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 started on April 22, and the iconic Whistler Mountain Bike Park opened 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.

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 open 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.

Two people hike on Whistler Blackcomb in the high alpine. The sun rises in the background.
Get into the high alpine on Whistler Blackcomb this summer. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

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.

Where do I get my tickets?

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). 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.

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.

The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola in Whistler.
Spanning two mountains, the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is a Whistler must-do. PHOTO MIKE CRANE

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.

Black Tusk and Fall Hikers at Sunset
Iconic Black Tusk Mountain is the core of an extinct volcano and, according to local Indigenous legends, also the Landing Place of the Thunderbird. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

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.

Two people stand on the Raven Eye on Whistler Blackcomb, looking out over the Coast Mountains in the summer sun.
The Raven’s Eye is at one end of the Whistler suspension bridge, a must-do for this summer. PHOTO GUY FATTAL

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.

For a deeper understanding of the land and its history, visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.

Summer Dining on Whistler Blackcomb

The two largest places to dine while exploring all Whistler Blackcomb has to offer are the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain and the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain. They are only open at the weekends until June 14, when they switch to being open every day.

The Umbrella Bar in the summer overlooks the Coast Mountains from its perch on Whistler Mountain.
The Umbrella Bar on Whistler Mountain serves incredible views and great Caesar cocktails. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Lunch at Christine’s, a full-service restaurant inside the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb, is a special treat and should be booked in advance (it opens June 20). And don’t miss the Umbrella Bar on Whistler Mountain, offering incredible mountain views and great Caesar cocktails.

Summer Accessibility on Whistler Blackcomb

The Whistler Village Gondola, Blackcomb Gondola and PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola all accommodate wheelchairs. At the Roundhouse on Whistler Mountain (certified accessible by the Rick Hansen Foundation in 2024), wheelchair accessible washrooms are located on the first floor. There is an elevator that takes you to the upper floor of the building to access the Roundhouse Restaurant and Umbrella Bar.

The path of travel from the Roundhouse Lodge to the Peak 2 Peak is approximately 50 metres with an average grade of 1.5 percent. The distance from the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain to the PEAK 2 PEAK terminal is approximately 78 metres with an average grade of 5.7 percent.

At this point, the Peak Express (which takes you to the Cloudraker Skybridge) does not accommodate wheelchairs.

New Experiences and Events on Whistler Blackcomb

From May 31 to June 29, Whistler Blackcomb is partnering with Tourism Whistler to bring the Nourish Whistler Wellness Series to the top of Whistler Mountain. A geometric dome has been installed on the observation deck of the Roundhouse Lodge, where guests can immerse themselves in a variety of experiences, including yoga, guided meditations, sound baths, live music, speaker sessions and culinary workshops.

Also new to the Summer Alpine Experience on June 14 is axe throwing! Forged Axe Throwing will introduce an exciting new challenge to Whistler’s alpine, with two axe-throwing stations. Every Friday through Sunday, guests aged 10 and up will be able to test their aim with this fun and classic Canadian activity.  

Whistler Mountain Bike Park

The Whistler Bike Park opened 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. 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.

Whistler Bike Park Upgrades

There’s a new access point to A-Line and Ninja Cougar, an alternative exit from BCC trails in Creekside, and upgraded wall rides on Crank It Up. Riders can also look forward to an extension of Pumpkin Moon and fresh Commencal bikes in the rental fleet.

The summer lineup also includes the return of the popular Phat Wednesday race series, BC Cup, Canada Cup, and the world-renowned Crankworx mountain bike festival, August 8 to 17.

Take a look at Whistler.com’s Stay & Bike Park Package for a deal when you book accommodation and Whistler Bike Park tickets together.

Riders on a technical trail in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Get ready for some rocks and roots. PHOTO JUSTA JESKOVA

Whistler Bike Park’s Top of the World Trail

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.

Two mountain bikers on Top of the World trail in Whistler
Go with a pro. PHOTO MIKE CRANE

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.

Whistler Bike Park Accessibility

Whistler Mountain Bike Park uses an adaptive mountain bike trail rating system (created by the Kootenay Adaptive Sports Association) with considerations specifically tailored to the needs of those users. Adaptive mountain bikes can be used on the Gondolas and chairs of the bike park. For more information on those and how to upload, take a look at Whistler Blackcomb’s bike park accessibility page.

Crankworx Whistler Mountain Bike Festival

Catch the gravity-fuelled, two-wheel action of the Crankworx Whistler Mountain Bike Festival happens 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.

Hikers on High Note Trial in Whistler
Create your Whistler Blackcomb hiking bucket list this summer. PHOTO MARK MACKAY

1. Snow Walls

Late May to mid-June is when you can typically experience the snow walls on the way to/from 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. Coming during Nourish? Book 3+ nights between May 29 and June 30, 2025, to receive a free $100 or $200 Wellness Activity Voucher, valid for use on wellness activities or Nourish Whistler Wellness Series tickets. 

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: Sign up for Whistler Rewards to access additional savings and exclusive perks.

Author

You can often find Dee exploring all Whistler has to offer with her three-kid crew in tow. Originally from the UK, Dee enjoys balancing out high-thrills adventures with down-time basking in the beauty of the wonderful place she now calls home.