Whistler (BC), Canada – Winter operations may be wrapping up at Whistler Blackcomb but the B.C. ski and snowboard resort’s summer season is just getting started with a wide variety of activities available both on and off the mountains.

“As we transition from winter to summer, it is an exciting time to experience Whistler Blackcomb’s snowy alpine experience,” says Rob McSkimming, Vice President of Business Development at Whistler Blackcomb.

The winter 2010-11 has officially been named the second snowiest season ever at Whistler Blackcomb and with Mother Nature having taken a slow start this spring, a winter wonderland still awaits up in the alpine.

Alpine Tube Park

Due to a high late season snowpack, Whistler Blackcomb has opened a summer tube park in the Whistler alpine for the second year in a row. Guests heading up the mountain will be able experience the thrill of sliding on snow for as long as the snowpack allows. The Coca Cola Summer Tube Park consists of three lanes located at the top of the Whistler Village Gondola near the Whistler PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola Terminal. Tickets are C$5 for unlimited runs and are available at the Roundhouse Traders desk in the Roundhouse Lodge.

Horstman Glacier Skiing/Riding

For those who cannot wait until next winter season, the Horstman Glacier remains open for summer skiing and snowboarding until July 24 from noon to 3 p.m. daily. The glacier experience is perfect for intermediate to advanced skiers and riders and offers the opportunity for guests to improve their jump and freestyle skills. A number of ski and snowboard camps also use the Horstman Glacier during the summer months and have Olympic champions and well-known industry pros as coaches. Upload to the glacier begins at 11 a.m. from the base of Blackcomb Mountain via the Wizard Express and Solar Coaster Chairs to the Rendezvous. Guests can then take a shuttle bus to the 7^th Heaven Express Chair, which takes them to the top of Blackcomb Mountain. Sightseers are also welcome to check out the glacier by following the same upload route. Lunch and great views are available at the Horstman Hut.

Alpine Hiking and Sightseeing

Alpine hiking and sightseeing at Whistler Blackcomb during the summer months begins by uploading the Whistler Village Gondola or the Wizard Express chairlift at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. A 30-minute journey brings guests to the top of the mountain where vistas and great photo opportunities are never in short supply. From there guests can experience the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola which spans the distance between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains and offers a breathtaking 4.4 kilometer journey over the Fitzsimmons Valley. While connecting the incredible high alpine terrain of both mountains, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola provides access to over 50 kilometres of hiking and walking spread over 18 trails (12 on Whistler and six on Blackcomb) which offer views of glaciers, snow-capped peaks and alpine meadows. There is still a lot of snow in the alpine, so hiking trails are opening as the snowpack allows.

Lunch at Christine’s

Christine’s in the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain is open for lunch through Sept. 5 and is Whistler Blackcomb’s signature full service alpine restaurant during the summer months. The menu at Christine’s specializes in mountain comfort dishes designed to showcase fresh local ingredients and features an excellent selection of British Columbia wines. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (604) 938-7437.

Mountain Top BBQs

Through Sept. 4 the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain hosts Mountain Top Dining every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The menu includes Whole Hog Fridays, Prime Rib & Slow Smoked BBQ Saturdays and Pacific Seafood Grill Sundays. Dinners are served buffet style and include fresh salads and delicious deserts to accompany the BBQ. Tickets can be purchased by visiting Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations or by calling (800) 766-0449.

BC Winemaker’s Dinners

Due to the popularity of the Winemaker’s Après Series during the winter months, for the first time ever Whistler Blackcomb will be hosting BC Winemaker’s Dinners in the Roundhouse Lodge this summer. On three select evenings only, some of the province’s best wines will be paired with culinary delights from Steeps Grill and Wine Bar. Dates remaining this summer for the Winemaker’s Dinners include Nk’Mip Cellars Winery on August 12 and See Ya Later Ranch Winery on September 3.

Adventure Zone at Blackcomb Base

The Adventure Zone in the Upper Village at the base of Blackcomb offers a variety of activities for the whole family. The Adventure Zone is open through Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and until 8 p.m. on Saturdays.  A short walk from Whistler Village, the Adventure Zone features activates such as the Little Mountain Golf Centre, the Westcoaster Luge, Blackcomb Horse and Pony Trail Rides, The Core Climbing Wall, Batter-Up Batting Cage, Hot Wheelz Go Carts, a Balloon Slide and a Bouncy Castle.

Farmer’s Markets

The Whistler Farmer’s Market takes place at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in the Upper Village every Sunday and Wednesday. The market is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features a variety of locally grown produce, fresh baked goods, arts, crafts and jewelry created by local Whistler artisans.

Upcoming Summer Events in Whistler

• Warrior Dash: On Aug. 6 the ultimate event for thrill-seeking athletes will take place on Blackcomb Mountain. Warrior Dash is a 3-5 kilometer race where participants will take on intense obstacles, and celebrate their achievement with music, beer, and muddy shorts. More information: www.warriordash.com

• Kokanee Crankworx: Kokanee Crankworx is one of the world’s most prestigious showcases of amateur and professional freeride mountain biking. Hitting Whistler July 15 to 24 this year, the festival will include outdoor expos, demo centers and live music. and all events are spectator friendly and great to watch. More information: www.crankworx.com

• BBQ Championships: Local legends and world champions alike will gather at Dusty’s Bar & BBQ in Creekside July 29 to 31 to compete in the Whistler BBQ Championships. This event is a highlight of the Pacific Northwest’s competitive BBQ circuit and will feature samples, live music and cooking demonstrations. Guests can also purchase the C$5 Visitors Pass which provides access to sampling priority from the competitors and access to the Coca Cola Sampling Booth.

• 5 Peaks: On Aug. 20 runners from all over British Columbia will descend upon Whistler Mountain to experience an off-road challenge. The course will take competitors over rocks, roots, tree stumps and logs, up ski hills and hiking trails and through puddles, mud and snow. More information:www.5peaks.com