Saturday, May 23, 2009

Whistler's Peak 2 Peak Gondola

If you haven't been wowed at Whistler on the new Peak 2 Peak Gondola, head up there this winter for a spectacular ride.

I rode it last season shortly after it opened. It was like being suspended in the sky like a hot air balloon—quiet, gentle, with no feeling of motion. Truly amazing, and yes, it was a bit scary since we were so high above the valley floor. A break in the clouds let the sun shine on the tops of the enormous pine trees waaaaay down below. It took 11 minutes to travel the nearly 3 air miles between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains—the world's longest unsupported span between two towers, and the highest (1,427 feet!). Two of the cars have glass bottoms for viewing the terrain right under your feet (railings around the glass protect it).

Here's the video of my ride last January, courtesy of Chris Elliott, travel writer and editor of Tripso.com.

 
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