Frequently Asked Questions
We have compiled this list of frequently asked questions regarding Whistler Resort
and Whistler Blackcomb mountains. Remember, we are happy to help you by telephone with
any information you might require before arriving in Whistler, we are locally based and
have considerable knowledge about the resort and all it has to offer. Whistler.com -
open daily, year round.
Where is Whistler?
Whistler is located in Canada’s Coast Mountain Range, 120 km north of
Vancouver, British Columbia; the drive is about 2.5 hours along the scenic Sea to Sky
highway. The year-round population of Whistler Resort is almost 10,000 permanent
residents. The elevation of the Village is 675 metres / 2,214 feet; Whistler
Mountain’s elevation is 2,182 metres / 7,160 feet and Blackcomb Mountain’s
elevation is 2,284 metres / 7,494 feet.
Getting to Whistler
What documents do I require to enter Canada?
As of June 1, 2009, a valid passport OR one of the following documents
are mandatory for any person over the age of 16 travelling between the
United States and Canada by LAND or SEA/WATER (including cruises and ferries):
- U.S. Passport Card (not valid for international air travel)
- A NEXUS or FAST/EXPRES Card
- State or Province-issued Enhanced Driver’s License (not valid for
international air travel)
Beginning June 1, 2009, U.S. and Canadian citizens under the age of 16, or under the
age of 19 if travelling with a school, religious, or other youth group, may present a
birth certificate, Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Canadian Citizenship Card or a
naturalization certificate. Birth certificates can be an original, photocopy, or
certified copy.
Citizens of other countries, in addition to a valid passport, may require a visitor
visa. Check with the nearest Canadian Consulate well in advance of travel. A list of
applicable countries can be found here. Other
regulations apply if an extended stay, work or certain types of business activity are
contemplated.
As of July 16, 2009, Mexican visitors require a Temporary Resident Visa to
enter Canada. Please apply at the Canadian Embassy in Mexico City.
Where is the nearest airport?
Vancouver International Airport (YVR) handles domestic and international flights and is
located a 2.5 hour drive from Whistler Resort. As well, the South Terminal of Vancouver
Airport handles private aircraft. Transportation to the resort is available by shuttle bus, limousine, SUV, and helicopter (weather
dependant). During the summer months, regular and charter float plane service is
available.
Driving to Whistler
Whistler is approximately a 2.5 hour drive from Vancouver, British Columbia and a five
hour drive from Seattle, Washington along the scenic Sea to Sky highway. The highway
does experience occasional seasonal closures and
intermittent delays for construction. For driving directions from Vancouver or
Seattle, check here.
The Mountains
When is Whistler Blackcomb open?
The ski season in Whistler typically begins around the third weekend in November
coinciding with American Thanksgiving. From there, both mountains are open daily for winter operations until late
April. Blackcomb Mountain stays open for spring skiing and snowboarding until mid May and then Whistler Mountain
opens for spring skiing and snowboarding until mid June, snowpack permitting. Summer
glacier skiing and riding on Blackcomb Mountain starts the third week of June, while
the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is a haven for riders of all
levels and the Village gondola and Peak Chair are open for sightseeing.
What are the hours of Whistler Blackcomb?
Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are both open
daily from 8:30 am until 3:00 pm for the early season. As the days get longer towards
the spring, the mountain eventually stays open until 4:00 pm. Starting sometime in
December, Whistler Mountain offers a 'fresh tracks breakfast' program where for an
additional fee which includes breakfast; skiers and riders may upload the Village
Gondola between 7:30 8:30 am. Fresh tracks tickets may be purchased directly from Whistler.com before your arrival.
During the summer, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is open
from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.
How do I save money on lift tickets?
Purchasing lift tickets in advance of your arrival can save you up to 30% over ticket
window prices. Check here for lift ticket discounted
prices. Lift tickets must be purchased 4 days in advance of arrival and with
accommodation to qualify for the discount pricing. Tickets purchased from our call
centre will be delivered directly to your accommodation at no extra cost.
What does 5/6 on the ticket mean and what is a 'dual mountain'
pass?
Lift ticket pricing will typically have numbers such as 5/6 on the pricing structure.
What this means is that your ticket is valid for any 5 days of skiing and riding within
any specified 6 day period. This way, you can have one day off to relax during the 6
day period. All tickets are classified as 'dual mountain' which means they are valid
for skiing and riding on both Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. All tickets, as
well as sightseeing tickets, include access to the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.
How do I check for latest snow conditions?
Tourism Whistler offers current weather and snow conditions for Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. There are also
webcams situated at the top of Whistler and Blackcomb
Mountains.
Lift access to Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is accessed by three
gondolas and two chairlifts. Whistler Mountain has the Creekside Gondola, located
in Whistler Creekside which is located 7 minutes south of the main village, while the
Whistler Gondola and Fitzsimmons Chair are located directly in Whistler Village.
