For all you weirdos out there that want to climb a mountain when there is a perfectly good gondola, there are now three great options in the Sea-to-Sky.
Of course I jest!
Blackcomb Ascent Trail is a high quality, well maintained trail that starts at the base of Blackcomb and will take you all the way up to the Peak2Peak/ Rendezvous area of Blackcomb - where you can hike to other wonderful places from.
It is approx 6.5km/4mi with 1200m/3600ft alt gain, and depending on your speed will take anywhere from 1-4 hours probably. We did it in around 2 hours, keeping a pretty relaxed pace.
Most of the hike is in the trees, with a few creeks to keep the temperature down. Benches are scattered continuously on the way up, and oddly enough so are inspiration quotes and poetry, which help keep the spirits up.
To make clear: this is not a 'fun' hike, it is an unrelenting climb, which is more of a mental and physical test than anything else. There is rarely a inch of the hike that's not angled upwards, so pacing and hydrating are key. About 40% of the way up there is the option go to midstation on the gondola and hop a quick exit. For those continuing the fun is just beginning.
Once you start ascending from midstation the wildflowers start to come out, with my new favourite being the "Indian Paintbrushes". Shade becomes a little more sparse as the terrain becomes more exposed. If you know Blackcomb Mountain from the winter, it is interesting to see the runs from with a different perspective. Especially to the end of the hike as you pass into the Magic Castle, past Easy Out, Blackcomb Terrain Park, Catskinner Chair and eventually coming out to the top of the gondola.
It was a Saturday morning and so it was quite busy at the top, quite the contrast to the hike we had only seen a couple people on, including our neighbor. This is detract from that moment of reaching the top, but it's to be expected. I would suggest going on a weekday or try to leave on the trail before 8am to avoid people and the heat.
What do you think about this idea? - Climbing a mountain and taking a gondola down?
Personally I would want to bring my bike and ride down, one of the issues I have with big hikes is the descent. My knees aren't like they used to be, and the non-stop pressure from going down is usually what hurts the next day. So if you have a bike, and like riding bikes, then use that; but the gondola also fills that function.
The Grouse Grind in Vancouver is a similar endeavor that seems to get busier every year, you can also hike up the Sea-to-Sky Gondola in Squamish, though my impression is that is even more difficult.
Would you hike up a mountain with a perfectly good gondola?
Or find a mountain without a gondola and hike that.... less people
Негізгі бет Hiking Blackcomb Mountain's Ascent Trail - Whistler, Canada
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