Whistler Blackcomb Mountain Safety

Be sure to read through all on mountain responsibilties, rules and regulations to ensure your safety. Avalanche Awareness Tours are a great way to understand the environment and identify potential dangers. It is always recommended and encouraged to stay in-bounds.

Whistler Search & Rescue Manager: Brad Sills

The Alpine Responsibility Code

The points listed in the Alpine Responsibility Code are the rules of the road when you are on the mountain. The Mountain Safety Team, the Ski Patrol, and the Terrain Park Rangers will stop and let guests know when they are not following the code. Failure to follow the Alpine Responsibility Code could result in consequences ranging from a one-on-one Safety Awareness Seminar with a Ski Patroller to a lifetime suspension from Whistler Blackcomb.

Please respect all ropes, signage and ski area boundry markers. All may indicate possible dangers that may not be readily apparent. In particular, the snow making water resevoirs on both mountains are roped off from public access, clearly signed and should be avoided.

Helmet Usage

Whistler Blackcomb recommends wearing helmets for skiing and riding. Skiers and snowboarders are encouraged to educate themselves on the benefits and limitations of helmet usage. The primary safety consideration, and obligation under the Alpine Responsibility Code, is to ski and ride in a controlled and responsible manner.

Avalanche Courses

Informative courses in avalanche safety, awareness, and terrain assessment are available through Whistler Alpine Guides Bureau and Pacific Alpine Institute . These courses are excellent for skiers, snowboarders, snowmobilers and those frequenting backcountry areas.

The courses have been designed and recognized by the Canadian Avalanche Association. Instructors are qualified and experienced. All courses include manuals and handouts.

Free Avalanche Awareness Tours

Free daily Avalanche Awareness Tours are jointly run by the Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol and the Whistler Sports Injury Prevention Program. The full day tour covers terrain evaluation, avalanche phenomenon, procedures that Whistler Blackcomb uses to keep people safe inside the ski area boundary, avalanche safety equipment, and rescue techniques. You must be able to ski or ride a blue (intermediate) run comfortably.

Blackcomb Mountain: Thursday and Saturday - register in advance through the Blackcomb Daylodge Guest Relations desk. Please note: a $10 cash refundable deposit will be taken when you sign up. On the day of your tour, meet your Ski Patrol guide and group at 8:45 am at the Blackcomb Daylodge.

Whistler Mountain: Tuesday and Sunday - meet at the Guest Communication Centre in the Roundhouse at 10:30 am. Please note: no deposit or pre-registration is required.

Stop by any Guest Services location for more information.

Tips for Travel in Avalanche Terrain

• Avoid large, steep, lee bowls, gullies and cornices
• Choose safer routes: ridge tops, valley floors, dense timber and low angle slopes
• Never have more than one person on a slope at any time
• Don't stop in the middle of the slope, move to a safe place
• Watch each person on the slope and stay in voice contact
• Have a plan: know who is going to go first, where to stop and where the escape route is