5 Tips for Riding Whistler Peak to Peak Gondola
Whistler Peak to Peak Gondola Tips
Once I had decided to visit Whistler, a ride on the fabled Peak 2 Peak gondola between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains was a must according to friends and family.
While I had seen promotional pictures of the gondola, it wasn't until I was actually staring up at it from the base of the mountain that I came to really appreciate the gap that it spans, the immensity of its unsupported distance.
As a regular downhill skier and onetime paraglider, I am fairly comfortable with heights, however looking up at the gondola made my stomach turn a little. I decided, however, that it was one of those things that you have to experience, something that you don't want to regret missing out on later.
I bought my ticket, using a two dollar discount flier I had picked up earlier in Whistler Village, and joined the small line for the 25 minute ride up the Whistler Village gondola to the Roundhouse Lodge.
As you make your way up, the view becomes increasingly impressive as the mountain range unfolds before you; snow capped peaks, tree studded valleys, emerald green lakes.
At the Roundhouse Lodge I took a brief detour to capture some photos before heading to the Peak 2 Peak. There was a large line for the 2 glass-bottomed gondola cars, compared to walking on to a regular car; I went for the walk-on option.
A Very Smooth Gondola Ride
As you leave the station you get a view of the distance soon to be travelled; at first it is nerve wracking, however the ride is unbelievably smooth and provides great views of the valley.
Once on the other side I took a few minutes to enjoy the view and appreciate the cool breeze, a welcome respite from the oppressive heat found below. I decided to hop back on the Peak 2 Peak to the other side where actual snow could be found, thinking that it would provide the ultimate form of refreshment.
On the way back down to the village I kept my eyes peeled for bears, as there had been a sighting reported just minutes earlier. One of my most memorable experiences from my last visit to Whistler (10 years ago) was spotting a bear on the hill below, and I hoped to repeat the experience. That was not to be, however, the bike park below the gondola provided entertainment for the last bit of the ride.
All in all it was a worthwhile, memorable experience, and not nearly as nerve wracking as anticipated.
5 Tips to maximize your Peak 2 Peak Gondola experience:
- Discounts. Look around for promotions or deals. I stumbled across the 2$ discount while shopping in the village; many stores had the coupons placed by the cash.
- Optimal viewing. It doesn't really matter where you sit in the gondola, the view is great from all angles. If you want to see where you are going, make sure to sit at the front, otherwise you will be standing up to see over those who got there before you.
- Footwear. If I had known better, I would have worn sturdier shoes and taken advantage of the short hiking/walking trails at the top. If you are interested in hiking, wear appropriate footwear - not sandals.
- Dress in layers. While it was quite warm the day I visited, the top of the mountain can be quite a bit cooler than the base - be sure to pack a light top layer.
- Don't rush. Finally, give yourself lots of time to enjoy the experience. Budget at least two hours for the trip to give you enough time to explore and take photos. Remember that it takes 25 minutes just to get to the peak.
Dianne Kissick is a visitor to Whistler from Barrie Ontario. An experienced traveler, Diane is always looking for the next travel adventure.
Tags: whistler, peak to peak, gondola
