Press Kit

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB – ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES, NEW FOR WINTER 2026-27

Whistler Blackcomb Tip Sheet 2026-27

  • New Showcase Chair set to debut winter 2026/27, delivering faster access to Blackcomb's premier alpine terrain and glacier skiing.
  • Major investment in on-mountain dining elevates ski-day favourites with higher-quality ingredients and upgraded preparation.
  • New and refreshed dining experiences, including the return of breakfast at Dusty's, an upgraded Pika's at the Roundhouse, and enhanced patios at Steeps and Christine's.
 

Download winter imagery here. 

 
THE ULTIMATE WHISTLER BLACKCOMB EXPERIENCE:  
 

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 an ultimate experience for everyone.

      

SHARED TERRITORIES: LIL’WAT NATION AND SQUAMISH NATION:

Whistler Blackcomb operates on the shared unceded territories of the Lil'wat Nation and Squamish Nation who have lived on these lands since time immemorial. Our team has deep gratitude for the opportunity to live and work in this beautiful place, colonially known as Whistler. This is a gift that is shared with both the Lil̓wat7úl and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh. We encourage all guests of the resort to visit our friends at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for an opportunity to respectfully learn about these lands, their people and culture.  
 

Download winter imagery here

 

NEW THIS SEASON:

 
A Showcase Lift Upgrade That Delivers on Access

The new Showcase Chair is on track to start spinning for winter 2026/27. Replacing the Showcase T-Bar, this fixed-grip quad chairlift will provide faster, easier access to some of Blackcomb Mountain's premier alpine terrain, making it significantly easier for guests to lap the Showcase and Blackcomb Glacier areas. Additional improvements to trail connections, skier flow, and access into the Blackcomb Glacier zone will further enhance the overall ski and snowboard experience. 
 

Elevated Mountain Dining Experiences That Inspire 
Whistler Blackcomb is continuing to enhance its on-mountain culinary offerings with significant investments across its food and beverage program. Ski-day favourites including chili, burgers, pizza, fries, hot dogs, chicken fingers, and mac and cheese have been reimagined with higher-quality ingredients and upgraded preparation. Guests can also look forward to a variety of new and refreshed dining experiences this winter, including the return of breakfast at Dusty's, a renovated Pika's at the Roundhouse featuring a new coffee bar and elevated comfort fare, and enhanced outdoor patio experiences at both Steeps Grill & Wine Bar on Whistler Mountain and Christine's on Blackcomb. These updated spaces combine elevated mountain dining with inviting amenities, including lounge seating, fire pits, and unique outdoor experiences.

 

ULTIMATE EXPERIENCES:

 
The Ultimate Way to Explore: Wonder Routes 
Exclusive to Whistler Blackcomb, Wonder Routes is a curated network of seven self-guided routes across both mountains, designed to help guests discover the resort's hidden gems. From scenic viewpoints and powder stashes to family-friendly cruisers and iconic après stops, each colour-coded route offers turn-by-turn guidance for a seamless mountain adventure, perfect for all ages and abilities. 

 

      

The Ultimate Insider Experience: Dawn Patrol 
Get first tracks before the mountain opens with Dawn Patrol - a guided, early-morning experience led by experienced, professional guides from Whistler Heli-Skiing. Guests enjoy exclusive access to freshly groomed runs, local expert knowledge, and lift-line priority all morning long, making it one of the most unique ways to experience Whistler Blackcomb.

 

     

 

The Ultimate Bucket-List Adventure: Whistler Heli-Skiing 
The pinnacle of the Whistler winter experience, Whistler Heli-Skiing offers access to 432,000 acres of exclusive terrain, including more than 170 glaciersthat's an area 50 times the size of Whistler Blackcomb. Whether trying heli-skiing for the first time or booking the unlimited A-Star Ultimate package, guests can experience untouched powder, vast alpine landscapes, and the exhilaration of skiing some of British Columbia's most spectacular terrain.

