On Wednesday Sept. 16 from 13:00 to 17:00 there will be a Gondola excursion to the top of Whistler mountain.  For hiking in the alpine be aware that it can be several degrees colder than in the valley and that weather can turn quickly - layered clothing and good walking shoes are advised. The last Gondola down is at 5PM. A general introduction can be found at http://srf2015.triumf.ca/social.html  We offer here a few choices for people who want to hike during the excursion.

Easy hikes

• Blackcomb side - Alpine Walk interpretive trail (~45 min)

• Whistler side – Spearhead walk (15 min) or Harmony lake loop trail (60-90 min)

Top of the mountain (Whistler side)

• From Roundhouse Lodge walk the Peak Chair Traverse (10 min) to the bottom of the Peak Express chair
• Ride the Peak Express chair (open chairlift) to the top of the mountain (5 min)
• Viewpoint, Inukshuk and short interpretive loop available (30-60 min)

Hike #1 – Lakeside loop trail - Blackcomb – 1.5-2 hours

Access: Starts at the exit of the Peak to Peak Gondola on the Blackcomb side

Description: Intermediate hike – some steeper sections – some loose stones – very enjoyable mix of treed and meadows walk with views of Whistler and the valley

Detail: Proceed straight ahead as you exit the Peak-to-Peak Gondola where you will find the Alpine Walk trailhead, hike up the gravel hill and follow the start of the trail. After the short initial hill, the trail levels and you enjoy views of the Fitzsimmons Valley. The trail reaches a rocky area with a clear viewpoint across the valley to Whistler.

A few steps up the rocky section, there is a junction. Go right and take the Overlord Trail as it makes its way through the alpine before descending a steep hill. Just after the steep hill and under the 7th Heaven Chairlift, there is a major 5-way junction. Take the Lakeside Loop Trail by bearing slightly left. Follow the Lakeside Loop Trail through the sub-alpine trees a short distance and the trail opens up into a large clearing. Only a few more minutes up the trail and Blackcomb Lake appears with an incredible, scenic backdrop from the surrounding mountains. After enjoying the views at the lake, continue along the trail as it passes the lake and descends downhill, passing through the meadows and over small streams. The trail eventually meets the Overlord Trail. Go right at the junction to head back to the Peak to Peak.
Eventually you will reach the major junction under the 7th Heaven Chair. Follow the trail you took earlier, continuing along the Overlord Trail until you reach the junction with the Alpine Walk. Go right at the junction and follow the Alpine Walk trail and a short time later it opens up to where the Gondola and chairlifts are. A short walk down the ski hill and the last section of trail returns you to the Peak to Peak gondola
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFQyCn5w2n8.

Hike #2 – Half-note trail –Whistler- 1.5-2 hours

Access: Starts behind the Inukshuk near the exit of the Peak Express chairlift

Description: - advanced hiking – some steep sections – uneven footing - trail markings could be better - offers the most scenic view of Cheakamus Lake in Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Detail: The Half Note Trail is part of the High Note Trail that begins at the top of the Whistler Peak Express Chairlift.  To access the Whistler Peak Express chair bear right after you leave the gondola and descend downwards towards the peak chair loading area (10 min walk). At the top of the peak chair bear right to the Inukshuk.

The trail starts behind the Inukshuk. After descending from the Inukshuk area take the gravel path to the right and pick up the trail on the nearby rocky outcrop and follow it as it descends. Watch your step on the steep sections – some short chains are available for stability. Eventually, the trail crosses a gravel road, used by mountain bikers, and continues on the other side. The next section of trail is relatively flat and clings to the mountainside as you walk with views of the Cheakamus River below and Black Tusk and surrounding mountains across the valley.

After walking for about 30 minutes the trail reaches the Cheakamus Lake Lookout. Continue along the trail and a short distance later, you reach the cut-off for the Half Note Trail. Follow the Half Note trail until you get to the Burnt Stew Road and turn left up a fairly steep gravelled incline. At the top of Burnt Stew Road turn left onto Matthew’s traverse and take it over the hill to reach the top of the peak chair. Download the peak chair to get back to the Roundhouse.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=135&v=pEjjzZzv0p4