I gently pulled the shades open, wondering what Mother Nature had in store for us after last night’s snowfall.
Greeted by an overcast sky, I silently wished for the rest of the clouds to part and give us a bluebird day.
Over breakfast, my prayers were answered as sunshine began to pour in the floor-to-ceiling windows. Last night’s snow glistened in the sun as if teasing us to hurry up so we wouldn’t miss the coveted fresh tracks every rider dreams of the day after a fresh dump of snow.
Riding Whistler With an Olympian
While I have ridden Whistler and Blackcomb mountains more times than I can count, I was more excited than usual. Today I was going to ride with an Olympian. My fearless leader for the day was Olympian Darren Chalmers. Darren rode in the 1998 Nagano Olympics for Team Canada alongside Ross Rebagliati, who has a run named after him on Blackcomb Mountain, Ross’ Gold.
If you want a truly unique experience, grab your riding partners and sign up to shred the slopes with an Olympian for the day. I thought I knew the mountains, but we rode virgin snow on runs I never knew existed. Making fresh tracks all day, it was an epic experience I won’t forget anytime soon.
Home of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Whistler is located on the unceded, shared, traditional territory of the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat Nation) to the north and the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) to the south. Whistler’s Indigenous history is represented through artwork in the area. We were fortunate enough to see one of the latest additions while carving down the mountain.
Whistler Showcases Indigenous Artwork
Gondola Gallery art installations can be seen on several PEAK 2 PEAK Gondolas. Wings of Thunder by Chief Janice George and Buddy Joseph depicts the weaving techniques of the Squamish Nation.
Red by Levi Nelson of Lil’wat Nation showcases a sacred colour that represents the lifeblood of Indigenous people and their connection to the Earth, along with shapes inspired by Nelson’s ancestors.
To truly understand Whistler’s history, I recommend visiting the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). At the SLCC, tours are offered daily and begin with a fun and educational video. This is not your typical museum tour where a docent spews facts while you wander through the exhibitions. Here, your guides are storytellers. The way in which they discuss their Indigenous culture, history and traditions is engaging and informative.
I learned that some traditional blankets took upwards of ten years to weave. They were then passed down from generation to generation, lasting over 300 years if properly cared for. We also learned that traditional headbands are worn to protect your thoughts so whenever you enter a gathering or ceremony, you enter with positive thoughts and prayers.
The Audain Art Museum is also home to a variety of Indigenous art including The Dance Screen by James Hart. During our tour with Kendra Mazur, she told us that the director of the museum was in attendance when The Dance Screen was installed, and he recounted feeling the surrounding masks come alive during the ceremony. He told her it was almost like there was an essence in the room that you could feel, even if you weren’t spiritual. The exhibits change throughout the year, so there is always something new to see here.
Ziplining Through the Forest
One of the best ways to get up close and personal with nature is ziplining. It’s an exhilarating outdoor adventure—zipping through an old-growth rainforest and over creeks. Ziptrek Ecotours offers several different tours to choose from of varying lengths. Our group did the Eagle Tour which consists of five ziplines and four treetop bridges. It’s an experience that lasts for several fun-filled hours.
Before you fly high above the ground and among the trees, you’ll get suited up in a harness and don a helmet. The trails in the area are uneven, so I suggest wearing hiking shoes or boots. Your guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring you are safe and having a good time.
Not only do you get to fly like an eagle over the Fitzsimmons Valley between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, but you’ll also learn about the flora and fauna of the area. I even braved eating some witch’s hair lichen pulled straight from a tree! Depending on how adventurous you are, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to flip upside down on a zipline. I’m admittedly a bit of an adrenaline junkie so I flipped a few times, and it was so much fun.
However and wherever you enjoy the outdoors, I hope you take a moment to reflect on our connection to nature. This trip reminded me of how healing spending time in nature is for my mind, body and soul. A quote from the Squamish Nation is displayed at the SLCC and resonates deeply with me: “In the beauty of the mountains, we are made whole in spirit.”
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The post Outdoor Adventures and Indigenous Experiences in Whistler first appeared on Explore Magazine.