Editor’s Note: This post on sightseeing and hiking on Whistler Blackcomb was updated in May 2025 with the latest operational dates.
From Whistler’s unmatched alpine landscape, breathtaking glacier-fed lakes and lush forests of towering trees to the world’s premier mountain bike park and the valley’s endless network of trails, Whistler’s rugged, West Coast beauty inspires a whole summer’s worth of adventure.
You can easily spend a whole weekend or more exploring Whistler Blackcomb, with its 50+ kilometres of hiking trails for all levels and over 4,900 vertical feet of lift-serviced trails for mountain bikers. There’s also the Cloudraker Skybridge & Raven’s Eye and PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, part of the Summer Alpine Experience, and you could always add a mountain-based activity tour into the mix like ziplining, ATVing or climbing.
Then, to celebrate a day well spent, you can enjoy a picnic at altitude at sunset, indulge in a Mountain Top Summer Feast, or raise a glass at the Umbrella Bar with its incredible views (and great Caesars).
Here’s what you need to know before you embark on your adventure to Whistler Blackcomb this summer.
When Do Things Open at Whistler Blackcomb this Summer?
Early spring sightseeing on Whistler Blackcomb starts April 22, and the iconic Whistler Mountain Bike Park opens on May 16. We’ve broken out some of the key spring and summer dates you need to know so you can plan your trip sightseeing and/or hiking on Whistler Blackcomb.
Early Spring: April 22 to May 16, 2025
Early spring sightseeing, from April 22 to May 16, is on Blackcomb Mountain only via the Blackcomb Gondola (this means there’s no PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola or Whistler Mountain access).
Late Spring: May 17 to June 13, 2025
From May 17 to June 13, you have access to the full PEAK 2 PEAK experience, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Whistler Village Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola on weekends. During the week, you have access to Whistler Mountain only via the Whistler Village Gondola.
Summer: June 14 to September 2, 2025
The full summer hiking and sightseeing season opens on June 14, 2025, with the full PEAK 2 PEAK experience, including the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, Whistler Village Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola every day of the week.
The Peak Express Chairlift, which gets you access to the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye is slated to open on June 14, BUT please take a look at the Mountain Hours of Operation page before you make your plan as the weather and mechanical checks play a huge role in mountain operations and sometimes that can’t be planned for!
Late Summer: September 3 to 21, 2025
The Whistler Village Gondola closes on September 2, but the Blackcomb Gondola and PEAK 2 PEAK are still open, giving you access to both mountains until September 21.

Sightseeing and Hiking on Whistler Blackcomb
The Summer Alpine Experience Ticket includes access to the Whistler Village Gondola, Blackcomb Gondola and PEAK 2 PEAK, Peak Express Chairlift, Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye, although you need to check what’s open when you’re planning your trip.
General Information for Whistler Blackcomb Adventures
- Although Summer Alpine Experience Tickets never sell out, it can’t hurt to get them early, so all you need to do is pick them up when you get here. You can book them online via Whistler.com or by calling 1-800-944-7853. In resort, you can grab Summer Alpine Experience Tickets from the Whistler Visitor Centre or Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations. Summer Alpine Experience season passes and single-day lift tickets are now on sale. If you’re heading up the mountains more than once, it makes sense to purchase a summer season pass (which you need to book by June 15).
- It’s best to purchase bike park tickets online, ahead of time.
- It’s cashless transactions only at Whistler Blackcomb.
- If you have purchased or put a deposit down for a winter season pass for 2025/26, then summer sightseeing on Whistler Blackcomb is included.
- There is no reservation system for sightseeing, hiking, or the bike park.

Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye Lookout
A trip to Whistler isn’t complete without a walk along the Cloudraker Skybridge, a 130-metre alpine suspension bridge with incredible views out over the Coast Mountains. At one end, you’ll find the Raven’s Eye, a phenomenal viewing platform that gives you 360-degree mountain vistas. Make sure you check what’s open before you book your tickets.

The Peak Express Chairlift, which gets you access to the Cloudraker Skybridge and Raven’s Eye, is slated to open on June 14, with the last day of operations being September 14. If you’re travelling with kids, note that there’s a height requirement of 40 inches (3.3 feet / one metre) to ride the Peak Chair and that you can’t ride the chair with a child in any form of carrier. To experience the bridge with your little one, you will have to hike there and back, versus taking the Peak Chair.
Mountain operations are affected by the weather, so please check the hours of operation before you plan your trip. Read more about Whistler’s Suspension Bridge in our Insider’s Guide to the Whistler Peak Suspension Bridge.

