The world-famous Whistler Blackcomb ski resort is expanding its offering beyond the slopes, announcing a US$345m (€300m, £238m) plan to revitalise and invest in its mountain facilities.
To be rolled out in three stages, the ‘Renaissance’ expansion plan will focus first on a US$100m (€87m, £69m) plan to create weather independent, year-round attractions.
Phase two will cost an estimated US$105m (€91.3m, £72.4m) and will include the development of a new day lodge and snow school, along with real-estate development. The largest sum will be spent during the final phase, with US$140m (€122m, £96.5m) transforming the Blackcomb base area.
Among the new investments, an indoor waterpark is planned at the upper base on Blackcomb Mountain. The Watershed waterpark will feature "waterslides and waves, rope swings and caves,” as well as an FEC, food and beverage options, an eight-lane bowling alley and a simulated surfing area.
Other new attractions planned for the mountain include a year-round mountain coaster, high ropes course, ATVs and snowmobiles designed for children, night skiing events, a suspension bridge connecting the peaks of Whistler Mountain, expanded hiking trails and an expansion of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
One of the most luxurious elements of the plan will be One Blackcomb Place – a six-star boutique hotel, residence and nightclub. A new indoor sports complex – known as the Annex and designed for aspiring ski, snowboard, mountain bike, BMX and skateboard athletes – is also in the plans.
“The Whistler Blackcomb Renaissance is the largest and most progressive development in our history, but what makes Renaissance most unique is the way all components are designed to form a cycle of growth providing value well beyond the sum of its parts,” said a statement on the Whistler Blackcomb website.
"Renaissance investment is subject to satisfaction of a number of conditions, including municipal and provincial government approvals, as well as the successful renegotiation and extension of Whistler Blackcomb's Master Development Agreements and masterplans, the completion of consultations with the Squamish and Lil'wat First Nations and negotiation of a proposed business partnership with those First Nations."
Whistler Blackcomb estimates the construction period for phases one and two will be approximately four to five years, with the Watershed being open two years following receipt of all approvals.
Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners – who also prepared the first masterplan for Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain in 1978 – have created the expansion masterplan for the latest development.
