Upper Village - Whistler, British Columbia, Canada

Upper Village is the eastern hemisphere of the heart of Whistler, BC. Whistler Village is west, across Fitzsimmons Creek. Upper Village sits at the base of Blackcomb Mountain and Whistler Mountain. If you go on a ski or snowboard vacation in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, it is probable you will find yourself at Upper Village. Renting nearby affords you all the village offers. You'll see why The US-based Skiing Magazine has, to this day, rated Whistler number one in "Top 25 Ski Resorts in North America" for eleven consecutive years.
Upper Village bloomed much later in the flowering Whistler. It came after the unveiling of Blackcomb Mountain and development of Whistler Village in 1980. History is pervasive in the culture of Whistler. Then known as the Lil'wat Nation and Squamish Nation - now called the Coast Salish First Nations - these nomadic peoples hunted, gathered, and traded long before any white settlers.
In 1965, Whistler Mountain opened for skiing, jumpstarting an industry that would dramatically increase the wealth and population. It has since become one of the premier ski resort destinations in North America. It will also host the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Whistler's population is 9,595. An estimated two million visit the region.
Upper Village is directly at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. There are two major Gondolas: Magic Chair and The Wizard Express. Unlike Whistler Village, which is pedestrian only, roads pass through the village. If you go to Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, to ski or snowboard, here are the important stats: The stats for Whistler Mountain are as follows: base elevation is 2,214 feet and peak 7,160 feet; vertical rise is 5,020 feet; 21 ski lifts; +100 runs; longest run 7 miles. Ski terrain is 4,757 acres, 25% of which is for experts, 55% intermediates, and 20% novice.
Blackcomb Mountain stats are: base elevation is 2,214 feet and peak 7,494; vertical rise is 5,280 feet; 17 lifts; +100 runs; longest run 7 miles; ski terrain is 3,414 acres, of which 30% is for experts, 55% intermediates, and 15% novice. Average annual snowfall for Whistler is around 30 feet.

Plenty of Winter Activites

As Upper Village has much to do, all of Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, has attractions you may enjoy. Driving on the Sea and Sky highway is an exploration of British Columbia. One activity that's fun is ziplining over Fitzsimmons Creek, which is a natural boundary between Upper Village and Whistler Village.
If you or your kids skate, a skate park is nearby. Rebagliati Park is across the bridge. Hike to Meadow Park. Swim, exercise, ice skate, play ice hockey at the Meadow Park Sports Centre. And behind the sports center is a water fun park. See an immense amount of eagles soar, because Whistler has the largest concentration of bald eagles in the world. Catch a glimpse at alpine flowers blooming on Whistler Mountain. Learn at local museums. The Adventure Zone has trapezes, a climbing wall, maze, luge, miniature golf, ponies, bungee trampolines, and more. At the U-Pick, Sturdy North Arm Farm, you can pick and eat your own berries.
Upper Village also has its huge Whistler Farmer's Market, which can be considered an event, shopping experience, and an attraction. If you only stop in Upper Village for one reason - other than skiing - it should be for the Farmer's Market. Join the wine pros, food critics, and those who love fine foods and wines at the annual Whistler Cornucopia. Visual artists, multimedia artists, dancers, circus acts, established as well as fresh directors, and all who appreciate art congregate at the annual ARTrageous. Again, the Farmer's Market is huge in July, August, September, and October. WinterPride is gay pride with flair. A parade, parties, skiing, and action-galore fill the air with palpable excitement.
For a weekend of skiing, wine, food, and mountaintop parties, the annual TELUS Winter Classic leaves no one out in its good time. Be amazed at the fire in dance and acrobatics, culminating into a finale of fireworks, soaring over the mountains, at the Fire and Ice Show. And, of course, the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. Not to be missed. If you look at Upper Village in conjunction with its across-the-bridge neighbor Whistler Village, you see there are hundreds of stores and over ninety restaurants. The numbers speak volumes for the types of shops and restaurants. Just about any type of shop or restaurant you need and want, Whistler has it. From eclectic indie shops, to the latest in fashion and sports gear, and from sushi, to Mediterranean and pub finger foods - only a quick drive through Upper Village and a few strolls around Whistler Village will lead you to your choice. And if you don't want to leave your vacation rental, groceries can be delivered to you.
Noted as one of the best ski resorts in North America, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, must be a stop for the ardent skier. And for those who love other winter sports & activities, Whistler doesn't disappoint: skiing, snowboarding, sled riding, sleigh riding, dog sledding, cat skiing (a twenty person, heated Snowcat), heli-skiing, heli-tours, cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, ice skating, ice hockey, tubing, and good old fashioned snowball fighting.
Even when the snow melts, the activities stay strong: mountain bike, bungee jump, bear and eagle watch, tour by ATV, by helicopter, by plane, by train, by hot rod, by hummer, and by jet boat, canoe and kayak, fish, hike the mountains and trails, horseback ride, rock climb, zipline, whitewater raft, wakeboard, boat, golf, tennis, and swim in the golden lakes and tan on its clean shores. Rental properties in Whistler, BC, dot the valley. Wherever you are, the looming mountains look on you. And wherever you are, you aren't far from Upper Village and Whistler Village. Be Whistler's guest for awhile and you may just grow a fondness for this world-class ski resort destination.