Whistler Ski Resort is renowned for being a resort that has more on offer than just great skiing and snowboarding! Zip Trek Eco Tours, is a great tour if you’re feeling like an afternoon off the slopes and want something more exciting than the usual more sedate off-mountain activities.
Located right in the heart of Whistler at the Carlton Lodge at the base of the mountain, Zip Trek Eco Tours offer two different options, the Bear and Eagle Tours. Each offers varying amounts of zipping and adrenalin, both of them offer a full insight into the amazing eco-system in Whistler’s pristine rainforest.
The Zip Trek Adventure
After arriving at the guest meeting point in the Carlton Lodge we were strapped into our harnesses and given all the safety briefings and hard hat, before a short walk to the first Zip-line at the bottom of the slopes on Blackcomb Mountain. Our two guides for the day, made us feel very safe about the first Zip line of the day, a short 60m introductory zipline to orient us to the sensation.
I’m usually not too good with heights, but strangely I didn’t seem to be too nervous about launching myself off into mid-air! The main ziplines on the rest of the tour are much longer and some are up to 610 metres long and reach speeds of up to 80km/h – not for the faint hearted! It was with some trepidation that I stepped off the platform on some of the higher lines!
The ziplines themselves are really only one half of the tour though, and our hugely knowledgeable guides gave us an entertaining and informative talk about the eco-system in the rainforest, from pointing out tree species and wildlife to answering any and every question we had about the forest!
Last but not least we had the final Zipline back to the starting place and an opportunity to go upside down, as demonstrated by our guides. With the excellent excuse of holding the camera, I refrained, and watched my partner attempt some aerial acrobatics on the last run of the day!
All in all, a great trip for adults or kids alike and the opportunity to do something exciting on the mountain while taking a break from the skiing (not on a powder day though!). Make sure you wrap up warmly as even with heaters at each zip station, it can get very cold!
Location
The Guest Relations desk is located right in heart of Whistler, downstairs at the Carlton Lodge.
More InfoSee the
Ziptrek website for more details.