Photo: Ted Tempany.
By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Aug 10, 2013
Professional trail builder Ted Tempany says he is ‘stoked’ to be working on trails for the Sea to Sky Gondola.
Ted Tempany’s company, Dream Wizards, is busy working on trails such as Spirit Loop, Panorama, and Sea to Sky Gondola Grind Trail.
Photo: Ted Tempany
Each trail has its distinctive features.
The 400 metre Spirit Trail will engage guests with history, tradition, culture, and storytelling experience of Stawamus First Nations people.
“It provides a cultural tourism component that is very unique in the region and B.C.” Elyse Mailhot, Sea to Sky Gondola spokesperson.
The site will be accessed by a suspension bridge which will lead guests on to a cultural journey hosted by First Nations people.
“Demonstrations of traditional skills, foods and crafts will be on display,” said Mailhot.
The suspension bridge itself will offer 360 panoramic views, and connect the viewing decks adjacent to the Summit Lodge with the Spirit Trail area.
“The bridge will offer some great views of Sky Pilot,” Tempany said.
Work is also in full swing on the 1.8 kilometre Panorma Trail, a trail for all ages and fitness levels that can be easily completed in an hour or so.
The trail will follow the contours of the landscape with bridges and winding paths, allowing the visitors to enjoy dramatic views that overlook the Howe Sound and the Coast Mountain Range.
The Panorama Trail will loop back to the Summit area along a winding path through more unique topography.
The Sea to Sky Gondola Grind Trail, approximately 2 kilometres long with 850 meter elevation gain, will rise from the basecamp to the summit area.
“The trail incorporates steep granite cliffs and outcrops to first growth forest and open sub-alpine terrain,” Mailhot said.
“It’s a beautiful hike and more than just a grind,” she added.
Squamishers eager to experience a ride on the gondola will have to wait for less than a year.
Sea to Sky Gondola is hoping to launch its maiden ride next spring, although the gondola towers have arrived, and will go up for a test ride in November.
Mailhot, however, said there is no exact date set for operation yet.
Besides the trails, construction continues full swing on the $25-million gondola, a project that many hope will help make Squamish a destination of its own.
The eight minute ride on the gondola will take visitors to over 2500 feet to a ridge next to the Squamish Chief.
Carol says
I am very excited for the chance to take the gondola and walk the trails next summer. I imagine having a new place to explore with guests, both paying (Meadowbrook Bed and Breakfast) and non-paying.
Joanna Schwarz says
The trails and viewpoints sound like a real highlight, something I will be proud to share with visitors and friends. I think the developers are doing a great job.
Don Patrick says
This adds a whole lot of positive to a visit to Squamish. Many years of negativity is finally being pushed aside…… the next item will be cruise ships in the sound dumping off hundreds of adventure seeking passengers to explore this avenue and many others that the area has to offer… no need to go to the shipping industry, they will come here on their own by demand of their clientele. Are we not a major recreational area of Canada…. so much to offer.
Dave says
This is a great thing for Squamish. We have a wonderful area to be shared my all who love the outdoors and not exclusively by the special few. I like the first Nation participation in the concept and the mindful demonstration of environmental caution where it addresses common sense. This should be a model for future development of this type and there are many similar opportunities in this spectacular Sea to Sky country.
Jamie says
Maby the loggers squamish books would fit up there?