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Whistler: Not Just for Winter Anymore!

The resort town of Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, made its reputation as an alpine dream-come-true. For good reason. Whistler is Canada's largest ski resort, encompassing two separate mountains that offer the highest vertical rise in North America served by chair lifts. (To get a steeper drop, you have to be air lifted!) But Whistler's reputation is changing with the seasons. In the summer, Whistler transforms itself into a great spot for enjoying hiking, mountain biking, golfing, fishing, canoeing, and many other warmer weather pursuits.

Whistler Village is about as close as you can come to Switzerland without heading to Europe. The cobblestone streets are lined with tony shops and intimate cafes and restaurants. Whistler also has an exciting nightlife, an "in" way to spend an après ski evening!

Make no mistake: Whistler is synonymous with snow. With an annual snowfall of over 30 feet, Whistler is the king of Canadian skiing. Ski Magazine routinely names Whistler the number one ski resort in North America, much to the chagrin of some of those more advertised resorts in Colorado. The two mountains of Whistler and Blackcomb have over 200 groomed runs that will challenge skiers of all skill levels. Snowboarders are also well served with numerous bowl areas and half pipes. Experts and the seriously insane can test their mettle by taking one of the helo-skiing excursions available at the resort. A helicopter drops skiers on some of the most un-trodden terrain in all of Canada.

In summer, Whistler emits a warm weather vibe as sunbathers flock to the beaches that surround Alta Lake. Beginning wind surfing is also popular across the crystal blue water. The surrounding area has hiking and biking trails, and there is a pontoon and canoe launch at Wayside Park, located at the south end of the lake.

Anglers in the Whistler area have many lakes, rivers, and streams to choose from. The main targets are Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Cutthroat. Fly fishermen can combine a hiking/fishing excursion and follow Fitzsimmons Creek to Russet Lake.

The winter's slopes turn into the summer's trails, and mountain biking in Whistler is fast becoming recognized as a national phenomenon. The Valley Trail runs through town and is used by hardcore cyclists and bicycling commuters alike. Lost Lake, just northeast of Whistler Village, has created "Skill Centres," filled with obstacles for varying skill levels.

With four championship courses in the immediate area, golf is quickly becoming king of Whistler's summertime fun. Whistler Golf Club is the first course Arnold Palmer designed in Canada. The natural terrain, the flowing waters of Crabapple Creek, and a couple of well-positioned man-made lakes offer a challenging test of golf for all skill levels. Nicklaus North is the only course in the world that famous golfer Jack Nicklaus has lent his name to. Scenic Green Lake comes into play on a number of holes, making this course both challenging and beautiful to play. Chateau Whistler Golf Club was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., and takes advantage of Blackcomb Mountain's lower slopes. Golfers must negotiate natural obstacles like creeks, ponds, stands of ancient Douglas firs, and granite rock faces. The Big Sky Golf & Country Club is the flattest of the area's courses, and plays much like a Scottish links course. Seven lakes surround the course and wreak havoc with errant shots.

Whistler is fast becoming the premier ski resort in North America. With 200 trails, 30 lifts, 12 bowls, and numerous glaciers and half pipes, ski bums of all shapes and sizes flock to this picturesque village. But the summer brings a different crowd. Those who love hiking, biking, swimming, boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities find ample opportunities in and around Whistler. However you spend your vacation, the mountains around Whistler Village should be where you spend it!