14

The bid to host the 1980 Winter Olympics was presented on a considerably smaller scale than the bid for the 1976 Olympic Games. Many concerns, including the condition and width of the 120-kilometer highway between Whistler and Vancouver, made the bid a less convincing one for the Canadian Olympic Committee.

15

A skier hikes to the top of Whistler's peak before it was accessible by chairlift.
1972
Whistler Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia

16

Additionally, the BC Government did not feel that such an endeavor would be in the best interests of all British Columbians. Without the support of the BC provincial government, the plan to host the 1980 Winter Olympics dissolved. The Olympic dream, however, remained.

17

Whistler's first mayor, Pat Carleton (far left), was an important figure in the local community.
1976
Whistler Valley, British Columbia

18

Franz Wilhelmson, the founder of the Whistler Ski Corporation
1986

19

Meanwhile, Garibaldi Lifts Limited continued to draw profits under the strong leadership of Franz Wilhelmsen. Exciting new plans to invest in further lift expansions were announced as Whistler Mountain's popularity grew.

20

A birds eye view of a large crowd waiting to take the Olive Chairlift on Whistler Mountain.
June, 1973
Whistler Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia

21

This undeveloped field is now the location of Tapley's Pub in the center of Whistler Village.
1976
Whistler Town Center, Whistler, British Columbia

22

It was clear that more development was in store for the community. The land on the north side of Whistler Mountain was identified as the most suitable area for the next phase in development and plans were drafted for a village - on the site of the town dump!

23

This short video explains how the current site for Whistler Village was selected.
May, 2003
Whistler Town Center, Whistler, British Columbia
TEXT ATTACHMENT


24

Gravel pit at the base of Whistler Mountain where the Delta Hotel is currently located.
1976
Whistler Town Center, Whistler, British Columbia

25

This image shows Blackcomb Mountain before it was developed as a ski resort.
1970
Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia

26

In November 1975, Blackcomb Mountain, located directly to the north of Whistler, attracted much attention. It offered excellent terrain for skiing but was a designated logging site.

27

Nancy Greene Raine, winner of two World Cup titles, and two Olympic medals.
1979
Whistler Mountain, Whistler, British Columbia