 |
|
|
The Whistler valley was a traditional trading route of the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations long before the arrival of Europeans. The first British survey by the Royal Navy took place in the 1860s. These surveyors named the region London Mountain, but the area informally acquired the name "whistler" due to the call of the indigenous hoary marmot. In the late 19th century, a trail was cut through the valley linking Lillooet via Pemberton with Burrard Inlet via a pass from Squamish to the Seymour River.
The trail was completed in 1877, but because of the difficult and unforgiving terrain, it was only used once for its intended purpose, which was to drive cattle. The area began to attract trappers and prospectors (such as John Millar and Henry Horstman) who established small camps in the area in the early 20th century. The area began to gain recognition with the arrival of Mrytle and Alex Philip, who in 1914 purchased 10 acres (4 ha) of land on Alta Lake and established the Rainbow Lodge. The Philips had relocated from Maine to Vancouver in 1910, and had heard rumors of the natural beauty of the area from John Millar.
After an exploratory journey, the couple was convinced. The completion of the Pacific Great Eastern Railway in the same year greatly reduced the travel time from three days, providing ease of access from Vancouver, and the Rainbow Lodge gained a reputation as the most popular vacation destination west of the Rockies. The lodge was primarily a summer destination, with boating, fishing and hiking among the most popular activities, and soon other lodges began to open not just on Alta Lake, but on other valley lakes as well. Appreciation of the outdoors was not the only activity in the valley, however; logging was also a boom industry, and during the first half of the 20th century, most of the lower slopes of the surrounding mountains were cleared of old growth. At its peak, four mills were in operation, most located around Green Lake. Prospecting and trapping were pursued as well, though no claims of great value were ever staked.
Until the 1960s, the quiet area was without basic infrastructure; there were no sewage facilities, water, or electricity, and no road from Squamish or Vancouver. In 1962, four Vancouver businessmen began to explore the area with the intent of building a ski resort and bidding for the 1968 Winter Olympics. Garibaldi Lift Company was formed, shares were sold, and in 1966, Whistler Mountain opened to the public.
Modern History of Whistler
1877 The Pemberton Trail is completed linking the Pemberton valley to the Pacific coast, north of Vancouver.
1900 Trappers and prospectors settle in the area. Alta Lake is the original name of Whistler. The name "Whistler" is used by these settlers because of the shrill whistle sound made by the western hoary marmots who live among the rocks.
1910 Myrtle and Alex Philip arrive in Vancouver from Maine. They hear about Whistler's spectacular beauty.
1911 Myrtle and Alex take the three day journey to Whistler: a steamer ship from Vancouver to Squamish, overnight in Brackendale, and a two-day horse trek to Whistler.
1914 Myrtle and Alex buy ten acres of land and build the Rainbow Lodge on the shores of Alta Lake.
1914 The Great Pacific Eastern Railway (now BC Rail) is built to Alta Lake and links the valley to the outside world. Whistler becomes a base for logging and mining. Myrtle and Alex's Rainbow Lodge is the most popular resort destination west of Banff and Jasper. Way to go, Myrtle!
1950's Other lodges open throughout the valley. The abundant fish stocks make Whistler a summer resort destination long before it is considered a winter one. Winter travel becomes possible when a gravel road to Squamish is carved from the cliffs of Howe Sound.
1964 The single-lane road is extended to Whistler because of the ski area development, and to Pemberton later that same year. The trip from Vancouver to Whistler took 5-6 hours.
1965 Whistler Mountain finally gets the name "Garibaldi Whistler Mountain". A four person gondola, a double chairlift, two T-bars, and a day lodge are constructed.
1966 Whistler officially opens for skiing.A two-lane gravel road built in 1965 was paved to Whistler and then to Pemberton by 1969.
1969 A two-lane gravel road built in 1965 was paved to Whistler and then to Pemberton by 1969
1977 The new municipality is given 53 acres of Crown land to develop a town centre.
1978 Construction begins on the new town centre that will eventually become Whistler Village.
1980 Blackcomb Mountain opens creating one of the largest ski complexes in North America.
1985 Blackcomb Mountain expands it's terrain and becomes North America's only "Mile High Mountain".
1992 Snow Country Magazine votes Whistler the "Number One Ski Resort in North America" and the trend continues for almost a decade.
1998 Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains merge under Intrawest Corporation.
2002 The International Olympic Committee (IOC) short lists Vancouver/Whistler as a Candidate City for hosting the 2010 Olympic Winter and Paralympic Winter Games.
2003 Whistler (and Vancouver) win the bid to host the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Games.
2003 Skiing Magazine votes Whistler Blackcomb the "Number One Ski Resort in North America"
|
|
