Industry News
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, is set to launch its 2024-25 winter season a day earlier than planned. Blackcomb Mountain opens on Thursday, November 21, followed by Whistler Mountain on Friday, November 22.
The early opening follows substantial snowfall. The resort reports a base depth of 40 inches (102 centimeters) after receiving 14 inches (36 centimeters) of fresh snow in the last 24 hours and 35 inches (89 centimeters) in the past week. This promising start bodes well for the season ahead.
Skiers and snowboarders will have access to 87 acres of terrain on Blackcomb Mountain’s opening day, serviced by the Blackcomb Gondola, Excalibur Gondola, Excelerator, Catskinner, and the newly upgraded Jersey Cream Express. When Whistler Mountain joins the party on Friday, the combined terrain will expand to 187 acres, with additional access via the Whistler Village Gondola, Emerald Express, and Franz’s Chair.
The debut of the new Jersey Cream Express, now a high-speed six-person lift, significantly improves the resort’s infrastructure. This upgrade will reduce wait times and enhance circulation in the popular Glacier Creek Zone on Blackcomb Mountain.
“Witnessing our team’s energy, dedication, and enthusiasm as they work to prepare these dual mountains for the 2024/25 ski and ride season has been inspiring. The countless hours of front-line staff training, including our brand-new lift experience team, 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 worldwide are in for another season of unparalleled mountain adventure, highlighted by all-new experiences and returning favorites.”
– Belinda Trembath, VP & COO of Whistler Blackcomb
In addition to the lift upgrades, Whistler Blackcomb is introducing several new features for the 2024-25 season. The resort is launching a hands-free Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Tickets system through the My Epic app, allowing guests to skip ticket windows and access lifts directly from their smartphones.
A trial carpool program will be implemented at Upper Lot 7 on Blackcomb and level P1 at Creekside Parkade to address traffic congestion. During peak periods, these lots prioritize vehicles with four or more occupants from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.
The resort also brings back fan-favorite dining options, including the European-style Horstman Hut and the newly renovated Corona Mountaintop Lodge in the Roundhouse. Culinary offerings will feature regionally inspired Indigenous dishes created in partnership with the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
Looking ahead, Whistler Blackcomb will host a series of signature events throughout the season, including the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, weekly Fire & Ice Shows, and the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025 – the first-ever winter edition of the adaptive sports competition.
