This week marks the 60th anniversary of Whistler Mountain’s opening. Blackcomb Mountain opened in 1980. Whistler’s runs were designed more to side-run the mountain, whereas Blackcomb’s followed more of the fall lines.
Up until 1997, the two mountains operated separately. There was, however, a Dual Mountain Pass that could be purchased, granting access to both mountains. The pass was one of the only points of collaboration between the two competitors, whose rivalry was best showcased in their alpine lift duel.
In 1985, Blackcomb installed the 7th Heaven T-Bar, making it, at the time, the continent’s first, and only, “Mile High Mountain.” A vast amount of new terrain was opened up by this development—expansive glacial access and four powder bowls—extending Blackcomb’s skiable area by almost two-thirds. The significant upgrade served to dispel its previous uniformity in design. Skiers could now travel down runs covering 1,160 acres (469 hectares), a substantial increase over the previous 420 (170 hectares).
The alpine world had opened up. Read More.