But first, Intrawest and B.C. Parks are looking for feedback on their trail proposal at an informal open house.
The proposed trail would begin off of the Peak Chair and take hikers to the col between Piccolo and Flute peaks, where it would connect with the musical bumps trail.
Along the way hikers will be able to take in sites such as Black Tusk, the sparkling blue waters of Cheakamus Lake and, at certain times of the years, the rich reds and brown of Alpine colours.
"It is in my opinion the most scenic area to photograph on Whistler-Blackcomb, at the doorstep to the park (Garibaldi Provincial Park)," said Arthur DeJong, Whistler-Blackcomb’s mountain planning and environmental resource manager.
Ever since the Peak Chair opened for summer sightseeing this year, he added, there are many more opportunities to explore the south side of Whistler Mountain.
From an environmental standpoint, it’s a good thing to have a designated route, which stops hikers from going off the beaten track, said DeJong.
The trail would be a standard park trail, roughly three feet wide.
Whistler-Blackcomb already has a hiking trail on the north side of the mountain by Harmony Chair, which leads hikers to the musical bumps. But the best hiking and sightseeing said DeJong is from the high south slopes.
"It would provide a superior experience from a scenic perspective," said DeJong.
The trail’s proponents want to start construction by late summer so the trail could be open by next year.
Members of the public can get more information and share their opinions at a public open house hosted by Intrawest and B.C. Parks. Staff from both organizations will be at the open house on Monday, July 25 from 7 to 9 p.m. It will be held at Kids Camp, on the bottom floor of the Blackcomb administration building at 4545 Blackcomb Way.
