Whistler ski area in Canada have announced plans for a huge 345m Canadian Dolar investment in new infrastructure, much of it focused on the resort's Blackcomb Mountain, in a three-phase project entitled 'Whistler Blackcomb Renaissance.'
The plans include new base and mountain stations, a new high speed lift linking them, other ski area improvements in the region and the construction of an indoor water park, The Watershed, at the mountain's upper base.
This is expected to be a 163,000 square foot facility featuring activities like waterslides, the latest deep water surf simulator technology, cliff jumping and rock climbing experiences, a wave pool, hot and cold pools, bowling, food and beverage facilities and retail amenities, as well as other weather-independent activities.
New snow school learning zones, a night skiing zone, and enhanced snowmaking on Blackcomb Mountain are also part of the plans, with The Watershed part of phase one, which has an estimated $100m budget and the resort hopes will begin to see the first parts opening to the public within two years of all approvals being granted.
The plans – which focus on increasing year rod attractions at the BC ski area - also call for a four-season mountain coaster; a new outdoor tree-top ropes course and what the resort describes as 'air-based activities' as well as electric ATVs and snowmobiles for children; night skiing facilities; a sightseeing suspension bridge connecting the peaks of Whistler Mountain; the expansion of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park at Creekside; and expanded hiking trails, among others.
"Whistler Blackcomb Renaissance is the most progressive investment in our history and will leverage our tremendous success building our non-ski business. Renaissance will further diversify our revenue and enhance the activities available for our guests while elevating Whistler Blackcomb's core skiing, mountain biking and sightseeing experiences and continuing our evolution as one of the industry's leading four-season mountain resorts," says Dave Brownlie, the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer.