Whistler's Peak2Peak - Is there a point?

[skiNEwhere]

I can't help but compare the Whistler/BC's peak2peak gondola with the slide brook express that sugarbush built. It seems like the slide brook express, while convenient, really isn't that popular, and is sparingly used, to the point where it is only open on weekends or holidays

Intrawest has been promoting the crap out of the P2P, but I can't really see why anyone would use the p2p, especially when you can swap mountains at the very bottom without walking or moving your car.

It seems more than anythng that it is just a 51 million dollar gimmick of Intrawest

 

[ski220]

It seems more than anythng that it is just a 51 million dollar gimmick of Intrawest

Too true. It is also used to keep people off the slopes. Since they had more lift capacity than trail capacity (like Vail or Kmart), they needed an 'attraction'. I'm sure it will be much used by the clientele. Just wouldn't want to be on it when it stops.

 

[Geoff]

Too true. It is also used to keep people off the slopes. Since they had more lift capacity than trail capacity (like Vail or Kmart), they needed an 'attraction'. I'm sure it will be much used by the clientele. Just wouldn't want to be on it when it stops.

What?

Whistler/Blackcomb has 2x the acres of any other North American ski area. The intermediate areas like the Emerald quad get a lot of traffic but the resort can swallow people. My sister has lived in Vancouver since the mid-1980's so I've seen the place evolve over the years. I liked it a lot better when it was fixed-grip lifts and maybe a couple hundred thousand skier visits. The place basically wouldn't track out. You can't compare it to Kmart or the front face of Vail.

 

[GrilledSteezeSandwich]

I can't help but compare the Whistler/BC's peak2peak gondola with the slide brook express that sugarbush built. It seems like the slide brook express, while convenient, really isn't that popular, and is sparingly used, to the point where it is only open on weekends or holidays

Intrawest has been promoting the crap out of the P2P, but I can't really see why anyone would use the p2p, especially when you can swap mountains at the very bottom without walking or moving your car.

It seems more than anythng that it is just a 51 million dollar gimmick of Intrawest

I skied Whistler/Blackcomb way back in 1999 and I would usually begin my Day at Whistler..and end my day at Blackcomb..switching from one mountain to the other is a piece of cake...I see the new lift mainly for marketing and to delight the tourists. For a vert whore like me..it's a waste..sort of like the Slidebrook at Sugarbush. Unless you are coming off the Peak of Whistler..you need to take a lift to the peak2peak gondola..then take the peak2peak gondola followed shortly after by another lift at Blackcomb..alot of freaking lift riding..I just like to ski. Whistler-Blackcomb does like 2 million skier visits per year so they can afford the 51 million gimmick..are there any other on-mountain improvements?

 

[ski_resort_observer]

Since Intrawest has basically gone bankrupt, announced by their parent company Fortress a month ago, I bet they would love that 50m back.

 

[hardline]

for normal operations its usless but for the olympics s it will breat for getting sprectators between mountains. after that it will be of no use

 

[Maksim]

Doesnt one mountain have alot more advnaced terrain than others? But imagine during summer. Would be great to take that for the views.

 

[Edd]

There is a notable convenience factor to that lift: you can stick to the upper bowls all day. It's not hard to go to base and switch but it can be time consuming; 30-40 minutes easy. The peak lodges on both mountains are nicer than most base lodges in the east, so there's little need to come down.

 

[Telemechanic]

I think much of the day the base areas are places to avoid unless you like crowds or the easier terrain. I think an 11 minute ride between mountains would be better than skiing down if all you want is to explore the upper mountains. It should also help during the years when the lower mountains don't get much snow.

I really think its too early to dismiss the idea.

 

[tjf67]

I wish it were then when I went. You can stay up top where the better skiing!!
Going down below can often be a wet experience. Cutting out 40 minutes of intermediate skiing does not bother me.

I dont think they need an atraction they do pretty good.

 

[Newpylong]

Necessary? No? Convenient? Yes...

One only has to ski there to understand how warm, sticky and unfun the lower mountain can be at times. This can keep you up top where the good skiing is.

 

[Flan]

Just a silly thought...what happens when the P2P craps out halfway across at 1400 ft. above the valley floor? Fun rescue, eh?

 

[mondeo]

Just a silly thought...what happens when the P2P craps out halfway across at 1400 ft. above the valley floor? Fun rescue, eh?

Parachutes....duh.

 

[hardline]

Parachutes....duh.

or a really fun rapel. lol

 

[skiNEwhere]

look at the bright side though, I bet they'd give you a free season pass....

 

[hardline]

look at the bright side though, I bet they'd give you a free season pass....

intrawest give you a pass. ha but it would be great.

 

[andyzee]

Can't speak to p2p, but love the Slidebrook express. Make sure we ride it every time we're up there, if it's open. Not only is it convenient for going from one mountain to the other, it's great for taking in some scenery and getting a lil break.

 

[Geoff]

Doesnt one mountain have alot more advnaced terrain than others? But imagine during summer. Would be great to take that for the views.

No. Both Whistler and Blackcomb are loaded with advanced terrain.

In my opinion, the truly impressive view at Whistler is from the top of the Peak Chair or at the top of the 7th Heaven chair at Blackcomb. The peak to peak lift doesn't go high enough to wow the tourons in the summer.

 

[MichaelJ]

I love the sign at the top of Blackcomb that says it's 6.5 miles to the next lift.

 

[skiing is life]

Are you kidding me? the peak 2 peak is an amazing feat and will be incredibaly usefull. Obviosley you have never been there because the two mountains are huge. To get from whistler to blackcomb or visa versa would have requred you to get down to the main base of the mountain and take a shuttle to the other one. One way trip is about 40 minutes. Round trip with the gondola is cuts it down to about half that.