Whistler is the accessible heart of British Columbia's natural paradise. It's hard to think of a single outdoor activity that Whistler doesn't offer: in-bounds skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels, heli-skiing, hiking, biking, dogsledding, sleigh riding, ice climbing, aerial sightseeing, jet boating, river rafting, paintball, ziplining—you name it. And if you're still looking for something to write home about, try the 160-ft/49-m bungee jump into Cheakamus Canyon.
If you like to explore the outdoors on foot, head to Whistler Mountain or pick a trail through the Interpretive Forest for a pleasant day hike. Whistler's Valley Trail System includes more than 19 mi/31 km of trails suitable for walking, biking or cross-country skiing, with pleasing interludes such as the playground and beach at Lost Lake.
Also a big draw is the town's booming mountain-biking network and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, which is the site of an increasing number of international competitions.
Skiing
Whistler boasts the longest ski season in Canada, the greatest vertical rise in North America and—at more than 8,000 acres/3,238 hectares—the most terrain of any resort on the continent. All this is covered by an average of 30 ft/9 m of snowfall every year.
Along with excellent cross-country runs and adventurous heli-skiing options, Whistler and Blackcomb mountains offer an incomparable selection of more than 200 downhill ski runs to suit all tastes and skill levels.
Whistler is hosting the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. In addition to serving as the venue for the downhill, super-G, giant slalom, slalom and super-combined events for men and women, the Whistler Sliding Center will host bobsled, luge and skeleton events.
The Olympic and Paralympic biathlon, Olympic and Paralympic cross-country skiing, Nordic combined and ski jumping will take place at Whistler Olympic Park.
