Most folks know about our incredible winters and out-of-this-world skiing experiences. More and more people are learning that Whistler is just as fun in the summer months as it is in the winter, with plenty of hiking and biking opportunities. Our nightlife, arts scene, restaurants, spas, and shops are all frequently buzzed about topics.
But there are probably a few things that you don’t know about Whistler. From World Records to surprising stats, we’ve assembled some little known facts about our town. Use them to impress your friends on the gondola ride or to take the grand prize at trivia night – you never know when your Whistler knowledge will come in handy!
Our Gondola is a World Record Holder
You haven’t truly experienced Whistler until you’ve floated through the sky in one of the Peak 2 Peak Gondola’s red or silver cabins. Spanning a distance of more than two kilometers between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the Peak 2 Peak rises a mind-boggling 436 meters above the valley floor.
Local opinion
With Whistler constantly being associated with winter (and rightfully so!), it may come as a surprise to know that most locals advocate for the summer as their favourite of the four seasons. It’s well known that most people, who have established roots in Whistler, came for the winter but ended up staying for the summer—rinse and repeat. It’s no mystery, considering the warm temperatures, and access to nearly every outdoor activity imaginable, that the Whistler population prefer the summer months
Small, but Big
According to the 2011 census, Whistler has a permanent population of 9,824 – but most of the time, it feels much more crowded. That’s because we have an additional seasonal resident population of around 2,266, and we can accommodate an additional 35,000 overnight visitors. That means that almost 50,000 people are in town on the busiest days of the year.
Summer skiing
Speaking of summer, not everyone knows that you can actually get quality skiing or riding done during some of the warmest months of the year. During June and July there’s shred-able snow on the glacier that can be accessed through Whistler Blackcomb’s summer glacier camps, which are available to experienced riders.
November Is A Surprise Powder Month
The snowiest month on record dating back to the 2003/2004 season wasn’t January, February, or March, as you might think – it was actually November! November 2009 saw more than 560 glorious centimeters of fresh snow, creating the perfect base for yet another unforgettable season. In many years, November is the snowiest month on record.
London calling
Located in the Fitzsimmons mountain range, back in 1932 Whistler went by the name of London Mountain, taking the moniker from a mineral claim in the area and the low lying fog. Early developers and advertisers were afraid that potential guests would associate the name London with bad weather, and made efforts to change the name in 1965. The name Whistler was derived from the whistling sound made by marmots—large, furry squirrels—that can be referred to as “whistlers” and are native to the alpine area.
We Care About the Environment
Our town is fueled by nature, so it just makes sense that we care about protecting and preserving the environment. Whistler Blackcomb takes the environment seriously—as evidenced by the 18 awards won for its sustainability programs. Take part in protecting the environment—it’s the Whistler way!
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