Whistler Blackcomb Offering Timed Hiking Trails

Photo by Andrew Lawrence

Whistler Blackcomb is looking to making hiking there a little more invigorating. Embedded into their 360 Pass is a passive RFID tag that triggers the scanners at the trailhead and starts a timer of your progress. 

"You'll pass by the gate, a green light will go on so you'll know that you're being recorded, and away you go," - Rob McSkimming, Vice-president of business development.

The times will be displayed online with benchmarks so you know what you're up against. The route will open near the end of the month.

Similar timed routes already exist on their ski hills, and in place at Grouse Mountain (Offered in the Summer as the Grouse Grind and in the Winter as the Snowshoe Grind).

Although hiking is usually for people to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty around them, this is aimed at more of the fitness and competitive market.