Nature lovers can witness some of British Columbia’s most breathtaking views at the country’s biggest ski resort, Whistler Blackcomb. The vacation hotspot recently upped the ante by constructing a suspension bridge 2,000 meters high that is not recommended for those who are afraid of heights.
The Cloudraker Skybridge spans 130 meters from Whistler Peak (2,182m) to the West Ridge. It opened earlier this summer, and thrill seekers can walk across it throughout the year, as long as the weather cooperates. The bridge offers incredible views of surrounding peaks as well as a look into the Whistler Bowl.
Access to the Skybridge is free for adrenaline junkies who purchase a Peak 2 Peak 360 ticket or a season pass. The Peak 2 Peak is the world’s longest unsupported gondola. It is an 11-minute ride from Whistler to Blackcomb and is elevated 436m above the valley floor.
The Skybridge is constructed of 101 pieces of steel. The floor is a see-through steel grid that reveals what’s below. Four cables support the bridge, which can hold approximately 36 tons.
The resort also built a lookout on West Ridge on top of Whistler Peak. On the 360-degree viewing platform, visitors can take in the mountain range as well as the Sea-to-Sky highway, which connects Whistler with Vancouver. The Cantilever viewing deck offers views of Rainbow Mountain and the extinct volcano Black Tusk.
Those wishing to access the bridge must take the Peak Express chairlift on Whistler mountain. From the Roundhouse Lodge, walk the Peak Express Traverse to the Peak Express chair. The suspension bridge is located at the Top of the World Summit. Skiers and snowboarders can walk to the Cantilever viewing deck and then descend on the Whistler Peak side.
The Cloudraker Skybridge officially opened in August. Vail Resorts acquired Whistler Blackcomb in 2016 and invested $66 million into the resort to carry out six big projects in the resort area. This includes a new gondola, two new chairlifts and an umbrella bar. These projects are expected to be completed for the upcoming ski and snowboard season.
Zermatta, a resort in Switzerland, built the world’s longest pedestrian suspension bridge last summer. It spans 494 meters.
