Industry News
Whistler Blackcomb, BC, plans to replace its Showcase T-Bar lift with a fixed-grip quad chairlift, which will provide more consistent and improved access to the Blackcomb Glacier, which offers 215 acres of exceptional terrain. It’s part of Vail Resorts’ capital investment plan for the calendar year 2026, in which the company plans to invest approximately $215 to $220 million in core capital projects.
Vail Resorts is also investing in strategic upgrades to elevate dining experiences for its guests at Whistler Blackcomb. Vail plans on remodeling Whistler Blackcomb’s Roundhouse Lodge, which is the biggest restaurant in Whistler and is located at the top of Whistler Mountain. The Lodge is home to the Ramen Station, Mountain Market, Pika’s, Seppo’s / Corona Mountain Top Lodge, a Capp Bar, the Umbrella Bar, and Steeps Grill & Wine Bar. Whistler Blackcomb directly offers 16 restaurants and dining options in total, with 10 on-mountain and 6 at the base and in the village.
“We’re excited about plans to replace the Showcase T-Bar with a fixed-grip quad chairlift. This upgrade, pending approvals, will make it easier and more enjoyable for guests to access the incredible terrain on Blackcomb Glacier. It’s all about creating a great experience and helping more people enjoy one of the most iconic parts of Whistler Blackcomb. We look forward to working with our community partners on this exciting project.” Belinda Trembath, COO, Whistler Blackcomb, told SnowBrains in an email.
These planned upgrades will improve guest flow, expand seating, introduce modern coffee bars and lively bar experiences, expand menu offerings, and create vibrant social spaces. Vail plans to upgrade its other resorts it owns in 2026 as well; Park City Mountain, Vail Mountain, Seven Springs, and Keystone all have projects planned for the fiscal year in 2026.
Park City plans to replace its existing 8-passenger Cabriolet lift with a 10-passenger gondola, which will significantly increase capacity from the lower and mid-village areas to the upper village. This will create a more seamless connection between multiple gondolas and the new parking garage. Vail Mountain will complete a major room renovation of the Lodge at Vail to elevate the guest experience and continue the development of the West Lionshead area into a fourth base village at Vail Mountain. Seven Springs will upgrade the Blitzen triple lift to a fixed-grip quad chairlift, which will ease congestion and reduce bottlenecks at the current unload area, while enhancing reliability and providing more efficient access to the North face side of the resort from the main base area. Vail Resorts plans to invest in the Keystone River Run Plaza to complement the new portal experience with the new luxury Kindred hotel project that is opening this season.
Currently, Vail Resorts is still completing significant calendar year 2025 investments that will enhance the guest experience for the 2025-2026 North American and European ski season. As previously announced, Vail expects its core capital plan for the calendar year in 2025 to be approximately $200 million to $203 million, and total capital investments of $247 million to $250 million, including the $42 million of growth capital investments at its European resorts, and $5 million of real estate-related capital projects.
Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains, offering over 200 marked runs, 8,171 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers combined, receiving 408 inches of snow on average annually. It is home to one of the longest ski seasons in North America; in the summer, it offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
Vail Resorts’ $234-$239 million capital plan for the calendar year in 2026, which includes $215-220 million in core investments, reflects a continued dedication to improving access, comfort, and overall enjoyment across its premier destinations. The replacement of the aging Showcase T-Bar with a modern fixed-grip quad chairlift will deliver more reliable and comfortable access to the Blackcomb Glacier’s thrilling 215 acres of advanced terrain, addressing long-standing challenges from glacial recession. These upgrades build on Whistler Blackcomb’s legendary foundation, where skiers and snowboarders can enjoy one of North America’s longest ski seasons.
Quick Facts and Stats:
- Highest Lift-Accessed Elevation: 7,497 feet
- Base Elevation: 2,214 feet
- Skiable Terrain: 8,171 Acres
- Lifts: 36
- Average Snowfall: 432 inches
- Terrain Parks: 3
- Trails: 200+
- Easiest Terrain: 20%
- More Difficult Terrain: 35%
- Most Difficult Terrain: 25%
- Experts Only: 20%
