It is no surprise that Whistler has once again been named the #1 Ski Resort in North America by Ski Magazine. Whistler is a mecca for everything outdoors and is consistently updating and upgrading its services and infrastructure to deliver a world class experience to its guests year-round. This summer the resort town saw the Whistler Mountain Bike Park accessible by the Creekside Gondola adding convenience and easy access to the terrain on Whistler Mountain. The new Sasquatch Zipline was also launched in July taking the cake for the longest Zipline in North America spanning 2 kilometers from Blackcomb to Whistler Mountain. Summers in Whistler are now competing with winters for tourist numbers, room nights and events. As summer comes to a close make sure to mark November 26th 2015 in your calendar; this is the Opening Day for the 2015/16 winter season. Watch for the following new upgrades, events and features this year:
50th Anniversary
It’s hard to imagine that 50 years ago Whistler was nothing but unchartered mountain terrain, a small community of less than a thousand people and completely undiscovered by the rest of the world. Fast forward 50 years and Whistler is a thriving all season resort with over 200 marked runs attracting nearly 3 million tourists each year! The 2015/16 season is Whistler’s 50th Anniversary. Whistler/Blackcomb is currently offering great Early Bird deals to promote its 50th Anniversary and be sure to expect events and specials throughout the season too. You can also check out the soon to be released movie 50 Years of Going Beyond which is being released on October 10th. Get your tickets here.
Mid-mountain dining renovations
The Rendevous Lodge has received a makeover and will be offering more seating this year, an improved layout and new menu options. Christine’s has a new Chef on board, Chef Steve Ramey from Vancouver’s Hawksworth Restaurant. Make sure to check out the exciting new food and functionality next time you are on the mountain!
Whistler Adventure Passport
Get deals on the best tours, attractions, restaurants and shops in Whistler with a Whistler Adventure Passport. Making their inaugural appearance this year these Passports offer over $1000 in savings as well as heaps of handy information and maps on Whistler/Blackcomb. Save money on rental equipment, food, apparel and tours. Make sure to order your Passport before the season starts to optimize your savings!
RFID Technology
Launched last year, Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) are now integrated into access cards to create a seamless uploading experience. If you are a US resident for the 2015/16 season you can link your Gold Card to WB+ and track your vertical, earn badges and load days.
Lift Upgrades
Have you checked out the new Whistler Village Gondolas? The gondolas offer more comfort and space than their predecessors providing seating for 8 people, outdoor ski/snowboard storage and an increased capacity of 12% (meaning shorter lines!) Other new and upgraded chairs to check out include the 6 man Harmony Chair and the new Crystal Chair.
Audain Art Museum
Opening early 2016 the Audain Art Museum, hosting a sample of Michael Audian’s collection, will showcase a permanent assemblage of some of British Columbia’s finest art including an extensive Emily Carr collection, a gallery devoted to West Coast Artist Edward J. Hughes and an outstanding collection of 19th Century Northwest Coast Masks. On top of the permanent artwork on display there will also be temporary exhibits on a regular basis. The Audain Art Museum will be located on Blackcomb Way right near the Village and will be a must-see for locals and tourists alike.
Exciting Events
Expect events on Whistler/Blackcomb to be bigger and better than ever in 2015/16 in conjunction with the mountain’s 50th anniversary. Make sure to check out the following events this year!
November 2015- Cornucopia
December 2015- Whistler Film Festival
January 2016- Whistler Pride and Ski Festival
April 2016- World Ski & Snowboard Festival
Excited much for the winter season to start? Make sure to order your Whistler Adventure Passport now to start saving on your Whistler experience. If you are a foodie make sure to indulge your pallet at Cornucopia in November. Don’t forget to check out the upgraded lifts and restaurants on the mountain and try and catch some 50th anniversary celebrations around the corner.