Whistler for Families (cont)

ON THE MOUNTAIN
The Peak Chair to open this summer on Whistler Mountain -
For the first time, Whistler Blackcomb will operate the Peak Chair for summer hiking on Whistler Mountain. The Peak Chair is located a 10-minute walk from the top of the Whistler Village Gondola and offers a breathtaking 1,006 metre (3,300 foot) long ride to the highest point on Whistler Mountain offering unparalleled views of Whistler's many majestic glaciers and easy access to some of Whistler Mountain's 48 kilometres (30 miles) of hiking trails. Information: www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain/hike/index.html

Peak Adventure Guided Hiking Tour
Experience Whistler Blackcomb's new Peak Adventure with a true Whistler local and learn from the best. The two and half hour guided tour offers participants a great overview and breadth of knowledge about Whistler Mountain's abundant wildlife. The tour includes lunch, a Whistler Blackcomb backpack, and a water bottle. Information: www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain/hike/index.html

New Hiking Trails
Three new hiking trails have been added to the already extensive network of trails on Whistler Mountain. The Harmony Ridge trail provides individuals great views of Symphony Bowl and the Musical Bumps. The Peak Adventure trail allows access to more than 48 kilometres (30 miles) of alpine hiking trails including the new self-guided Peak Interpretive Walk. Information: www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Glacier Walk
Whistler Alpine guides will be running daily interpretive glacier walk tours from the top of Whistler Mountain. Using boots, crampons and an ice axe, participants will learn how to walk using glacier equipment and tour Whistler Glacier at the top of Whistler Mountain. No experience is necessary. Open to all ages and abilities. Glacier equipment is included in the two and half hour tour which departs twice daily at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Information: www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/summer/alpine.htm#mountaineering
Great Canadian Photo Hike
Photography enthusiasts are invited to make the most of the alpine experience with the Great Canadian Photo Hike. Photographers will learn new skills while taking in the magnificent sights at the top of Whistler Mountain. This unique hike mixes a classroom session with outdoor training and focuses on improving composition and creativity for aspiring and recreational photographers. Information: www.whistlerblackcomb.com

Mountaineering on Blackcomb Mountain
Intermediate climbers and experienced hikers interested in learning more about the art of mountaineering are invited to join Whistler Alpine Guides in an exciting adventure to the top of Blackcomb Mountain via the classic Blackcomb Buttress route. The tour departs daily and can be booked directly through Whistler Alpine Guides. Information: www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/summer/alpine.htm#mountaineering
Rap Jumping at the Peak of Whistler Mountain
Experience the rush of rap jumping, a face forward rappel over a dramatic rock face at the top of Whistler Peak, 1,524 metres (5,000 feet) above the valley floor with an experienced mountain guide team from Whistler Alpine Guides. Rap jumping involves a harness, rope and a breaking device enabling jumpers to descend under their own control with an overriding break for back-up. No climbing or rappelling experience is necessary and tours run continuously from 11 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. daily. Information: www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/summer/alpine.htm#mountaineering
Mountain Top Yoga
Rise to the top of Whistler Mountain to experience yoga from a new perspective. Guests are invited to join a power vinyasa yoga class in a spectacular alpine setting. Classes are held on the outdoor terrace or in the Roundhouse Lodge (weather dependent) and are taught by leading instructor, Cathy McQuaid. To sign up, please visit the Guest Relations office located at the base of Whistler Mountain in the Whistler Gondola building. Information: www.whistlerblackcomb.com/todo/summer/whats_new

IN THE MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
Mountain Biking Expands for Beginners and Children on Blackcomb Mountain
New beginner mountain biking terrain will be the focus of the new Magic Park on Blackcomb Mountain.  Accessed by the Magic Chair at the base of Blackcomb, the Magic Park will feature trails built with beginners and children in mind and easy access to rentals and the more challenging intermediate and advanced trails of Whistler Mountain.  Information: ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/bike/magic/index.asp

Longest Run in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Whistler's world renowned Mountain Bike Park keeps getting better with more new trails and jumps than ever. The Freight Train trail is a high intensity downhill route accessed via the Garbanzo Express lift.  With a vertical of 671 metres (2,200 feet) over a distance of approximately eight kilometres (five miles) and features such as a litany of machine-made bermed corners, jumps and table tops, this mountain biking trail is not for the weak of heart. Information: ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/bike/garbanzo/

Kona Jump Farm
Dirt jump aficionados will be blown away with one of the coolest dirt jump parks in the world. Designed by Kona Clump rider, John Cowan, the Jump Farm is located at the top of the Fitzsimmons Express chairlift on Whistler Mountain. The Farm will feature a variety of dirt jump lines built with approximately 100 truck loads of dirt. Information: ww1.whistlerblackcomb.com/bike/

Free Fore Kids
Whistler loves families and families will love Whistler even more this year thanks to Golf Whistler's new Junior Golf Program aimed at building interest and golf opportunities for kids and parents. In an unprecedented move, all four championship golf courses in Whistler will be adding Junior Tees and at each of the three village-based courses youth 10-18 years of age play free all season long if accompanied by a paying adult. For those looking for extra golf tips, kids are invited to check out one of the many junior golf clinics offered at all the golf courses throughout the season.  Members of Golf Whistler include Nicklaus North Golf Course, Whistler Golf Club, The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club and Big Sky Golf and Country Club. Information: www.golfwhistler.com