Even though construction is still underway on the new Creekside Gondola and Big Red Express chair that are expected to be up and running by opening day, Whistler Blackcomb is already looking ahead to more lift upgrades.
The resort announced Wednesday, Sept. 28 that two more of its chairlifts are set to be replaced next year: Whistler Mountain's Fitzsimmons Express and Blackcomb's Jersey Cream. The upgrades are subject to approval, but are scheduled to be installed in summer 2023.
According to Whistler Blackcomb parent company Vail Resorts, the existing four-person Fitzsimmons chair located at the Whistler Village base will be replaced with an eight-person high speed chair, increasing uphill capacity by 73 per cent in winter. The upgrade will also have major impacts during the summer season, reducing lift line wait times and increasing capacity for the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
Meanwhile in the Jersey Cream zone, the high-speed quad that's currently "the most popular lift on Blackcomb Mountain" will be swapped out for a high-speed six-pack. The move will increase uphill capacity by 29 per cent, also reducing lift line wait times, and improving circulation in the mid-mountain area.
