Whistler Blackcomb is going above and beyond this summer with new and improved summer activities aimed at elevating the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience. Guests will see upgrades at every turn, from food and beverage events to hiking and sightseeing.
“After a record breaking winter season, we want to keep the momentum going through the summer,” says Rob McSkimming, vice president of business development at Whistler Blackcomb. “Guests will notice a lot of action on the mountains throughout the summer months as we begin a number of a notable projects. We are excited to upgrade existing facilities as well as add new experiences, like the finished Blackcomb Ascent Trails.”
Whistler Blackcomb’s official opening day for the PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience, which includes summer sightseeing, hiking and alpine dining, is Saturday, May 27. Here are some of the changes guests can expect to see at Whistler Blackcomb this season:
Completion of the Blackcomb Ascent Trails
This summer will see the completion of the Blackcomb Ascent Trails with the addition of Heart Burn, the final section which links to the two previously completed trails. The finished Blackcomb Ascent Trails will give guests access from the valley bottom to the Rendezvous Lodge and will travel a total of 5.2 kilometres (3.2 miles) with a total elevation gain of 1,200 metres (3,937 feet). The Blackcomb Ascent Trails will be fully open in July through September.
There will be timed hiking check points at each of the three sections on the Blackcomb Ascent Trails with leaderboards available for guests to track their time and compare to others on Whistler Blackcomb’s interactive social platform, WB+.
New Roundhouse Lodge Terrace and Viewing Deck
Last summer, renovations began on Whistler Mountain’s Roundhouse Lodge, and this summer will see the completion of the Roundhouse Lodge Terrace and Viewing Deck. The new upper terrace will be open to the public in July, and the lower deck will be open in August. The two new patios will add an additional 555 seats to the Roundhouse Lodge.
Whisky Jack’s Umbrella Bar will be complete fall 2017 and add 63 year-round patio seats overlooking Whistler Village at the Roundhouse Lodge. Construction of the new umbrella bar will take place throughout the summer.
Mountain Top Summer Feast
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night all summer long, the Mountain Top Summer Feast takes place at 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) in the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. Beginning June 23 through September 3, with seatings at 5:30pm and 7:00pm, each night will be a selection of the chef’s choice dishes paired with live music and incredible mountain top views. Saturday-only seatings will take place on June 17, and from September 9 until October 7.
Ollie’s Grilled Cheese Shack
Ollie’s Grilled Cheese Shack, in the Fitzsimmons Zone of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, will be open during the peak summer months of July and August to feed hungry bikers and GMC Pump Track spectators. Guests will be able to fuel up with gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, coffee, waffles and more.
Winemaker’s Dinner Series at Steeps Grill & Wine Bar
The popular Winemaker’s Dinner Series returns this summer to Steeps Grill & Wine Bar in the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain. On July 29, the dinner features Nk’Mip with winemaker Randy Picton and on September 2, it will feature Sumac Ridge with winemaker Jason James.
Construction of the Peak Suspension Bridge and West Ridge Viewpoint
Guests riding the Peak Express to the summit of Whistler Mountain will notice construction through the summer months on the Peak Suspension Bridge and West Ridge Viewpoint. These exciting new lookouts will be finished in the fall and open to the public for the winter season.
