Whistler Attractions

Follow the current that flows from the eastern end of Alta Lake, and you could very well see a bald eagle flying overhead. Soon, you'll be navigating the narrow S-curves as you cruise through the pines, Whistler standing tall in the background.

A little less adventurous, but with the same stellar views, is the relatively new Peak to Peak Gondola that transports guests from Whistler's Roundhouse Lodge to Blackcomb's Rendezvous Lodge. The 11-minute ride covers some 2.7 miles and rewards guests with spectacular vistas from atop the 7,000-foot-tall mountains.

Blackcomb is known for its long, blue cruisers, which run from top to bottom. A good warmup is the Crystal Ridge Run down to Ridge Runner. Then, head up high on one of the three express lifts -- 7th Heaven, Jersey Cream and Coaster -- that lead to the smooth-as-silk snow on Cloud Nine and the aptly named Cruiser. On Whistler, try the famous five-miler, Franz's Run -- a peak-to-creek serpentine trek that's one of the longest trails in North America. For steeps and deeps that will keep that smile plastered on your face all day, spend your time in Whistler's Bowls. West Bowl is a favorite for locals, who enter via the double-black Cockalorum trail. Also, give Harmony and Symphony Bowl a shot, off the Harmony Express lift. And, if you like that backcountry feel, head on over to the 700-acre Flute Bowl. Did we mention glaciers? Ride the Glacier Express to Hortman Glacier, where the snow is squeaky fun. To avoid the crowds, eat lunch on the slopes after 1 p.m., and ski off the Creekside Gondola, south of Whistler Village.

Last winter, the town of Whistler unveiled 10 kilometers of snowshoe trails through Lost Lake Park. That's in addition to the 32 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails around Lost Lake. The Lost Lake Loop Trail offers views of both mountains as you glide around the water.

Like other ski resorts, Whistler has its share of excellent warm-weather activities like golfing (including the Chateau Whistler Golf club which Golf Magazine called "one of the best golf resorts in the world") and requisite gondola rides to the peak for knockout views. There are also more than 100 kilometers of mountain-biking trails for off-road riders at the Whistler Mountain Bike Zone. Yet, it's the unusual possibilities for outdoor adventure that separate this ski area from the pack. You can take a helicopter ride to hike the untrammeled Coast Mountain alpine meadows or even do a little summertime skiing and snowboarding on Blackcomb's Horstman Glacier. Then there's the Westcoaster, a bobsled run at the bottom of Blackcomb; in-line skating at a freestyle park; and Whistler Kids Windsurfing, which holds both kids-only courses and family camps.

If the kids can't get enough excitement, take them to a zip line that cruises across Fitzsimmons Creek from Whistler to Blackcomb. Offered by Ziptrek Ecotours, it's the longest zip line in North America, is open year-round and is good for ages 10 and older.