When you picture a destination you often have preconceived ideas in mind from what you’ve seen on Instagram, read online and heard about from your friends; am I right? Sometimes these high expectations are met, and sometimes they fall short, but not with this list. This curated collection of places to visit will not only help you “get the gram” but encourage you to linger, soak it all in and really absorb your mountain experience leaving you on a natural mountain high, and of course, exceed any set expectations.
TOP OF PEAK CHAIR, WHISTLER
Pull that camera out before you take a seat because this is one impressive ride! Feel the gentle wind brush past your face as you gain altitude and perspective on Peak Chair. If you’re like me your toes will curl as you pass over the steep rocky cliff face below your feet right before landing on top of Whistler Peak. A prime opportunity to capture the coveted feet dangling shot while safely seated.
The awe can be somewhat overwhelming as you walk off the chairlift into an alpine plateau surrounded by natural beauty. Take a few minutes to take it all in, the fresh mountaintop air, the valley below and the sea of mountains in sight. Now with some clarity, you can single out what it is you want to experience first and possibly frame up for a photograph.
That handsome dark dagger-looking peak that you just can’t take your eyes off of is known as Black Tusk. Once an active volcano, the exposed magma tube we see today was once hidden breath glacial ice. The human resembling rock structure you’ll see here and at other iconic places both in the Whistler Village and on Whistler Blackcomb represents the idea that “we were here.” Each inukshuk has a unique background and placement to honor the first nations culture of the Sea-to-Sky area. And of course, it’s not a true Whistler Peak experience without testing out the new Cloudraker Skybridge. While tricky to get shots on the suspension bridge, a GoPro will surely do the trick, or take it all in from the viewpoint on either side for a dramatic perspective.
HIGH NOTE TRAIL, WHISTLER
The High Note Trail is famous for its alpine fields of wildflowers and views of the gigantic turquoise Cheakamus Lake. Take in views of the unraveling Overload Glacier and the rugged Cheakamus Glacier as you wander. With a quickly changing landscape from rugged rock to alpine streams to towering glaciers and fields of flowers, the photo options here are endless, the biggest challenge is to try and capture it all in one shot!
ROUNDHOUSE WESTSIDE, WHISTLER
On the valley side of the Roundhouse lays a new patio, platform viewing deck, and The Umbrella Bar. If you’ve just completed the High Note Trail you’ve earned a beverage in our books, but hey we won’t think any less of you if your first and final destination is this epic patio. There’s not a bad seat under the umbrella or on the patio so take comfort and kick those boots of yours up anywhere you see fit!
TOP OF 7TH HEAVEN, BLACKCOMB
One of the wildest transformations from winter to summer has got to be 7th Heaven! The pristine blanket of winter hides it’s naturally bouldered skin so much so that it’s hard to fathom ever skiing down it! From the deck of the Horstman Hut you can see the Horstman Glacier and from June 9th to July 15th you can see what this whole summer shredding is all about. Athletes and ski and snowboard-crazed lovers lap the T-bars in the summer heat to get their snow fix. In the opposite direction, head towards the inukshuk for incredible views of the entire Spearhead Range and layout of Whistler Mountain. With a glacier on onside of you, a boulder field on the other and views of Whistler all around it would be difficult to argue that this spot is anything less than spectacular.
DECKER TRAIL, BLACKCOMB
Each year the snowmelt reveals some gems along this trail, the Lakeside Bowl Tarn, and Decker Lake. Accessed via the Decker Trail, these summer spots are just as cold as their blue alludes. Straight from the glaciers above, both lakes are yours for the swimming, but take my word for it – it should be very hot before you even think about it. A watering hole shared with the Marmots you can usually hear a whistle or two if you hang out by the lakes long enough – also an ideal place for a picnic making the photo opportunities endless.
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Rain or shine all of these places pass the “impress test” with flying colors. Whether you get up-close and personal or sit back and soak in the views, each destination has something worth awing over and capturing regardless of what Mother Nature has in store. In fact, moody weather makes everything more dramatic, take Decker Trail, for example, the lakes get bluer as the sky gets darker. Keep the mountain inspiration flowing by tagging @WhistlerBlackcomb in your adventures to our iconic spots.