A new Alpine Trail Network for hiking and biking on Mount Sproatt and Rainbow Mountain is being developed and the first phase will open to the public in summer, 2017.
Alpine Trail Network
Latest Status
June 2017
The snow line is presently at 1100 meters, and crews are working on the trail “Into the Mystic”, just below 1100 meters, rerouting some older logging road sections.
This past winter Whistler experienced significant snow fall in the alpine. As a result, the upper sections of the trail may be snow covered for some time. It is possible that the trail network will be closed until late July.
The RMOW would like to remind the public that construction is still underway on the Alpine Trails Network and all trails remain closed at this time.
Overview
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is undertaking a multi-year Alpine Trail Network program to develop world-class hiking and biking trails on Mount Sproatt and Rainbow Mountain.
The Alpine Trail Network will benefit both residents and visitors by enhancing the Whistler summer experience and is guided by the Economic Partnership Initiative.
After the completion of all phases, the Alpine Trail Network will include 40 kilometres of trails and campsites and be similar to provincial park trails such as Singing Pass Trail to Russett Lake and the Black Tusk/Garibaldi Lake Trail.
The first phase of trails includes:
- An eight-kilometre “Lord of the Squirrels” mountain biking descent on Mount Sproatt (constructed by WORCA and currently open).
- An 18-kilometre multi-use alpine trail system (still under construction).
- The Skywalk Trail and 19 Mile Trail for hiking that connects from the Flank Trail to Ice Berg Lake, the Rainbow Ridge and Screaming Cat Lake (constructed by the Alpine Club of Canada and currently open).
- Rainbow Lake Trail improvements with a focus on proper watershed hiking etiquette (currently open).
Trail construction began in 2014 and is being undertaken by WORCA as well as the Alpine Club of Canada.
The budget is $300,000 annually for 2016 to 2018 pending budget approval and covers future phases of trails. The project is funded by the RMOW through the Province of British Columbia’s Resort Municipality Initiative.
Timeline
2014: Construction begins.
2017: First phase trails open to the public.
Community Engagement
Plans for the trail network were also developed collaboratively by the Trails Planning Working Group, which included the RMOW, Alpine Club of Canada, Whistler Off Road Cycling Association, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, the Cheakamus Community Forest and the Squamish Lillooet Regional District.
Partners and Sponsors
- Whistler Off Road Cycling Association – Construction partner
- Alpine Club of Canada – Construction partner
- Province of British Columbia – Funding partner through the Resort Municipality Initiative
- Recreation Sites and Trails BC
