Something magical happens when you arrive at the summit of the small valley that contains the ski resort village of Whistler Blackcomb, in the Coast Mountain Range north of Vancouver, British Columbia.

Consistently recognized as the Top Ski Resort in North America, and the venue, with Vancouver, for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains and the Whistler Valley have plenty of activities for all, winter or summer.

Two mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, rise up a mile out of the valley (1,609 m/ 5,280 ft) and access over 7,000 acres of prime mountain terrain - including 12 alpine bowls, three glaciers and more than 200 marked trails. Thirty three state-of the-art lifts deliver an hourly lift capacity of 59,000 skiers to a skiable terrain covering 2,863 hectares (7,071 acres) - highest lift accessed elevation 2,284 m (7,494 ft).

And while the record-setting statistics are impressive, nothing compares to the PEAK 2 PEAK Alpine Experience. The journey between the two Mountains provides a 360-degree window into Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine environment, its surrounding peaks, changing seasons and wildlife habitat, but sightseeing is just the start of your adventure.

Whistler Blackcomb is located 100 miles (160 km) north of Vancouver - approximately 1-1/2 to 2 hours driving time. From Vancouver, follow Highway 1 west towards Horseshoe Bay, and take the Squamish/Whistler exit onto Hwy 99 North, also known as the Sea to Sky Highway. Hwy 99 North will take you through Squamish and on to Whistler.

It is recommended that your car be equipped with proper snow/winter tires for the drive from Horseshoe Bay to Whistler during winter. If you have all-season tires, please carry chains and know how to put them on. In case of heavy snowfall, a shovel and road salt are advisable.

Originally a summer fishing retreat, Whistler has plenty to offer in the warm summer months. From world-class mountain biking to remote fishing holes, you'll be enjoying the summer warmth of mountain air everywhere you go.