Whistler Blackcomb Updates
Exciting New Developments To Come For Whistler Blackcomb!
We keep getting questions from our audience; Are the Whistler Blackcomb new lifts open? Here are recent resort developments and updates for the upcoming ski season.
Located just under 2 hours away from Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb is going through one of the largest upgrade spends ($66M) in North America. Thanks to the extra push by Vail Resorts-who purchased the resort in 2016- there will be even more noteworthy features for guests to partake in.
Funding for the resort is being funneled into installing a new 10 person gondola, six-passenger high-speed lift, and a four-passenger high-speed lift. Each lift increases capacity by 47% and will move 4,000 people an hour. These changes, for the most part, will be completed in time for the 2018-2019 ski season.
This summer Whistler Blackcomb saw (and heard) the extensive changes being made along the mountain, from the mid-station site all the way to the Upper Village. One very important detail to note is how the resort constantly strives to remain eco-conscious when making updates. They follow a simple system of the 4 R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle, repurpose). While this method is utilized predominantly when handling food and waste disposal, it’s smartly incorporated into larger projects such as this. This way they’re able to protect the environment without causing significant damage to the ecosystem.
In addition to these lift enhancements; the staff at Whistler Blackcomb will also have something to look forward to. Dubbed the “Glacier 8” project, Vail Resorts plans on building a 200-bed development to offer affordable living for their workforce. “We certainly recognize housing is a critical issue in Whistler and a very real day-to-day problem for many of our staff. Vail Resorts wants to be a part of the solution. I am very pleased to put this plan in place, and to know we are harnessing the momentum of our summer buildout on the hill to make our contribution on a very challenging community issue in the valley,” said Pete Sonntag, Whistler Blackcomb COO.
And while they currently house 31% of their staff, this addition allows for an even larger number of employees to secure proper housing. In an area where housing choices are slim, relieving people of a major headache can only bring about great end results. It’s incredible to see how invested Vail Resorts is in providing for the staff, which will inevitably lead to an even higher quality of care for guests.
Known for its early seasonal snowfall (averaging 2.4 meters or about 8 feet in November), Whistler Blackcomb offers skiers a unique skiing opportunity. This stunning resort draws in smaller crowds during the early season, so skiers don’t have to worry about massive lines when they go out to explore.
However, as soon as the holidays and late season hit, the same can’t be said! It’s best to plan trips during the week, to continue enjoying smaller crowds. And if your schedule doesn’t allow for that flexibility, you’ll still be blown away by what the resort has to offer. Even if that means there are more than a few skiers around!
Whistler Blackcomb has been offering up some amazing deals to get you excited for the 2018-2019 season. From lodging to entire vacation packages, there’s a little something to fit everyone’s needs.
The best part about it is that there are countless options to choose from! If you’ve never been or are excited to go back, Whistler Blackcomb will meet your desire for an incredible skiing experience. Get ready to learn more about this ski area and others by visiting our British Columbia page today!