For Whistler Blackcomb’s vice president of mountain operations Doug Macfarlane, “It is always bittersweet to see our snowpack melt" each spring.
The sweet part of that equation kicks in this weekend, when the Whistler Mountain Bike Park opens for another summer of riding. It’s also the only weekend you can ski and bike at the resort in the same day, with the Blackcomb side open for a few more days before its lifts stop spinning Monday, May 22.
“Reflecting back, we had an incredible winter and I’m proud of the efforts our team made to deliver an exceptional experience for our guests,” Macfarlane said in a release Thursday. “Heading into summer, there’s so much to look forward to, from the magic of our sightseeing experiences to the excitement of our world-class Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and the many events and activities that make this season so special.”
As per usual, more trail zones and lift access will open to bikers in the weeks ahead as snow continues to melt.
Different this year will be impacts from the ongoing construction on the Fitzsimmons Express chairlift replacement. On the brighter side? After remaining closed last season to accommodate the Creekside Gondola replacement, the bike park’s Creekside Zone will re-open to guests on June 10 with 11 kilometres of new and expanded technical and jump trails designed for intermediate to expert riders.
Mark your calendars: the resort will celebrate the opening of that zone with giveaways, prizes, and food and drink specials at Dusty’s that Saturday. The same day, summer sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK will open for business, with the Blackcomb Gondola also spinning to take guests to a range of hiking trails available as snowmelt permits.
Speaking of hiking trails, Whistler Mountain’s Peak Zone is due to open on June 17, offering access to the stunning Top of the World summit. “From here, guests can experience jaw-dropping views of the surrounding Coast Mountains from the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye lookout, or via a network of breathtaking high-alpine hiking trails for all ability levels,” Whistler Blackcomb explained in the release.
Other highlights on the summer 2023 calendar include the return of the weekly Phat Wednesdays mountain bike races series, and Crankworx, the world’s largest mountain bike festival, scheduled for July 21 to 30.
Whistler Blackcomb’s Mountain Top Feast dinner series returns to the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain beginning June 23, running every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Sept. 4.
Stay tuned to the resort’s Hours of Operation Page for up-to-date information about closures and alternate uploading routes you may encounter, or check out Whistler Blackcomb’s @wbmtnops Twitter account or its lift and terrain status web page for real-time operational information.
If you're looking to head uphill more than once or twice this summer, Whistler Blackcomb’s 360 Experience Pass is currently available for an early-season price of $125 for adults. That price will remain in effect until June 30, before rising to $145 on July 1. Passes are valid from June 10 to Sept. 24 this year, but those hoping to head up Blackcomb to take part in closing weekend festivities on foot can use those passes for spring sightseeing between May 20 and 22.
