Adam over at Highly Obsessed recently made an interesting observation on the difference between Canadian and European mountains.
One thing that caught me off guard but makes total sense is the fact that Europeans look at Canadian mountains as small. I get so used to running into other Canadians and Americans at places like Whistler that I forget Canada has big mountains compared to other North American resorts; but we ain't got nothing on Europe.
At first, I found myself nodding in agreement. In my head I imagined the majestic peaks of the Alps, whose highest point Mont Blanc, soars to 4,808 metres (15,774 ft). In comparison, Whistler Mountain is only a paltry 1530 m (5,018 ft).
But something didn't sit well. After all, North America is home to the biggest things in the world: the biggest trucks, the biggest houses, the biggest hot dogs. Surely we had to also have bigger mountains than Europe?
So I did some digging. Turns out, I was right.
According to Useful Trivia.com:
At 5,633 meters (18,481 ft) Mount Elbrus is the tallest mountain in Europe. It is part of the Ural mountains which are considered to be the border between Europe and Asia. During ancient times, Mount Elbrus was known as Strobilus and it was believed to be the location where Zeus had Prometheus chained to a rock.
In comparison, meet Mount McKinely:
Mount McKinley in Alaska is the highest mountain peak in North America, at a height of approximately 6,194 meters (20,320 ft). It is the centerpiece of Denali National Park. Mount McKinley has a larger bulk and rise than Mount Everest.
Canada's highest peak, Mount Logan, is close behind:
Mount Logan rises 5,959 metres (19,551 ft) and is located within Kluane National Park in southwestern Yukon. Logan reportedly has the largest base circumference of any mountain on Earth. Due to active tectonic uplifting, Mount Logan is actually still rising in elevation.
Take that Europe! Then again, if you compare the highest peaks in the world, North America and Europe don't even make the Top 109. That honour goes to the massive peaks of Asia.
Ah well. I suppose we'll always have our gigantic hot dogs.
Europe's mountain height has little to do with skiing. How high are their resorts? Lift served runs?
If your point of reference is the elevation at Whistler or at an Eastern Resort, yeah, Europe has you beat. That is why folks ski the rRockies or heleski. Lots of mountains in Canada, especially in Northwest or Yukon.