Connect with Nature in Whistler’s Alpine

One of the best ways to connect with nature in Whistler is by spending time in the diverse alpine environment. Taking time to walk amongst the alpine flowers, wildlife, and incredible terrain of Whistler Blackcomb’s alpine will provide a deeper connection with the mountains we’ve all grown to love. The Coast Mountains provide some of the most epic scenery in the world, and we want to make sure you don’t miss out on the best ways to see it!

Access

If you want to access the alpine on the path less travelled, the Ascent Trail is the designated route for fit hikers wanting to take in the full experience of Blackcomb Mountain from the valley floor to the alpine peaks. 6.1 kilometres in length with 1,150 meters in elevation gain, this is a serious hike you’ll want to be fully prepared for, both in supplies and fitness. If you want to make the most of your time in the alpine without a 3 – 4 hour trek up the mountain, you can take advantage of Blackcomb’s lift access with a sightseeing pass from Whistler Blackcomb. This is the ideal way for those of all abilities to enjoy connecting with the nature of Whistler’s alpine together. It’s good to note that Blackcomb Mountain is open until October 10th, while Whistler Mountain closes for the season on September 5th. You’ll want to make sure you pack layers for cooler temperatures in the Blackcomb alpine through the month of September and October!

Trails

Once you have a sightseeing pass (link) from Whistler Blackcomb, you’ll be able to take in a lot of scenery in a relatively short amount of time. You can take the Blackcomb Gondola up from the Upper Village and be in the alpine in a short amount of time. For those wanting to connect more deeply with nature away from others, hiking the famed trail network of Blackcomb Mountain is the perfect way to grasp the magnitude of the Coast Mountains. Some of our favourite hiking trails off Blackcomb are these:

• • • Easy: Alpine Loop – Length 1.4km, Elevation Change 72m. From the Rendezvous Lodge, you’ll experience the beautiful mixture of Apline & Subapline terrain, as well as panoramic views of the Fitzsimmons Valley & Whistler Mountain.
    • Intermediate: Overlord Trail – Length 3.7km, Elevation Change 124m. This is a classic hike on Blackcomb that extends into Garibaldi Provincial Park. The Overlord Trail is one of the best trails to see alpine flowers and meadows that will leave you in awe. It also happens to be the access trails to more advanced hikes if you’re keen.
    • Advanced: Decker Loop – Length 3.3km, Elevation Change 214m. This challenging trail is also one of the most rewarding hikes for those wanting to take in the spectacular views of Whistler’s backcountry. At the furthest point on the loop, you’ll want to take a break to take in the majestic surroundings.

Flora & Fauna

Once you’re out hiking in the alpine of Whistler Blackcomb, you’ll be blown away by the incredible flora and fauna of the alpine. You’ll almost certainly see the famed marmots of Blackcomb Mountain, scurrying around and making the whistle sound that gave Whistler its namesake. Lining the trails, you’ll be blown away by the stunning flowers of the alpine. These delicate, yet colourful beauties will make you want to stop and appreciate the serenity and natural beauty of these Coast Mountains. Walking through serene scenery like this is truly one of the best ways to connect with nature in Whistler, and we can’t wait for you to experience this for yourself!

Find your dream haven to call home after experiencing the magic of Whistler’s alpine trails here. We can’t wait to host you in our beautiful mountain town! Ideal locations include Woodrun and Aspens due to their proximity to the Blackcomb Gondola.