Being a summer/watersports kind of girl, I never found the idea of heading up to Whistler during the winter all that appealing. What I thought was a town that catered to ski and snowboard enthusiasts, over time has become an all encompassing year round tourist destination. And when I was offered to check out the tops of blackcomb and whistler mountain by Peak 2 Peak (without having to participate in what I considered extreme winter sports), I was more than happy to experience a true BC winter.
It was absolutely gorgeous the day I was invited up the mountain, not a cloud in the sky, as sunny as a summer’s day, also not too many visitors as it was a Monday (which for future reference if you can schedule for that I highly recommend).
Before you get to Peak 2 Peak you first have to travel up the regular gondola, so in a way you get two gondolas for the price of one!
When I first saw the Peak 2 Peak gondolas my thought was it’s a big one. Able to house 28 people (22 seated, 6 standing to be exact), Peak 2 Peak has the world’s longest unsupported span for a lift and it’s also the world’s highest lift, 1.88miles long and 1,427ft above the valley floor. If you’re wondering how long it takes to go from one mountain to another, it’s 11 minutes.
Also, if you’re afraid of heights, this gondola is about as safe and steady as they come. Compared to the gondola coming up, the Peak 2 Peak doesn’t sway as much, and other than slight acceleration crossing pole stations, the pace is slow and consistent.
Of course all of this is secondary to the view you get passing between the two mountains. On a clear day like the one I experienced, you can see everything. Trees and mountains as far as the eye can see, where the definition of Pacific Northwest is done justice. If you check out a video done by Dee on the gastrofork YouTube channel, you can see she went during a foggy day, but it just made for a dramatic and different vibe.
It’s also worth mentioning that the view at the top of the mountain is breathtakingly incredible. I can definitely see why people who ski and snowboard love it so much. There’s really nothing that compares to standing on the top of a snowy mountain, taking in the fresh air and basking in nature. Unfortunately that day Christine’s, a restaurant on the mountain that offers seats next to the amazing view, is closed, but luckily there are seats available for the public, and a food court as well if you just want to grab a quick nibble and drink.
Overall the Peak 2 Peak was a super relaxing experience for those of you who just want to experience snow but not looking for a jam packed day. I would love to go back again and have a proper lunch or dinner there next time!
Disclosure: Please note we were invited on a media tour of Whistler and our lift was paid for, all opinions are our own.
