Whether you are visiting Whistler and
the Sea to Sky Corridor for the first time
or you are a seasoned regular, no matter
where today’s adventure takes place, there
is one given: spectacular scenery will
surround you. Although Whistler has the
reputation of being North America’s top
four-season resort and the heart of Sea
to Sky Country, there is no question you
will be equally entranced by the natural
beauty in and around the neighbouring
communities of Squamish and Pemberton.
The Herculean landscape of the Whistler
area — including the breathtaking
Coast Mountains, Howe Sound and
the Pemberton Valley — has not gone
unnoticed by sports enthusiasts, so be
prepared to see adrenaline junkies at
every turn. It is well known that Whistler
Blackcomb boasts the largest skiable
terrain of any resort in North America
at 8,171 acres ( 3,306 hectares). Postcard-
perfect views and endless stretches of
ski runs keep powder hounds giddy and
yearning for more. The ski season here is
the longest in North America, running
from November to July. But eight months
of snow does not seem enough to appease
some winter-happy locals, though, and
praying to Ullr, an Old Norse god and
patron saint of skiers, has become tradition
to encourage more snowfall.
Unquestionably, the superb skiing,
snowboarding, and variety of other snow-sports and activities, are a large part of
what draw visitors back to Whistler
repeatedly. There is also the wide range
of upscale hotels, outstanding choice of
restaurants, and diversity of shops and
vibrant arts scene. Many who come to
Whistler often find that when they reach
the end of their visit, no matter how long
they have been here, they would always
like at least a couple more days.
More than 2 million tourists flock to
Whistler each year. The town’s main
hub, called the Village, is directly at the
base of the mountains, Whistler and
Blackcomb, and includes many of the
IMAGES BY JOERN ROHDE
WHISTLER
Welcome to Sea to Sky Country
