Whistler Blackcomb aficionados will have noticed the hill is switching over its mountain webcams.
The series of webcams around the resort offer online viewers a preview of weather, conditions—and crowds, and now the sights to be seen are improved thanks to an ongoing webcam refresh project.
The photo-only webcams that update on the regular are out, and the always-on webcams are in.
“Our webcam refresh project—which involved switching streaming platforms—was an ideal opportunity to improve our viewing locations,” said Whistler Blackcomb’s field marketing manager, Chris Sroka.
“While there aren’t any new locations, the new webcams provide expanded views of our existing locations, along with enhanced features like 'always on' streaming, point and zoom functionality and time lapses that provide a better experience than the previous 'photo only' webcams.”
While those paying attention will have noticed most of the cameras switched over in the last few weeks, Sroka said the first camera was changed last winter, and the resort is working to switch all remaining cameras now with a project completion date in the next winter season.
The investment is worth it, according to WB. Sroka explained online data from guests browsing the website and guest feedback shows guests use the resource both for inspiration and technical information on what the mountains look like at any given moment.
“Someone in Boston will put on our webcams and just leave them on to daydream of the time they came to Whistler,” he said. “Our webcams have some of the longest onsite visitation across our entire website.”
The new webcams are not only always on and live, but also constantly rotate between different views—giving guests more than one view to look at from one spot.
Sroka said guest feedback could be baked into what the webcams show. If there’s a particular view or angle you want included in the rotation, just let them know.
“The software we use allows us to easily switch views at any time,” he said.
“Bottom line: we provide views that help guests plan and optimize their experience on the mountains. If they want specific views, we can make it happen, because this new software enables us to easily do so.”
The new mountain webcam refresh and rollout project is expected to be complete by winter 2024-25.
