Whistler Blackcomb
Peak to Peak Gondola to unite Whistler and Blackcomb
at the top
WHISTLER Canada, May 1, 2007
Record breaking lift will revolutionize resort
experience. Whistler Blackcomb, a mountain
resort already renowned for daring innovation, has announced
its boldest move yet with the construction of the Peak
to Peak Gondola, for completion December 2008. The two
mountains will be united by a gondola that will set
world records for length and height while providing
an unmatched experience for winter and summer resort
guests.
The Peak to Peak Gondola will travel 4.4 kilometres
in just 11 minutes, transporting winter and summer guests
from Whistler's Roundhouse Lodge to the Rendezvous Lodge
on Blackcomb Mountain, giving them unprecedented access
to both mountains' expansive and unique high alpine
terrain and spectacular vistas.
Skiers and riders will have the opportunity to easily
take advantage of 8,171 acres of terrain encompassed
by both incredible mountains, via the world's longest
continuous lift system. Moving freely between the high
alpine areas of both mountains skiers and riders will
spend more of their day in the best weather and snow
conditions. The adventure for summer visitors will include
spectacular views of glaciers and peaks as well as access
to an expanded hiking trail network on both mountains.
With 28 sky cabins each holding up to 28 people, total
capacity will be 4,100 passengers per hour. The Peak
to Peak terminal on Whistler Mountain will be located
next to the Roundhouse Lodge and easily accessed from
the valley by the Village Gondola. On Blackcomb Mountain
the Peak to Peak terminal will be located next to the
Rendezvous Lodge and accessed from the valley via the
Wizard Express and Solar Coaster Express. Construction
will commence in May 2007, with the lift being manufactured
and installed by the Doppelmayr / Garaventa Group (Doppelmayr)
of Austria The Doppelmayr 3S tri-cable gondola will
span 4.4 kilometres (2.73 miles) in total distance from
Whistler Mountain to Blackcomb Mountain with the world's
longest unsupported (free) span of 3.024 kilometres
(1.88 miles) between the two towers furthest apart.
The highest vertical point is over Fitzsimmons Creek
at 415 metres (1,361 feet) – the world's greatest
distance above a valley floor.
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