2019 Alpine Trail initiatives and investments

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and partners continue to invest in the Alpine Trail Program.

Planning and policy

In 2019, the RMOW will:

  1. Develop a comprehensive Recreation Trails Strategy
  2. Complete Grizzly Bear Risk Assessment
  3. Develop a Grizzly Bear–Human Conflict Mitigation Strategy and Response Plan

Trail construction

In 2019, the Resort Municipality will finish construction of authorized trails included the Recreation Sites and Trails BC and Council-approved Sproatt Rainbow Trail Development Plan.

Additional improved ascending trails on Lower Sproatt below the Flank Trail include:

  • Extra Scoop 
  • Cherry on Top

Work from 2019 through 2021 will include:

  • rebuilding the south Flank trail from Northair Mines Forest Service Road to Function Junction to create access to With A Twist in the Callaghan,
  • developing rest areas and outhouses on the Sproatt Mountain trails as well as along the Rainbow Lake Trail,
  • rebuilding the Hanging Lake trail and campsite with new tent pads, signage and bear proof storage bins,
  • improving emergency access and shelters, and
  • installing additional safety and environment awareness signs.

Trailheads and parking

The RMOW will undertake modest parking organizational improvements on Mountain View Drive and increase Bylaw Services monitoring, in consultation with area residents.

A new parking area off Alta Lake Road was previously considered. This is now on hold pending further review.

Improvements to other existing trailhead parking areas can be found at www.whistler.ca/budget.

Partner-led initiatives

Both the Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA) and the Alpine Club of Canada – Whistler section have trail work planned for 2019.

WORCA receives Fee for Service funding from the RMOW for trail maintenance activities that the organization does on behalf of the municipality. WORCA will receive $120,000 per year for 2019 and 2020 (an increase from the $50,000 that the organization received each year from 2016 through 2018).