50 Years of Going Beyond: Whistler history captured in online documentary

Whistler Blackcomb is celebrating a golden anniversary this year, and in celebration of the big day the resort has released a free online documentary called 50 Years of Going Beyond. From feuding resorts, to booze-filled hippie parties, and finally the development of an emerging ski and board industry; the 30-minute feature captures Whistler’s history and eventual rise to Olympic glory.

For the last five decades, Whistler Blackcomb has left its mark on those who are drawn to the mountains. What started as a single Olympic dream in 1966 has evolved into the largest ski resort in North America, with a slew of accomplishments and accolades to back it up. From the resort’s adventure-seeking founders to its freestyle heydays—and breaking Guinness World Records along the way—snowsport industry legends recount the contributions that Whistler Blackcomb has made to skiing and snowboarding and the significance of its golden anniversary.

Over 30 interviews were conducted, including legendary visionary Hugh Smythe, one of the founding fathers of Whistler. The found footage and photos are extraordinary, especially those of Whistler’s hippie culture in the early days of the mountain’s development. Through early pioneering of the sport, Whistler set the stage for many of the ski and snowboard techniques we now take for granted. The documentary goes all the way up until the triumph of Vancouver’s 2010 Winter Olympics, celebrating the tenacity of its creators, while looking beyond to a bright future.

Snow permitting, here’s to another 50 years of Whistler Blackcomb.

Watch 50 Years of Going Beyond here:

More information and behind-the-scenes footage of 50 Years of Going Beyond can be found at whistlerblackcomb.com/50. Share your best memories on social media with the hastag #WBturns50.