Think you know Whistler? Beyond the world-class skiing and stunning alpine views, this BC mountain town is full of surprises—quirky history, hidden viewpoints, local legends, and year-round adventures you might not expect. In this post, we’ve rounded up a dozen lesser-known facts and fun tidbits to spark your curiosity and deepen your connection to the place—perfect inspiration for your next trip (and a few brag-worthy conversation starters back home).
Here are a few cool things you may not know about Whistler!
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1. In 1932, Whistler Mountain was called London Mountain because of the low-lying fog.
2. The name Whistler came from the whistling sound made by marmots native to the area.
3. It took Whistler 50 years to land the Olympics. The Canadian Olympic Association visited the area in 1960, looking for sites for the ’68 Games. At the time, there was no road, electricity, piped water, or sewage, so it was a no-go. Whistler Blackcomb tried again in 1976, but didn't win the bid to host until 2010.
4. The total capacity of Whistler Blackcomb ski lifts is 69,939 people per hour.
5. The Whistler Blackcomb ski patrol pioneered avalanche control techniques. In the early 1970s, Whistler Mountain Manager Hugh Smythe began throwing explosives from helicopters and built an avalanche gun, a technique still used today.
6. In 1975, the first-ever quadruple backflip on skis was performed by Steve Corbett on Whistler Mountain’s Camel Humps run.
7. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola, which connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb, broke the Guinness Book of World Records as the “highest cable car above ground” at 1,430 feet and “longest unsupported span between two cable car towers” at 1.9 miles.
8. Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain Were Two Separate Ski Resorts Until 1997!
9. Whistler Blackcomb enjoys an average of 1,163 cm/458 inches of snow annually. But skiing is not for winter only. Horstman Glacier is open all summer for intermediate and advanced skiers and riders.
10. Whistler is part of the Fitzsimmons Range in the Coastal Mountains, which stretches from Alaska to southern British Columbia. They are part of the "Ring of Fire” range of volcanoes.
11. Both black bears and grizzlies live in British Columbia. By some estimates, 60 to 100 black bears make their homes in the forest and mountains near Whistler. You can even take bear-viewing tours in Whistler if that interests you. But use precautions when hiking alone.
12. Picturesque and vibrant Whistler Village, where visitors love to stroll, was once a rubbish dump. In 1977, a tourist village was proposed where Whistler and Blackcomb mountains intersect. Today, this space is filled with boutiques, beautiful landscapes, and charming bistros.
Discover all that Whistler Blackcomb has to offer by booking one of our Whistler vacation rentals and planning a stay! Blackcomb Peaks offers nearly 100 professionally managed rentals across the Whistler area, with everything from ski in ski out condos to private townhouses in the woods. Our Vacation Guide can help with planning your Whistler vacation.
FAQs About Visiting Whistler
Q: When is the best time to buy lift tickets for Whistler Blackcomb?
A: It’s best to purchase online in advance during high-season (December-March) when inventory can sell out or dynamic pricing drives rates up. Booking early often locks in better savings.
Q: How do I get from Vancouver to Whistler Village?
A: Most visitors take the scenic Sea-to-Sky Highway (Hwy 99), which runs about 75 miles (≈120 km) north of Vancouver. There’s also a comfortable bus/shuttle service that runs regularly between Vancouver and Whistler.
Q: What exactly does “ski-in/ski-out” mean in Whistler rentals?
A: True ski-in/ski-out means your accommodation gives you direct or very short access to a ski trail or lift—no driveway or parking lots—so you can literally ski home for lunch or your last run of the day.
Q: How crowded does Whistler Village get, and how can I avoid lift-line delays?
A: Peak holidays and weekends bring thicker crowds. To avoid delays, arrive at the lifts early each day, or arrive during alternate time periods (late mornings or mid-afternoon), or stay at lodges off the main base that offer quicker lift queues.
Q: Is Whistler worth visiting in spring or summer?
A: Absolutely. While famous for skiing, Whistler offers fantastic summer activities: mountain biking, hiking, zip-lining, peaceful alpine lakes—and even glacier skiing on Horstman Glacier during the early season.
Q: Are non-ski activities available if one of our group doesn’t ski?
A: Yes. Whistler has a vibrant village life with spas, fine dining, art galleries, the Whistler Film Festival (in December), snowshoeing, tubing, and winter walking trails—so non-skiers can enjoy the mountain atmosphere too.