Whistler Real Estate - Index

Whistler Real Estate - Whistler Real Estate Summer Fall 2009 Magazine - Index

Whistler History
Olympic Dreams and Legacies
Long before it was an
award-winning winter ski
destination, Whistler was
a renowned summer resort
on the shores of Alta Lake.
Called Rainbow Lodge, it
was the most popular summer destination
west of the Rockies. Visitors using the
newly opened Pacific Great Eastern Railway
flocked here to cast in lakes teeming with
fish, hike, climb and explore a world of
pristine natural beauty.
For more than 50 years, pioneers,
adventurers and explorers made the multiday
trek to the area just to experience the
stunning mountain vistas, clean fresh air,
and abundant wildlife. Then, as is true
today, Whistler attracted a special breed of
people seeking
more than just
Whistler has truly
the everyday
experience.
become a year-round
It wasn’t
until the
destination.
1960’s that
a group of
businessmen led by Franz Wilhelmsen
hit upon the idea to develop a ski area on
what would eventually become Whistler
Mountain. Even though there was no road,
electricity, sewage or water services at the
time, their dream was to build a resort
that would host the 1968 Winter Olympic
Games. Unfortunately that was not meant
to be, however, Whistler Mountain opened
to the public on February 15, 1966, and the
resort has grown by incredible leaps and
bounds ever since.
Although it has taken more than 40
years, Whistler will finally achieve its
Olympic destiny in just a few short months
as Official Host Mountain Resort for the
2010 Winter Olympic Games. There’s never
been a more exciting time in Whistler’s
history, as the whole community comes
together to be a part of the resort’s time in
the spotlight on the world stage. Hosting
the Games not only brings Whistler’s history
full-circle, but it will also help shape its
future with lasting legacies.
Along with the eyes of the world in
2010, The Olympic Games have already
brought new world-class venues to the
resort. The new Whistler Olympic Park in
PHoto: DavidMcColm.com
Marking time
◆ ��1877 The Pemberton Trail is completed, linking the Pemberton Valley to the Pacific Coast, north of Vancouver.
◆ ��1900 The name “Whistler” is adopted by local prospectors and trappers.
◆ ��1914 Myrtle and Alex Philip buy 10 acres of land on Alta Lake, which is eventually transformed into the historic Rainbow Lodge.
◆ ��1914 The Great Pacific Eastern Railway is built to Alta Lake and links the valley to the outside world, elevating the Rainbow Lodge to one of the top
tourist destinations on the West Coast.
◆ ��1964 A single-lane gravel road is extended to Whistler because of the ski area development.
◆ ��1966 Whistler Mountain officially opens for skiing.
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