Outdoors
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We Visited Whistler’s New Cloudraker Skybridge and It Is Breathtaking
Whistler Blackcomb's newest attraction opened earlier this summer
The Cloudraker Skybridge on the tippy top of Whistler is breathtaking. No, really, I was gasping for oxygen as I approached the edge of the 130-meter walk so high above the rugged terrain below. I nearly chickened out, but I’m glad I took the leap.
This impressive feat of engineering shares the newly refurbished Space Needle’s look-down-and-be-thrilled quality adrenalin junkies crave, with a steel grid deck offering views way below. Unlike the Needle, though, the Cloudracker moves! The more people tromping across it, the greater the rocking motion. Wheeee or EEEEEE!? You decide.
A view of the Skybridge from below. Photo by Leslie Kelly
At the west end of the bridge, there are more spectacular views from the Raven’s Eye Cliff Walk, which serves up a 360-degree sightline of the stunning Coast Mountains. Go ahead and try taking a selfie, but no photo can truly capture the magical experience of seeing those peaks up close.
Here are some tips if you plan to check out the Skybridge:
– Hang onto the rail on either side of the bridge for a smoother journey
– Stay to the right, as foot traffic goes back and forth
– Take your time, if you’re not weak-knee’d, there’s no need to rush
– Hang on tight to that mobile device
– Use the washroom at the top of the Peak Express chairlift before taking the leap
– Carve out some extra time to explore the trails that criss-cross this magnificent resort
– Tickets are slightly cheaper if you purchase online in advance, available through October for the summer season. It will also be open in the winter, weather permitting.
After a day of playing on the mountain, I celebrated my bravery with a spectacular meal in the Village at Il Caminetto — nothing like perfect summer tomatoes, handmade pasta and gorgeous lamb after an exhiliarating adventure to make you feel extra lucky to be alive. Here are a few more awesome new places to dine at Whistler.
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