When most people think of Whistler in British Columbia, CA, they picture snow-capped mountains, world-class skiing, and the buzz of winter sports. But what many don’t realize is that Whistler and Blackcomb come alive in the summer too. Hiking trails wind across ridgelines, mountain bikers are everywhere enjoying the trails, wildflowers bloom against rugged peaks, and gondolas whisk visitors like me high above the valley floor. This is the Summer Alpine Experience, and one of the highlights for me was riding the record-breaking Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
I visited the Peak 2 Peak Gondola in mid-August, and what I discovered was a mix of breathtaking scenery, fascinating engineering, relatively few crowds, and a few surprises along the way.
Riding the Gondola to Blackcomb
My journey began in Whistler Village, where I took the gondola up to Blackcomb Mountain. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and in that short time you leave behind the bustle of the village and rise into a completely different world. The valley forests spread out below, lakes shimmer in the distance, and glaciers peek out from behind jagged ridgelines. Even in late summer, streaks of snow remain in the alpine zone.
For anyone nervous about heights, the gondola is fully enclosed, smooth, and steady, more like gliding than riding. Families, photographers, and even casual visitors will find it relaxing as much as thrilling. It’s a very quiet ride, surprisingly!
An Engineering Marvel
The entire gondola system is more than just a ride up the mountain; it’s a feat of engineering. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola holds two world records: the longest unsupported span at 3.03 kilometers, and the highest lift of its kind at over 400 meters above the valley floor. The entire line stretches 4.4 kilometers, connecting Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains in a way that feels both impossible and effortless.
Don’t worry. Despite its scale, the system is one of the safest in the world. It has backup power supplies, advanced braking technology, and continuous monitoring. Cabins arrive every 49 seconds, so there’s rarely any wait. It’s designed so you can marvel at the views without worrying about the mechanics.
Hiking the Alpine Trails
At the top of Blackcomb, hiking trails fan out across the mountain. With over 50 kilometers of interconnected routes, there’s something for every level of hiker. I chose the Alpine Loop, a relatively short and scenic trail that offers wildflowers, pines, rocky ridgelines, and patches of snow that stubbornly hang on well into summer.
The alpine is also home to plenty of wildlife. Birds fly across the ridges, black bears sometimes roam the lower slopes, and marmots, the furry locals that Whistler is named after, dart across the rocks. On my hike, I spotted one hopping from boulder to boulder, its distinctive whistle carrying across the mountain. Seeing it felt like a special connection to the landscape, and I managed to catch it on video.
Crossing the Peak 2 Peak Gondola
After our hike, I boarded the Peak 2 Peak Gondola to cross over to Whistler Mountain. This stretch takes just 11 minutes, but it’s unforgettable. The gondola floats above a vast sea of trees, rivers, and valleys, giving you the sense that you’re suspended between worlds. It’s not just transportation, it’s one of the most iconic experiences in Whistler.
Reaching Whistler Summit
On the Whistler side, you’ll find even more to explore. The Olympic rings from the 2010 games are there for photos, there’s a gift shop, restrooms and a nice restaurant. For an extra exciting experience, take the Peak Express Chair to the summit ridge. Just a short walk down from the main area, this is an open-air lift that takes about 4 minutes. Up here, the temperature drops quickly and the wind picks up, even in August.
Pro tip: Wear layers. The weather in the alpine changes fast, and while it might be warm in the village, the summit often feels like autumn. Also, don’t forget sun protection. At high altitude the UV rays are stronger, and it’s easy to underestimate how much sun you’re getting when the air feels cool.
Cloudraker Skybridge & Raven’s Eye
At the summit, two attractions steal the show: the Cloudraker Skybridge and the Raven’s Eye Cliffwalk. The suspension bridge stretches across Whistler Bowl, offering the exhilarating sensation of walking into the sky. Just beyond, the Raven’s Eye juts out from the mountain edge, giving you a 360-degree view of peaks, glaciers, and valleys. It’s the kind of view that makes you pause and breathe it all in.
The Inukshuk
Standing tall at the top is the Inukshuk, a stone landmark rooted in Inuit tradition. It became the symbol of the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, representing friendship, guidance, and welcome. It’s more than just a photo opportunity — it’s a reminder of the cultural and natural heritage that defines these mountains.
Unwinding at the Umbrella Bar
After exploring, I stopped at the Umbrella Bar at the summit. There’s nothing quite like sipping a cool drink while surrounded by endless mountain views. It’s the perfect way to rest your legs and take in the alpine atmosphere before heading back down.
The Ride Down the Whistler Side
The gondola ride back down Whistler Mountain takes another 20 minutes, with views that feel completely new from this perspective. It’s a quiet, reflective end to the day — a chance to let the mountain experience sink in before returning to the village below.
If You Go
The Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience is more than a gondola ride. It’s a chance to hike among wildflowers, cross a record-breaking suspension lift, and stand on a mountaintop where the world seems to stretch endlessly in every direction.
Bring layers, wear sunscreen, and keep your eyes peeled for marmots. Most of all, come with a sense of adventure. The mountains will take care of the rest.
Off Duty Traveler 