Lift Line Strategies: More Riding and Less Waiting

Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort, with over 200 runs and 8,171 acres of terrain. Between the two mountains, WB boasts 37 lifts and gondolas.

Although there are oodles of terrain and lifts to disperse eager skiers (there have been multiple lift upgrades in the last few years), there are still times when you will come across a lift line. 

Peak season, holidays and a big dump of snow will have lines forming at Whistler’s gondolas and chair lifts, but there are a few strategies I’m going to share with you as I roll into my fifth ski season here in Whistler; after all, we all want the goods!

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I’ve personally always felt that the reward is worth the wait. I have never looked back on a stellar ski day and thought about the lift line. I remember it for the insane terrain, bluebird skies or fluffy powder, good times with friends, incredible views and fun après to cap it all off. To be honest, sometimes the lift line is a big part of a great day where I can catch up with friends and plan our next set of runs.

I’ve figured out a few strategies to maximize my time on the mountain, meaning more skiing and less waiting. Here are a few of my tips and suggestions. 

Wake up Early

Sometimes, you just have to get out of bed. I almost always get to the gondola long before it opens on powder days and public holidays. Especially when those two things happen at the same time – think 30 centimetres of new snow on New Year’s Day. Arriving right as the gondola starts spinning might still land you in a queue, so if you’re looking for fresh tracks the earlier you get there the better. Queue length will depend on the day of the week and the weather, mid-week is typically less busy, but if an epic snow day is forecasted, the keeners will be there.

I’m a morning person and I love getting fresh tracks on a powder day, so getting up and after it early in the morning is always worth it to me. Plan ahead and set that alarm to ensure you maximize your time and get the goods. I’ve got some tips down below for how to make the lift line a bit more fun, so read on.

Sleep In

Not a morning person? Then I recommend you sleep in and take it slow. The gondola queues are typically at their busiest when the mountains open around 8:30 AM. Plus, that’s when ski lessons tend to start too. A great option is to skip that period completely, have a lie-in, grab some breakfast and go for late morning/early afternoon laps to skip the rush. If you’re looking for brunch spots…  

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Personally, if I’m not getting up the mountain early, I wait until the early afternoon. On those sleepy mornings, I get to the lift closer to lunchtime and enjoy some afternoon laps while people refuel. On powder days, sometimes you can still get freshies because the alpine typically doesn’t open until the afternoon due to avalanche control work (thank you patrollers), so an afternoon start doesn’t necessarily mean you won’t get to enjoy any fresh pow.

Get First Tracks Tickets

Want to guarantee some first tracks? Take advantage of the First Tracks program on Whistler Blackcomb. The first 600 people with a First Tracks ticket who line up at the Whistler Village Gondola upload an hour before the rest of the world. 

Those early risers receive a $17 one-time voucher, valid at any Whistler Blackcomb food and beverage establishment, that can be used anytime throughout the day. Want to learn more? Dive into the details in our blog, First Tracks for Breakfast on Whistler Mountain.

 

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Ride Midweek

Weekends are no doubt the busiest on the hill and in Whistler Village. If your goal is to maximize mountain time and minimize time waiting in queues, ski midweek for a quieter experience on the hill. 

With a little tweak to your week, you could really make the most of your time in Whistler. Less crowds means more freedom, more riding, more dining experiences and more value.

Take a Lesson 

A cheeky way to jump the lift lines is by having a lesson. The perks, of course, span far beyond getting lift line priority, like finding new terrain on the mountain, improving your technique, pushing your skills and making new friends, but we still think the lift line priority is pretty epic.

 Whether you take a group or private lessons or join a more niche camp like a Steeps Clinic with Extremely Canadian, taking a lesson is a great way to maximize your day on the hill. Check out our recent blog 6 Reasons You Should Book a Ski Lesson if you haven’t already been convinced.

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Check out our recent blog 6 Reasons You Should Book a Ski Lesson if  you haven’t already been convinced.

Skip the Lunch Rush

I’d say 11 AM to 1 PM is the most popular time to head inside and grab lunch on the mountain. Try getting your grub during off-peak dining times to avoid the lunch lines and stay out on the mountain while everyone else is inside taking a break. 

One of my favourite dining strategies is going for a 10 AM waffle at the Crystal Hut or cinnamon bun at Chick Pea, skiing through lunch, then grabbing a whopping plate of nachos for après.

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Prepare to Wait and Make it Fun

Let’s face it, sometimes you’ll just end up waiting in a queue no matter how hard you strategize to avoid it. They are an inevitable part of skiing and snowboarding anywhere you go. The mindset that I live by is to be prepared to wait in a queue at least once during a day of riding. That way, if there are no lines or crowds you’ll be pleasantly surprised. And if there are, you’ll be prepared and unbothered. 

Wear appropriate clothing. Check the weather (for the valley and the alpine) before you head up and dress appropriately to stay comfortable while riding and standing in line.

You could really go the extra mile and bring simple games to play with friends in the queues. I downloaded the game Heads Up on my phone and sometimes pull that one out to get the good times rolling in a lift line. Snacks that can fit in your pocket are also highly recommended as a lift-line mood booster.

Plan Ahead 

If you are going to try out any of these lift-line strategies, please make it this one. Here are three simple ways to plan your day and know before you go. 

1. Check if a big dump of snow is coming. If so, expect queues. 
2. Follow @whistlerblackcomb on social media for operational updates such as gondola delays, alpine openings, etc. 
3. Check the Whistler Webcams to scope out gondola queues and conditions up top! 

Remember, skiing and riding is about having fun. Be kind to the lifties and patrollers who have your safety in mind at all times. If I see a game of Heads Up happening in the next queue I’m in, I’ll know some of these tips were appreciated.