Whistler is one of the best ski resorts in North America. Boasting excellent facilities, plenty of activities including skiing in the winter and mountain biking in the summer, it is a year-round adventure holiday destination. But there is one activity that you simply have to do no matter what time of year you stay here: Go for a ride on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
A Record-Breaking Gondola
When you book your stay in your Whistler hotel using a service like WhistlerPremier.com, the gondola is quite simply a must-do activity. Linking two mountain peaks – Whistler and Blackcomb – the gondola stretches for 2.7 miles through the air, and at its highest point it is over 400 meters above the ground, making it the highest in the world. There is an unsupported span of 1.88 miles, which is another world record, and it is also the longest continuous system in the world.
It cost over $50 million Canadian dollars to build, and it uses a sophisticated tri-cable system that creates an incredibly smooth ride. 28 people can fit into each gondola, and the ride lasts for 11 minutes.
Glass-Bottom Gondolas Increase the Thrill
There are 28 gondolas in total, but two of them are extra special because they have glass floors. These silver-colored gondolas are very popular so you may have to wait to go in them, but they are well worth it. Having said that, even the standard gondolas will provide you with an experience to remember as you float over Fitzsimmons Creek and enjoy the spectacular views of lakes, forests, and glaciers below.
The views are best on a clear day, so summer is usually the best time to ride on the gondola. But even if it is cloudy, you will still enjoy incredible sights as you travel from peak to peak.
Walk, Ski, or Ride at the Top
The gondola starts in Whistler Village, from where it heads up to the top of Mount Whistler and then onto Mount Blackcomb’s peak. When you are at the top, there is a restaurant where you can grab a bite to eat while enjoying the views.
Then you can go for a walk on the tracks or, depending on the time of year you stay in Whistler, bike or ski down to the bottom. If you are skiing, the gondola creates a completely new experience for you, and you will be able to use it to access thousands of acres of terrain. Or you can go back on the gondola and experience it all over again.
The Ultimate Whistler Experience
There are so many fun things to do in Whistler at any time of year, whether you go to ski, mountain bike, hike, or anything else. You’ll have a great time here, and it is the ideal place for any adventure holiday. But don’t miss out on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola during your stay. It really is the ultimate way to travel and take in the views, so try it out when you are on holiday.
