Local skiers and boarders will get to start their season a day earlier than expected, with Whistler Blackcomb (WB) announcing Blackcomb Mountain will open next Thursday, Nov. 21.
In a press release, the ski resort said lifts will start spinning on Blackcomb at 8:30 a.m., with access to 87 acres of terrain, serviced by Blackcomb Gondola, Excalibur Gondola, Excelerator, Catskinner, and the new Jersey Cream Express.
Whistler Mountain will open as originally scheduled on Friday, Nov. 22. With both mountains open, there will be a combined 187 acres of terrain on offer. Three lifts will service Whistler Mountain opening weekend: the Whistler Village Gondola, Emerald Express, and Franz’s Chair.
“Witnessing the energy, dedication and enthusiasm from our team as they work to prepare these dual mountains for the 2024/25 ski and ride season has been inspiring,” said Belinda Trembath, VP and COO of Whistler Blackcomb in the release. “The countless hours of front-line staff training, including our brand-new lift experience team, as well as the snowmaking, grooming, lift maintenance, ski patrol preparation, and retail, rental and restaurant ramp up, are all for this day. Guests from the Sea to Sky Corridor, the Lower Mainland, across Canada and around the world are in for another season of unparalleled mountain adventure, highlighted by all-new experiences and returning favourites.”
This winter will see the debut of the newly upgraded Jersey Cream Express, a six-person chairlift WB said will significantly reduce wait times, improve on-mountain circulation, and increase uphill capacity to Blackcomb Mountain’s Glacier Creek zone.
In an effort to reduce traffic congestion and improve the arrival experience, WB is launching a trail carpool program this year. From 6 to 11 a.m. on weekends and peak periods, only vehicles with four or more people will be permitted to park at Upper Lot 7 on Blackcomb and on level P1 at the Creekside Parkade. After 11 a.m., these lots will open to all vehicles. Find more information here.
WB is currently sitting at a base snow depth of 102 centimetres. A special weather statement for Whistler noted the first significant snowfall of the season is possible on Saturday, Nov. 16, with five to 10 cm in the forecast. The ski resort said it will continue to make snow and capitalize on ongoing snowfall to expand terrain in the early ski season.
Opening day on Blackcomb will feature music, treats and prize packs for the first guests who line up for the Blackcomb Gondola, while DJ Cat will be spinning at the top of the mountain.
A traditional welcome from members of the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre to mark opening day on Whistler Mountain will take place Nov. 22 at Skiers Plaza, as well as music, prizes, cookies, and more.
Also new this season are mobile passes and lift tickets, allowing guests to activate and store their digital passes or tickets in the My Epic app. These can be scanned, hands-free, directly from a guest’s pocket. Physical cards are also available for guests who don’t want to use their phones.
Season and day passes, EDGE card products and Epic passes are still available for purchase online and at ticket windows. Prices increase on Sunday, Nov. 17.