        

The Ultimate Big-Mountain Progression: Extremely Canadian 
For advanced skiers and riders looking to elevate their skills, Extremely Canadian's legendary clinics unlock Whistler Blackcomb's steep terrain, hidden lines, and powder-filled zones. Led by expert coaches, one- and two-day programs help guests build confidence in challenging terrain while experiencing the mountain like a local.

 

       

The Ultimate “Yeah, But Have You Ever...: Ski or Ride with an Olympian

Ever wondered what it's like to rub elbows with an Olympian? Whistler Blackcomb’s Ski or Ride with an Olympian program is a unique Snow School experience that gives guests the chance to share the slopes with former Olympic athletes, learn from their expertise, hear firsthand stories from the world stage, and discover Whistler Blackcomb in a whole new way. It’s an ultimate experience, delivered through the eyes of ultimate athletes.

 

Download winter imagery here. 

SIGNATURE EVENTS:

Whistler Blackcomb's winter events lineup delivers something for everyone, with a season-long calendar of Whistler winter events, ski and snowboard competitions, and mountain culture experiences. With more returning and new event announcements coming closer to the season.

 

Key highlights include:

  • Fire & Ice Show (weekly): Elite skiers and snowboarders launch through a ring of fire in Whistler Village's Skier's Plaza every Sunday night. 
  • Kokanee Valley Race Series: A fun, recreational race series open to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
  • Peak to Valley Race: The return of one of the longest giant slalom races in the world.
  • World Ski & Snowboard Festival (WSSF): Whistler's annual celebration of snow sports, music, art, film, and mountain culture.

 

New for this winter: HOME

 

In partnership with TELUS, Whistler Blackcomb will debut HOME, a new film that captures the spirit of the resort through the moments, people, and experiences that make it more than a destination.

 

The film explores:

  • Powder days and iconic alpine sunsets.
  • Glacier views and expansive mountain terrain.
  • Terrain Park progression and ski culture.
  • The diverse community that calls Whistler home.
  • The passion, connection, and shared experiences that keep visitors and locals returning season after season.

 

HOME is a celebration of the people, places, and experiences that define the Whistler Blackcomb experience.

Alongside HOME, guests can also experience We Live This: Whistler Heli-Skiing, a short film that offers an authentic look at the guides and crew who make their living in the mountains, showcasing the passion, commitment, and lifestyle that define Whistler's backcountry culture.

 
Epic Pass, alongside The North Face, partnered with Matchsticks Production on their 34th annual ski film, The Way Out - a raw tribute to the timeless culture and lifestyle of skiing. The film shows skiing as more than a sport - it’s a path toward total freedom. From legendary veterans to rising breakout talent, we asked the question: does the soul of skiing still exist? 

 
       

MAP OUT YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE AT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB: 

 
A variety of on-mountain dining options will once again be available to guests this season, including expanded menus at quick-serve lodges and elevated culinary experiences across the resort.

 

Dining highlights include:

 

  • Horstman Hut: European-inspired favourites including sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels, and mustards.
  • Glacier Creek Lodge: Taco, Italian, and fish and chips stations, alongside its famous ramen.
  • Chic Pea Hut: The return of guest favourites including cinnamon buns and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches.
  • Pepsi Lookout at Ollie's: Home of the resort's iconic grilled cheese sandwiches.
  • Crystal Hut: Serving its famous fully loaded buttermilk waffles.
  • Steeps Grill & Wine Bar: Elevated alpine dining and host venue for the popular Winemaker Lunch Series.
  • Corona Mountaintop Lodge: Casual mountaintop dining with panoramic Whistler views.
  • Christine's: World-class fine dining paired with spectacular views from Blackcomb Mountain's Rendezvous Lodge.
  • Merlin's and Raven's: Regionally inspired Indigenous dishes created in partnership with the culinary team at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre return this winter. 
 
 
 
 
  •  

From quick-serve comfort food to award-worthy alpine dining, Whistler Blackcomb continues to offer memorable mountain dining experiences for every taste and occasion.