Blackcomb Mountain is accessible by the Wizard Chair in the Upper Village (about a five
minute walk from the Village) and the Excalibur Gondola, located right next to the
Whistler Gondola and Fitzsimmons Chair in Whistler Village. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connects both mountains at their peaks. Lift status is updated on a regular basis.
Whistler Village
Weather in Whistler
Whistler enjoys a temperate climate. During the coldest
winter months of January and February, the average daily high drops to -2C / 28F and
the average daily low drops to -8C / 18F. The mountains receive an average annual
snowfall of 10 meters or 30 feet, complemented by extensive snowmaking. Summer in
Whistler brings temperatures ranging from highs of 21C / 70F to 27C / 80F with August
being the warmest month.
Currency and Banking
The Canadian dollar is the currency of Canada, but the American dollar is widely
accepted throughout Whistler Resort. Whistler has several banks that are open from
Monday to Friday during normal business hours as well as many ATM machines throughout
the village. Conversion rates fluctuate throughout the resort, but using your credit
card will give you the most current exchange rate.
Taxes and Canada
Taxes and British Columbia
Goods and Services purchased in British Columbia are subject the 12% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax). The HST has combined the federal government’s 5% GST (Goods and Services Tax) and the former provincial 7% PST (provincial sales tax). In addition, Resort Municipality of Whistler charges a 2% additional hotel room tax on lodging.
The majority of items such as lift tickets, activities, etc. will be only subject to one tax (12% HST) charged. Lodging would be subject to the both the 12% HST in additional to the 2% additional hotel room tax. Some items such as basic groceries are exempt from all taxes.
Information Regarding the Cancellation of the Visitor Rebate Program and Details on GST Rebates for packages booked through Tour Operators: Click Here For More Information
Getting around Whistler
Whistler Village is pedestrian-only and easy to walk around; as
well, a free shuttle is available that operates in and around Whistler Village, along
with the Upper Village, at regular intervals. There are several neighbourhoods offering
accommodation that are not within walking distance of Whistler Village; there is a
public transit system that operates regularly to all of these areas and these buses are
equipped to carry skis, snowboards and bikes. The cost is $2.00 so have your coins
ready or pick up some tickets or a bus pass at the Whistler Visitors Activity Centre,
located near the bus loop. Taxi cabs are also readily
available throughout the Resort.
Do I need a car and where do I park?
You definitely don't need a car in Whistler! Hop on the bus
from Vancouver and use Whistler's extensive public transit
system while you're here. If you do drive, there is a mix of paid and
free parking available in Whistler Village at the Day Lots. Lots 1, 2 and 3 are
pay parking while Lots 4 and 5 are free. As well, Blackcomb has free parking near Base
II (Lots 6, 7 and 8) and Whistler Creekside, in the underground garage. Check map for locations. Overnight
parking not permitted in the Day Lots with exceptions for overheight vehicles (max. 72
hours) in Lot 4, busses in Lot 6 and trekkers on multi-day hikes in Garibaldi Park in
Lot 4 next to the berm. Most hotels charge a surcharge ranging from $8 to $25 per night
for underground parking. During the winter, neighbourhood street parking in
prohibited.
Restaurants, Nightlife, Bars and Events
Whistler boasts an endless variety of great restaurants and
international cuisines. Informal dress is the rule of Whistler; popular restaurants do
get busy during peak times and reservations are recommended. Renowned for its fantastic
nightlife and events, Whistler offers
something to suit all ages and cultural tastes.
Groceries, Liquor Stores and Services
Whistler has four grocery stores and four liquor stores which are well stocked and open
daily. Check our local map for exact locations of services. Shopping is a pastime in itself in Whistler and any gifts or
necessities that you might require while visiting are available. As well, Whistler is
famous for its multitude of spas with a variety of treatment
options guaranteed to help you relax and enjoy your holiday.
Booking with Tourism Whistler
Why should I book with Tourism Whistler?
Tourism Whistler is locally-based and guarantees to find you the lowest prices on
lodging, activities, and
transportation for your stay in Whistler.
Is booking online secure?
We use thawte SSL Certificates to offer secure communications by encrypting all data to
and from our site. The thawte Trusted Site Seal is a visible, real-time assurance that
our site is protected by one of the most trusted digital certificate providers on the
Web.
Privacy and Tourism Whistler Reservations
All information given to our reservations centre is confidential and given only to
Resort Partners to complete your booking as per your reservation. No personal
information will ever be given or sold without your express permission. Refer to our
privacy policy for more
information.
How do I contact Tourism Whistler Reservations?
We are located directly in Whistler and can be reached by telephone at 1.800.WHISTLER
(1.800.944.7853). Check out our detailed contact list for more
information. We look forward to hearing from you!