Whistler, BC – November 21, 2023 – Whistler Blackcomb will officially open its slopes to skiers and riders on Thursday, November 23 for the 2023/24 winter season. The resort is thrilled to welcome guests from the Sea to Sky Corridor, the Lower Mainland, across Canada and around the world for another season of unparalleled mountain adventure.
“Our team has been hard at work over the past few months preparing for the return of skiing and riding. I am so proud of all they have accomplished and what will undoubtedly be another season of incredible experiences for our guests,” said Belinda Trembath, VP & COO of Whistler Blackcomb. “As my first winter season here begins, I am reminded of the incredible honour it is to live, work, learn, and play on the shared unceded territories of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Lilwat7úl (Lil'wat Nation). It is a privilege to operate on these breathtaking lands and to continue to deliver unforgettable experiences across these dual mountains.”
Lifts start spinning at 8:30am on opening day and include Blackcomb Gondola, Excalibur Gondola, Excelerator, Jersey Cream, and Catskinner on Blackcomb Mountain, as well as Whistler Village Gondola, Garbanzo, Emerald, and Franz’s Chair on Whistler Mountain. Guests will have access to an early season terrain package that includes Upper Ego Bowl, Extension/Family Zone, Upper Whiskey Jack, Pig Alley, Orange Peel, Papoose, Lower Pony Trail Bypass/ Cat Track, and Mid Pony Trail Road/ Upper Bear Cub Road on Whistler; and Wishbone, Choker, Easy Out and Lower Catskinner on Blackcomb. Whistler Blackcomb will continue to make snow at every opportunity in the early season and take advantage of ongoing snowfall to expand terrain offerings.
Opening Day will also feature a traditional welcome from the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) at Skiers’ Plaza in Whistler Village, as well as music and DJs, sponsored prizes and giveaways at Whistler Village Base and Blackcomb Base.
Among the many highlights for the 2023/24 season is the debut of the newly upgraded Fitzsimmons Express chairlift. Coming on the heels of last season’s upgrades to Creekside Gondola and Big Red Express, this new lift is yet another significant investment in the guest experience at Whistler Blackcomb and is expected to start spinning in time for the holiday season. Previously a four-person chair, the lift has been replaced with a high speed eight-person chair – the first of its kind in North America across Vail Resorts. It will cut back on wait times, improve uploading efficiency, and serve to significantly support Whistler Mountain Bike Park operations.
Guests can also look forward to a variety of on-mountain dining options this season, from more diverse menus at quick-serve lodges; to the return of signature dishes like the famous, fully loaded buttermilk waffles at the Crystal Hut; to elevated experiences at Steeps Grill and Wine Bar in the Roundhouse, and Christine’s fine dining in the Rendezvous. This season will also feature the return of regionally inspired Indigenous dishes created in partnership with the culinary team at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre at Merlin’s and Raven’s Nest.
The World Ski and Snowboard Festival, weekly Fire & Ice Shows in Whistler Village, Whistler Pride and Ski Festival, the 38th Annual Peak to Valley Race, Whistler Cup, and Creekside Classic will all be returning this season, part of Whistler Blackcomb’s legendary lineup of signature events.
Whistler Blackcomb Season and Day Passes, EDGE Card products, and Epic Passes, are still available to purchase online and at the ticket windows – but hurry, as all Passes go off sale on December 3. Guests planning to visit this winter are encouraged to purchase their lift access in advance – whether it is a lift ticket, Epic Pass, EDGE Card, or Whistler Blackcomb Day Day Pass. Lift tickets will be limited every day during the 2023/24 season in order to preserve the guest experience at each resort.
Also new this season, the My Epic app offers a range of guest-favorite features, including interactive trail maps with GPS location tracking, and mountain and resort alerts, including operational information like grooming updates, parking availability, terrain status, snow reports and conditions. The new app’s Mobile Pass and Mobile Lift Ticket feature will not be available at Whistler Blackcomb this season (but can be used at Vail Resorts' 36 owned and operated resorts in the U.S.). This means guests visiting Whistler Blackcomb this winter must bring a physical pass for uphill access.
Follow Whistler Blackcomb for daily updates and real-time information, along with other important news throughout the season on the new My Epic app (once in the app, look for the bell in the top right corner to see a feed of real-time guest alerts) or on our social channels: Instagram, Facebook, Resort Twitter/X, and Mountain Operations Twitter/X.
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Media Contacts:
Dane Gergovich – Sr. Communications Manager | Dane.gergovich@vailresorts.com
Nick Voutour – Communications Manager | Nicholas.voutour@vailresorts.com
ABOUT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB
Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia is North America’s largest ski resort offering year-round adventure for all ages and skill levels. Powder hounds, glade lovers and groomer aficionados won’t want to miss big mountain skiing and riding as winter brings an unmatched variety of terrain. With more than 8,000 skiable acres, 200+ runs, 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers, all serviced by 35 lifts - including the one-of-a-kind PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, there's something for everyone. Summer is also incredible, with plenty to do, from mountain biking in our world-class Whistler Mountain Bike Park, to sight-seeing and hiking more than 50km of high alpine trails, to incredible events and experiences on-mountain. Whatever the season, adventure awaits.
Whistler Blackcomb operates on the shared unceded territories of the Lilwat7ú ̓ l (Lil’Wat) Nation and Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, who have lived on these lands since time immemorial. The Whistler ̱ Blackcomb team has deep gratitude for the opportunity to live and work in this beautiful place, colonially known as Whistler. We encourage all guests of the resort to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for an opportunity to respectfully learn about these lands, their people and culture.