Whistler Facts
Fact 1: Originally dubbed "London Mountain" in the 1860s by British surveyors, "Whistler" became the mountain's official name in 1965. The hoary marmot that's native to these hills emits a high-pitched, whistling noise – hence, Whistler Mountain.
Fact 2: With over 8100 skiable acres (3307 hectares) and one vertical mile, Blackcomb Mountain is the largest downhill ski area in North America. The resort has more than 200 trails, 12 bowls, five parks, three pipes and 3 glaciers.
Fact 3: Whistler's climate is relatively mild despite its mountain location. In July and August, the average daily high temperature is 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The average high during the winter is 22 degrees Fahrenheit on the mountain, with slightly warmer temperatures in the village.
Fact 4: Whistler Mountain has 21 lifts and Blackcomb Mountain has 17. Their combined capacity is 61,407 skiers per hour!
Fact 5: The Whistler area's average yearly snowfall exceeds 30 feet.
Fact 6: Thanks to Horstman Glacier, Blackcomb Mountain's ski season often extends through July.
Fact 7: "Ski," "Mountain Sports and Living" and "Skiing" magazines have all dubbed Whistler-Blackcomb the "#1 Ski Area in North America."
Fact 8: Nicklaus North at Whistler is the only golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus that bears his legendary name.
Fact 9: Whistler's Lake Alta is where windsurfing originated in Canada.
Fact 10: Blackcomb Mountain boasts the largest vertical drop of any ski area in North America – 1605 meters, or 1 vertical mile.
