 Presidents Day (US)19 Kokanee Valley Race Series Feb 23 - Mar 13 Discover Whistler Days

(Save up to 40% on lessons)26 Kokanee Valley Race Series 27-28 Showcase Showdown

Snowboard CompetitionFeb 28 - Mar 4 Pontiac GMC J1 Championships

MARCH 20099-14 International Paralympic Committee

Alpine Skiing World Cup Finals19 Kokanee Valley Race Series22 Park Rider Ski Sessions,

presented by TELUS: Slopestyle26 Kokanee Valley Race Series Dual GS

Finals and Team Relay on Blackcomb

APRIL 20095 Park Rider Sessions, presented

by TELUS: Halfpipe on Blackcomb10-12 Sierra Wireless Whistler Cup13 Fresh Tracks Breakfast

presented by Nature’s Path ends17-26 TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival20-26 Discover Whistler Days

(Save up to 40% on lessons)26 Whistler Mountain closes for skiing

Blackcomb Mountain still open

MAY 200916 Whistler Mountain and the

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola opensfor Summer Operations

16 Whistler Mountain Bike ParkOpening day

JUNE 200915 Summer Glacier Skiing & Riding

on Blackcomb Mountain Opens21 Bone Yard Air Affair Mountain

Bike Competition

JULY 200926 Summer Glacier Skiing & Riding

on Blackcomb Mountain Closes

AUGUST 20091-2 Canadian National BBQ Championships8-16 Kokanee Crankworx

Mountain Bike Festival

OCTOBER 200810-13 Turkey Sale – Whistler Blackcomb’s

legendary ski & snowboard sale13 Thanksgiving Day (CAN) Whistler Mountain Bike Park closing day Whistler Mountain Sightseeing closing day Early Bird Season Pass deadline

NOVEMBER 20086-10 Cornucopia – Whistler’s

Food & Wine Festival27 Offi cial Opening Day Thanksgiving Day (US)Opening - Dec 19 Discover Whistler Days

(Save up to 40% on lessons)

DECEMBER 20084-7 Whistler Film Festival12 PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Grand Opening Fresh Tracks Breakfast

presented by Nature’s Path opening14 Park Rider Sessions,

presented by TELUS: Rail Jam18 Kokanee Valley Race Series31 First Night Whistler 2009

JANUARY 20095-23 Discover Whistler Days

(Save up to 40% on lessons)8 Kokanee Valley Race Series 9 Deep Winter Photo Challenge

presented by ARC’TERYX & GORE-TEX 11 Park Rider Sessions,

presented by TELUS: Slopestyle 15 Kokanee Valley Race Series 22 Kokanee Valley Race Series 23-24 TELUS Mobility Winter Classic (Whistler

Blackcomb Foundation Fundraiser)

FEBRUARY 2009Month long 2010 Olympic Countdown – Only one

year to go until the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Whistler celebrations include live music,parties and special visits from Canada’s top athletes

1-8 WinterPRIDE – Whistler’sGay & Lesbian Ski Week

6-8 Appleton Rum Peak-To-Valley Race15 Park Rider Sessions,

presented by TELUS: Slopestyle

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB - COMBINED

Average Snowfall 402 inches/33.5 feet/10.22 metres per yr

Total Terrain 8,171 acres/3,307 hectares

Trails 200+

Longitude/Latitude 50 latitude, 122 longitude

Mountain Restaurants 17, with a total of 6,540 restaurant seats

Highest Lift Accessed Elevation 2,284 metres/7,494 feet


Whistler Village Elevation 675 metres/2,214 feet

Creekside Base Elevation 653 metres/2,140 feet

Number of Lifts 38 including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola

Hourly Lift Capacity 65,507 skiers per hour (including PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola)

Summer Glacier Season June 15, 2009 to July 26, 2009

Summer Sightseeing Dates May 16, 2009 to October 12, 2009

Mountain Bike Park Dates May 16, 2009 to October 12, 2009

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN





Trails 100+

Terrain Parks and Pipes 2 parks

Total Number of Lifts 20 + PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola 2 high-speed gondolas 7 high-speed quads 2 triple chairs 1 double chair 9 surface lifts


Longest Run 11 kilometres/7 miles Burnt Stew to Side-Winder, Upper and Lower Olympic



Season Dates November 27, 2008 to April 26, 2009

BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN





Trails 100+

Terrain Parks and Pipes 3 parks, 1 Super Pipe

Total Number of Lifts 17 + PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola 1 high-speed gondola 7 high-speed quads 3 triple chairs 7 surface lifts


Longest Run 11 kilometres/7 miles - Green Road down Easy Out



Season Dates November 27, 2008 to June 14, 2009

Summer Glacier Dates June 15, 2009 to July 26, 2009

P: PAUL MORRISONP: JOERN ROHDE/INSIGHT-PHOTOGRAPHY.COM


VISIONARIES W

HISTLER BLACKCOM

B AND TH



G O N D O L A

Documents

Visionaries