Whistler Blackcomb Opens Early

Whistler Blackcomb is opening early! At 8:30 AM on Thursday, November 21 the lifts start spinning on Blackcomb Mountain with Whistler Mountain joining the action on Friday, November 22. The early season dishes up 87 skiable acres on Blackcomb and 100 on Whistler, and that’s just to start as the La Niña weather pattern keeps delivering.

“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 & COO of Whistler Blackcomb. “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.”  

Whistler Blackcomb is currently sitting at a base depth of 102 centimetres with 36 cm of fresh snow in the last 24 hours and 89 cm in the last week. Teams will continue to make snow at every opportunity in the early season and take advantage of ongoing snowfall to expand terrain offerings.

Which Lifts are Running on Whistler Blackcomb’s Opening Day?

Lifts start spinning at 8:30 AM on November 21 on Blackcomb Mountain, with access to 87 acres of terrain, serviced by Blackcomb Gondola, Excalibur Gondola, Excelerator, the upgraded Jersey Cream Express and Catskinner.

Once both mountains are open on November 22, guests will have access to an opening weekend terrain package of 187 acres and an additional three lifts – Whistler Village Gondola, Emerald Express and Franz’s Chair, providing access to Whistler Mountain. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which connects the two mountains, also opens on Friday, November 22. Check Whistler.com’s Hours of Operation page to make sure you’ve got the latest on what’s spinning on Whistler Blackcomb.

Are There Any Opening Day Events?

Opening Day on Blackcomb will feature music, treats and prize packs for the first guests in line at Blackcomb Gondola, with the popular DJ Cat spinning tunes at the top of the mountain.

When Whistler opens on Friday, November 22, there will be a traditional welcome from the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Skiers’ Plaza in Whistler Village, as well as music and DJs, sponsored prizes, cookies, giveaways and more. 

Whistler Blackcomb’s Signature Events are Locked In

We are stoked to hear that the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, weekly Fire & Ice Shows, Peak to Valley Race, Whistler Cup and Creekside Classic are all on the calendar. Check our events calendar for freeride competitions, rail jams and more fun activations over the winter holiday season (including Santa Day). 

Whistler Blackcomb is also excited and honoured to host the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025, February 8-16, 2025. The event will bring together over 500 competitors from over 20 nations to compete in adaptive sports for this first-ever winter edition, featuring Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding. 

What’s Happening with the Jersey Cream Express?

It’s got its upgrade! Jersey Cream Express has been transformed into a new, high-speed six-pack following 35 years of service as a quad. The change is expected to increase uphill capacity by 29%, resulting in a reduction in lift line wait times and improving circulation in the mid-mountain area. It will follow the same route, servicing the popular Glacier Creek Zone.  

Over the last three years, there have been significant investments in lift upgrades to Creekside Gondola, Big Red Express, and Fitzsimmons Express.  These capital improvement projects are designed to help guests make the most out of every minute on the mountain by reducing lift line wait times and providing more opportunities to learn new skills, explore new terrain and discover new peaks. 

4 Tips for Skiing and Riding at Whistler Blackcomb 2024/25

1. Epic Passes and Whistler Blackcomb Day Passes are your golden ticket — but they’re only available before the winter season starts. Prices go up as winter gets closer so get yours now (the next price jump is due November 17)! Day of lift ticket prices can be triple the price of some pass options, so get yours now! Read more on this, in our dedicated savings blog.
2. Travel with your friends and family and take advantage of the new trial carpool program. Vehicles with four or more occupants get free priority parking access in Lot 7 and Creekside Level 1 parking lots from 6 AM to 11 AM on weekends and peak periods. Better yet use a shuttle service to get to Whistler. If you do bring your car, be aware that parking isn’t cheap and that you need winter tires or chains. Read more on our Road Conditions page.
3. Visit midweek for a quieter experience on the mountains, in Whistler Village and on the roads.
4. For the foodies – Horstman Hut is making a comeback, with a European-style selection of sausages, sauerkraut, pretzels and mustards, the newly renovated Corona Mountaintop Lodge in the Roundhouse makes its debut and regionally inspired Indigenous dishes created in partnership with the culinary team at the SLCC will return to Merlin’s (base of Blackcomb) and Raven’s (top of Creekside Gondola).