Look out for the Cloudraker Interpretive Loop signage featuring Coast Salish art by Squamish Nation artist James Harry and stories from the Skwxwú7mesh Nation and Líl̓wat Nation, on whose unceded territory Whistler sits. There are also explanations of the mountain’s man-made engineering feats and natural magic with detailed descriptions of the flora, fauna and alpine landscape viewpoints.
Whistler Mountain Bike Park
The Whistler Bike Park opens on May 16, 2025, with the eight-person Fitzsimmons Chair getting you on those trails faster than ever! Park Zones will come into play as the snow melts, so keep your eyes on the hours of operation page and check Whistler Blackcomb’s trail page to see what’s open before you come.
Riders can upload via Fitzsimmons Express starting May 16. The Whistler Village Gondola opens to bikes unloading at midstation only from May 17 to June 13, and then from June 14 to September 1, it will be open to the Roundhouse (when conditions permit). Creekside Gondola will open on June 7. Keep an eye on the hours of operation page when you make your plans.
Take a look at Whistler.com’s Stay & Bike Park Package for a deal when you book accommodation and Whistler Bike Park tickets together.

Top of the World
The Peak Zone’s Top of the World bike trail is a bucket-list, 1,500-metre descent to the valley below against the breathtaking backdrop of the snowcapped Coast Mountains. Keep your eye on Whistler Blackcomb’s social media and trail page for updates on when it’s opening.
To do Top of the World, you need a specific ticket. These are limited in number, and you must get them from Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations.

Level up with Lessons
If you’re looking to pick up some new skills and improve your riding this season, taking a lesson with a pro is the way to go. If you’re new to downhill biking, opt for the Intro to Park session, which helps first-time riders develop basic downhill skills. They also offer private clinics for groups of up to four people, so if you’ve got a crew that’s a similar skill level, this could be a good option, as what you focus on is fully customizable. There are also Men’s Nights and Women’s Nights, for all levels of riders, which are fun and pressure-free.
For the kids, DFX is back with their club and daily group lessons, along with three-day Summer Gravity Camps for tweens, teens and adults. Find out more about Whistler Blackcomb lessons on their website.
New to the Whistler Bike Park?
Any beginners planning to visit the Whistler Bike Park for the first time are strongly encouraged to take a lesson and take it from us; you’re going to want the proper equipment. Check out Whistler Blackcomb Bike Park 101: A First-Timer’s Guide for a full rundown of what you need and what to expect.
Whistler Blackcomb has put up progression signage in the park to allow riders to safely figure out which trails to try next as they improve their skills. The team at the Orientation Centre (located at the top of the Fitzsimmons chairlift) can also help riders navigate the area and get riding tips.
Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival
Catch the gravity-fuelled, two-wheel action of the Crankworx Mountain Bike Festival happening August 8 to 17, 2025.
6 Not-to-Miss Summer Experiences on Whistler Blackcomb
The mountains are always a hot spot for a cool summer escape, and with all of the signature experiences back, there’s no better time to get into the alpine.

1. Snow Walls
Mid-June is when you can typically experience the snow walls on the way to Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain. They obviously melt, so time is of the essence if you want to feel the coolness of this frozen pathway carved into the snow.
2. Picnics with Altitude
Pack a picnic (have fun visiting Whistler’s take-out dining options, bakeries and grocery stores) and find a secluded and cool spot to dine in the alpine. Read some of our suggested spots in Picnics With Altitude.
3. Alpine Wildflowers
From the end of July until mid-August is when to experience the full bloom of Whistler’s alpine wildflowers. Take a read of Alpine Wildflower Season in Whistler for more info on what you’ll see and where to go.
4. Ascent Trail Challenge
Hike the Ascent Trail, which goes from the base of Blackcomb Mountain all the way to the top, in the shade of the old-growth forest. The full trail is a 6.2-kilometre journey with 1,200 metres of elevation gain, but there are options to break it into two smaller sections. Read about the options in Insider Guide: Summer Hiking in Whistler.
5. Summer Feast up the Mountain
Celebrate your day at The Summer Feast, a buffet-style dinner event that takes over the Roundhouse Lodge in the evenings on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. For dates, times and tickets, visit whistler.com.
6. Tours on the Mountains
Play in the mountains by taking a guided hike, a bear viewing tour, riding an ATV or climbing on a Via Ferrata tour.
Spring savings are calling! There’s so much to see and do in spring, you’ll want plenty of time for fun in the sun. Extend your stay and book midweek for increased savings, with 3 nights starting from $135 CAD per night.
For summer, book ahead and save up to 25% on lodging. Plus, you'll receive a free $100 CAD Activity Voucher on stays of 3 or more nights ($200 for 5 nights). You can also win a summer trip to Whistler with the Escape the Ordinary contest!
Insider Tip: BC or Washington resident? Sign up for Whistler Rewards to access additional savings and exclusive perks.