Top of the World Summit, Whistler Mountain A new and thrilling attraction graces the Top of the World Summit of Whistler Mountain. The Cloudraker SkyBridge and Raven’s Eye Cliffwalk is a new 130 meter long steel pedestrian suspension bridge leading to a cantilevered viewing platform, anchored into rock and projecting 12.5 meters out from the mountain’s edge. At more than 2,100 meters above sea level, it is thought to be the highest pedestrian bridge in North America, and offers access to spectacular 360 degree views of the Whistler Valley and surrounding mountain peaks. Visitors can literally walk in the clouds.
This design-build project was an impressive feat of engineering and construction. The structures are designed for year-round operation for pedestrian, snow, ice, wind and seismic loading. The SkyBridge is supported and stabilized by four steel cables, each with an ultimate capacity of over 2250 kN (500,000 pounds) and fixed to the mountain at each end by 14 steel grouted bedrock anchors. Both structures have open grate steel decking and the main bridge has 101 removable deck modules to allow for decommissioning and maintenance in the off-season. The Cliffwalk is supported on 4 main steel beams that are held in place with six vertical rock anchors. The beams each weigh over 2300 kg (5,000 pounds) and were flown into place with a Kaman K-Max dual rotor helicopter until the anchor nuts were installed!