 

     
 

APRÈS EVERY DAY:

 

In the valley, GLC, Merlin’s, and Dusty’s will all return with their famous après and great menu selection. Our team is working on more activations with DJs, bands and entertainment to bring them back to life for this upcoming season. Already confirmed for this season are local-favourites band, The Hairfarmers, performing at Merlin’s Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and at Dusty’s on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

 

       

Download winter imagery here.

 

WINTER SIGHTSEEING:

 

At 436m/1,427ft above the valley floor, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is the world’s highest lift of its kind and a marvel of engineering linking Blackcomb Gondola to the Whistler Village Gondola in one continuous lift system. Explore the mountains free from the weather outside, then stop at Whistler’s Roundhouse Lodge for access to Steeps and the Umbrella Bar or enjoy a fine dining experience on Blackcomb at Christine’s Restaurant. All this is and more while taking in the beautiful 360-degree views of the Coast Mountain range. 

 
 
 

 

YOUR PHONE IS YOUR ACCESS TO THE LIFTS WITH THE MY EPIC APP:

 

No more scrambling to find your pass in the morning or worrying about which jacket pocket you left it in because with the My Epic app, your phone is now your access to the lifts. The ultimate in ease and convenience to get you ready to go and on the snow, the Mobile Pass uses low-energy Bluetooth technology that lets you scan at the lift hands-free. Just open the app, secure your phone in your pocket, and ride! In addition to Mobile Pass, the app also offers features including real-time lift line status, interactive trail maps, and new this season at Whistler Blackcomb, My Epic Assistant, powered by advanced AI and resort experts to help answer questions and provide information at your fingertips.

 

OPERATIONAL INFORMATION

 

When is Whistler Blackcomb open for the 2026/27 winter season?

Friday, November 20, 2026, is the target opening date for Whistler Blackcomb’s 2026/27 winter season. conditions dependent. 

 
What times of the day is Whistler Blackcomb open? 

Hours of operation vary and depend on the time of year. From opening day to January 15, lifts will open at 9:00AM. During the BC Family Day and Presidents’ Day holiday period onward, lifts will open at 8:30 AM. Operational times and dates will be released in October. Always check WhistlerBlackcomb.com for the latest, including the lift and terrain status page 
 
What is the elevation of Whistler Blackcomb? 

  • Whistler Village: 675m / 2,214ft
  • Creekside Base Area: 653m / 2,140ft
  • Whistler Highest Lift Elevation: 2182m / 7,160ft
  • Blackcomb Highest Lift Elevation: 2284m / 7,49ft

 

How big is Whistler Blackcomb? 
Together, Whistler and Blackcomb form the largest ski area in North America at 8,171 acres (33 km2) with more than 200 runs to choose from!

 

What percentage of terrain at Whistler Blackcomb is beginner, intermediate, and advanced?

 

Whistler

 

  • Beginner: 20%
  • Intermediate: 55%
  • Advanced: 25%

Blackcomb

  • Beginner: 20%
  • Intermediate: 50%
  • Advanced: 30%
  •  

How many lifts does Whistler Blackcomb have? 
Whistler Blackcomb is serviced by 36 lifts: 4 gondolas, 15 detachable-grip lifts, 4fixed-grip lifts, 1 T-Bars and 11 carpet lifts, as well as the end-stations for the PEAK 2 PEAK.  

 

How much snowfall does Whistler Blackcomb get? 

Over the past 10 years, Whistler Blackcomb has received an average of 10.2 metres (33.4 ft) of snow a year. All this natural bounty is supported by extensive snowmaking infrastructure. A 354-strong fleet of state-of-the-art snow-guns ensures increased snow coverage in the early and late season and boosts the quality and coverage of our snow all winter long.

 

 

MEDIA RESOURCES 

Download winter imagery here.

 

For additional image and b-roll requests to use in editorial pieces, please email Chloe Hajjar (chloe.hajjar@vailresorts.com).

 

Please credit the photographer listed and Whistler Blackcomb in a visible location near the image.

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