Avalanches Go to the Dogs

Time again for another Whistler Blackcomb podcast produced by Warwick Patterson and hosted by Mark “Toaster” Torley. Now in its second season, this episode includes weather forecasting, avalanche dog training, and a ride on the new Peak2Peak gondola.

Although I was skeptical at first as to how much of a “frequent flier” I would be on the P2P, the 11-minute silent glide between the two mountains has quickly become a regular part of my visits.

I find the best times to have a gondola almost to myself and enjoy the panoramic views, including a superb overview of the heritage Singing Pass Trail that snakes along the flanks of Whistler Mountain, is pre-lunch. By 2:30 pm on weekends, long lines form at both stations. Shades of rush hour in Tokyo as smiling lifties make sure gondolas are packed to capacity.

Note to snowshoers and backcountry skiers: I devote an entire chapter to Singing Pass Trail in The Whistler Book. Winter or summer, this is a classic approach to Garibaldi Provincial Park high above Fitzsimmons Creek. The quiet on the well-marked, 12-kilometre/7.4-mile trail that begins next to the public transit bus loop in Whistler Village rivals that of a Peak2Peak ride-rush hour excepted.