By Elke Porter | WBN News Sea to Sky | July 17, 4, 2025
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This summer, Whistler is set to celebrate its 50th anniversary, and you're invited to be a part of the festivities! From Thursday, August 21 to Sunday, August 24, 2025, Whistler will host a vibrant weekend of events, honouring its rich past and looking forward towards its dynamic future. As of today, July 17th, the excitement is building for these upcoming celebrations.

What to Expect

Prepare for a family-friendly lineup of activities designed to keep everyone moving and enjoying the moment—there will be no long speeches, just memorable experiences to cherish.

Weekend Highlights:

  • Thursday: Kick off the festivities with a high-energy 50th Anniversary celebration concert featuring PINEO & LOEB and special guests. The event begins with a lively set by DJ Foxy Moron.
  • Friday: Keep the momentum going with another celebration concert, this time headlined by the renowned Sam Roberts Band, with opening performances by DJ Whitness.
  • Saturday: Join us for the 50th Anniversary Community Festival Picnic at Whistler Olympic Plaza. It will be a day filled with interactive activities for attendees of all ages.
  • Sunday: Conclude the weekend on a reflective note with 50th Anniversary Park Activations, offering curated experiences in Whistler’s serene local parks.

Trailblazers to Tomorrow Makers

This celebration pays tribute to Whistler’s adventurous roots and the vibrant community that is continuously shaping its future. As part of the festivities, look out for 50th banners, light post displays, and featured artworks by local artist Kate Zessel adorning the village. The special concerts are integrated into this summer's Whistler Concert Series, enhancing the weekend's vibrant atmosphere.

Arts Whistler Artist Mentorship Program

In collaboration with the RMOW, Arts Whistler invites local visual artists and photographers to participate in a mentorship program, with works to be showcased at the Maury Young Arts Centre gallery during the 50th anniversary exhibit, "Trailblazers and Tomorrow Makers." Applications are open until July 21st.

Neighbourhood Small Grants

To commemorate the milestone, the Whistler Community Foundation is offering small grants to support community-led projects, encouraging everyone to get involved and create memorable experiences for all.

History: From Wilderness to World-Class: The Rise of Whistler

Whistler’s transformation from remote wilderness to a globally recognized ski destination began in the early 1960s, sparked by Olympic dreams and the rugged allure of British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. Inspired by the 1960 Winter Games in Squaw Valley, California, a group of visionary Vancouver businessmen—led by Franz Wilhelmsen—formed the Garibaldi Olympic Development Association. Their bold goal: to bring the Winter Olympics to Canada by building a world-class resort on London Mountain, located within Garibaldi Provincial Park.

The ambition was high, but the hurdles were higher. The proposed site lacked basic infrastructure—no electricity, running water, or sewage systems—and was reachable only via a dangerous gravel road. The Olympic bid fell through, but the dream of a mountain resort lived on. In 1962, the Garibaldi Lifts Company was launched to raise funds and start development.

By fall 1965, London Mountain was renamed "Whistler," a nod to the high-pitched calls of the native hoary marmots. That winter marked the mountain’s unofficial debut, with a small day lodge, a four-person gondola, a double chairlift, and T-bars welcoming adventurous skiers. The official opening followed in January 1966.

John Hetherington arrived in 1967, just ahead of the third ski season, eager to join the ski patrol. He found a gritty but thriving frontier community—part athletes’ playground, part hippie enclave—where people built cabins and lived simply, united by their love for the mountains.

In 1973, Nancy Wilhelm-Morden visited Alta Lake, at the base of the mountain. Like many others, she came for a short stay and ended up living the free-spirited Whistler lifestyle for four years. The town grew organically, driven by passion and adventure, until September 1975, when the Resort Municipality of Whistler was formally incorporated. Hetherington joined the inaugural council, which immediately tackled essential services like sewage and village planning.

A key architect of Whistler’s modern identity was Al Raine, husband of Olympian Nancy Greene. Raine helped transform a former garbage dump into Whistler Village and championed the creation of Blackcomb Mountain, which—along with Whistler Mountain—opened in 1980.

From Olympic aspirations and humble beginnings to a global reputation for skiing and outdoor adventure, Whistler’s journey is a testament to vision, resilience, and community. Today, it stands as a crown jewel in Canadian tourism, beloved by locals and visitors from around the world.

Save the Date

Mark your calendars and join us for this momentous occasion! More details will be released as the date approaches, so stay tuned and be a part of Whistler's unforgettable 50th anniversary celebration.

TAGS: #Whistler 50 #Celebrate Whistler #Mountain Milestones #Whistler Anniversary #Community Spirit #Trailblazers To Tomorrow #WBN News Sea to Sky #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp:  +1 604 828 8788. Public Relations. Communications. Education.

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