WHISTLER -- An RCMP investigation is underway after a man base-jumped from a Whistler gondola and subsequently got away.
Whistler Blackcomb spokeswoman Michelle Leroux said Wednesday that the incident happened February 6 at about 3:45 p.m. when the man pried open the door of the PEAK 2 PEAK gondola and base-jumped at the highest point over Fitzsimmons Creek 436 metres off the ground.
She said a Whistler Blackcomb patrol team and Whistler RCMP tried unsuccessfully to find the base jumper after he landed and that an investigation into his identity is continuing.
The man's parachute was also missing.
"We've never had anyone base jump from the PEAK 2 PEAK unless it was a sanctioned event," said Leroux, noting that the man appeared to land safely.
Leroux said the only other person in the cabin was a woman, who said she didn't know the jumper and was just sightseeing.
"He opened the (gondola) door with brute force," added Leroux, noting that it will cost $10,000 to fix it. "There are three locks on the door."
Leroux said Whistler Blackcomb takes the incident seriously and is working with RCMP to have the man charged and recoup money to repair damages to the gondola.
