Every summer, Whistler Blackcomb opens for sightseeing after taking a short pause to service the gondolas and lifts that have been running hard all winter. As you plan for your sightseeing trip be sure to check the hours of operation page to make sure you know what’s happening on Whistler Blackcomb before you book.

While the valley is mostly melted, the high peaks up top are still blanketed in snow. Early season sightseeing means the alpine hiking trails are still covered, but Whistler Blackcomb clears the access road to the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain (typically in early to mid-June), leaving canyons of snow for you to explore on your walk to the Peak. Whistler Mountain opens on June 10 this year with the Peak Chair opening June 17, so fingers crossed that access to the snow walls will follow soon after that!

This unique sightseeing experience won’t last long, so check out these tips and get up to Whistler to see the snow walls for yourself before they’re gone.

INSIDER TIP: The 2023 summer sightseeing season is from June 10 to September 24, with a small, spring sightseeing window on Blackcomb Mountain only from April 22 to May 22 (accessed via Blackcomb Gondola on weekends only plus May 22, and Excalibur Gondola midweek). It’s also good to note that from June 17 to September 4 the Whistler Village Gondola can be used for downloading only (sightseers must go up Blackcomb Mountain).
Whistler Mountain spring hiking
PHOTO MEGAN WILSON

When to Go

The best advice I can give you when dealing with snow and hot weather is the sooner the better. The exact date varies by year and they’re usually announced on Whistler Blackcomb’s social channels as well as Whistler.com’s PEAK 2 PEAK page. The walls will get smaller every day with the late spring and summer heat, so if this experience is on your bucket list get up there as soon as it opens!

Snow Walls on Pika's Traverse Whistler
PHOTO MEGAN WILSON

How to Get There

Access to the snow walls is included in the Summer Sightsee 360 Experience Ticket. You can buy tickets for just the day, the full season (opt for this if you’re planning on doing more than one day as it’s cheaper), or use an Epic Pass for access (it must be a 2023/24 pass).

How to Plan Your Hike

The snow walls are on Whistler Mountain, so head up via the Whistler Village Gondola. The ride up the gondola to the Roundhouse Lodge takes about 25 minutes, and there’s plenty to see – keep an eye out for bears and deer, as well as stunning mountain views on the way up. When you get off at the top, stop by the Roundhouse Lodge to use the washroom and to stock up on water and food.

On Foot

From the Roundhouse Lodge walk uphill toward the top of the Emerald Express. The trail you are looking for is Pika’s Traverse Road to Matthew’s Traverse Road, which is a distance of 3.2 kilometres (one way). To help you navigate, there are printed maps available on the mountain, or you can see a digital version here with distances and suggested times.

Via Peak Chair

The snow walls extend all the way to the top of Peak Chair but be warned, Peak Express Chair lift access does not start until mid-June which, depending on the year, could be after the snow walls are gone. For the 2023 sightseeing season, the Peak Express Chairlift is due to open on June 17, but please check the hours of operations page in case of any changes.

If the snow walls are still around when the Peak Chair opens be aware that there is a short, 0.6-kilometre hike down to the chairlift, which takes about 10 to 20 minutes. If you choose to download via the Peak Chair remember that you will have to hike back up that same path, which has an elevation gain of 63 metres.

If you’re travelling with kids, note that the height requirement to ride the Peak Chair is 40 inches (3.3 feet / one metre) and that you can’t ride the chair with a child in any form of carrier. Depending on the fitness levels and ages of people in your group, this may be challenging after a day of adventuring. Make sure to take water and snacks, leave plenty of time and energy to walk back, and take lots of breaks on your way out.

What to Wear

Wearing the right clothes is key to having a great day exploring the snow walls. The weather at the top of the mountain is typically a few degrees cooler than the valley, and wind through the snow walls acts like a natural air conditioner.

When planning your hike make sure to pack layers for cooler weather, including a warm mid layer, and a windproof outer layer. You can always put them into your pack if you get too warm on the hike up, and you’ll be grateful to have them on the cooler hike down.

Snow Walls in Whistler Resort
PHOTO MEGAN WILSON

Another key to being a happy hiker is good footwear. At a bare minimum, you should wear a pair of running shoes. They don’t need to be fancy, but they should have decent grip, and be sturdy enough that you can’t feel rocks through the soles when you walk. I’ve seen people wear all kinds of footwear worn on this hike including sandals and heels, and those wearers looked miserable. Don’t be that person. Ideally, wear good, supportive hiking boots.

Where to Take the Best Photo

The snow walls are interesting from start to finish, with photo opportunities all along the way, but there are some points that are particularly photogenic. You can find the tallest walls between the Harmony Inukshuk and the top of Harmony Chair. Not only are the snow walls tallest there but there is also a line of sight that looks down the snow walls and through to Blackcomb Mountain. Don’t forget to tag your pics with #OnlyInWhistler to share your shots with fellow adventurers.

Snow Walls Whistler Mountain 2018
PHOTO MEGAN WILSON

For more information on all things outdoors from hiking to paddling to golf, visit Whistler.com.

This spring, for every third night you book between March 1 - April 30, 2024, receive a free $75 CAD Whistler Après Voucher. Book your summer stay by April 30, 2024, and save up to 30% on lodging and 20% on activities. Plus, you’ll receive a free $150 Activity Voucher on stays of 3 or more nights. Secure your mountain getaway with Whistler.com for personalized service and the local knowledge of our Whistler-based team

Author

Megan is a mountain adventurer guilty of breaking the golden rule, telling everyone her mountain secrets (ok, maybe she keeps a few to herself). Ontario by birth, and now Whistler by choice, even a decade later, the mountains still take her breath away.