14
Video of John Fraser commenting on the development of Whistler Mountain in the 1960s.May, 2003
Whistler Town Center, Whistler, British Columbia
15
A sign posting the site of the new lifts to be constructed on Whistler Mountain.1965
Creekside, Whistler, British Columbia
16
In order to raise money, the GLL went public in 1963 and revenue started to flow. Franz Wilhelmsen traveled to Switzerland to purchase equipment and eventually selected a four-passenger gondola (the first in the province of BC), a double chairlift, and two T-bars. Soon after, clearing trees for the lift lines commenced and the ski runs began to take shape.17
The GLL crew constructing a gondola, chairlift and T bars at Whistler mountain.1965
Whistler Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia
18
By the end of the summer of 1965, the GLL had constructed the gondola to mid-station, the double chairlift to the treeline, two T-bars in the Alpine, a number of cut runs, and a day lodge to warm the toes. At the same time the government had completed a rough road from Vancouver, which followed the old hydro service road - a journey that took five hours!19
Whistler's appeal lies in the grand beauty of the mountains and the expanse of the ski terrain.1973
Whistler Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia
20
On August 27th, 1965 London Mountain's name was officially changed to Whistler Mountain, which was the nickname used by the early pioneers because of the shrill whistling sound made by the Western Hoary Marmots found on the mountain. In 1965, GODA bid for the 1972 Winter Olympic Games, however, Banff was again Canada's choice.21
A newspaper advertisement promoting Whistler's Mountain.1966
22
On February 15th 1966, Whistler Mountain opened to the public. Garibaldi Lifts Limited was extremely successful and made a profit in their first year of operation.23
'The Roundhouse', Whistler's first mountaintop restaurant, being built in the summer of 1966.1966
Whistler Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia
24
All the profits were re-invested in the company and the 1966-67 season opened with the new Roundhouse Lodge perched atop Whistler Mountain at 6,000 feet. The lodge was a popular place for skiers to warm their toes by the fire or soak up some rays during the popular spring skiing season.25
Image of the Roundhouse, a popular place in Whistler.1968
Whistler Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia
26
Skiers taking a break at the Roundhouse and enjoying a perfect 'Blue Bird' day.1969
Whistler Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia
27
The gondola carrying skiers up to Whistler Mountain.1969
Whistler Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia
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