WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

BACKCOUNTRY

Whistler Blackcomb is your gateway to a vast area of unmarked and un-patrolled backcountry access in the Garibaldi Provincial Park.

The allure of backcountry skiing and riding has increased over the last few years and many resorts, as well as manufacturers, are filling this demand with innovative products and services. Gathered below are resources to guides, training, gear, and bulletins to make help make your adventure safe and prepare you for avalanche and glacier hazards.

 

Patrol - Emergency


Check the Terrain Status Map for up-to-date information.
Backcountry Access Route Status >

For on hill emergencies only

604-935-5555
 

Lift Routes



Whistler Mountain


ROUTE 1: CREEKSIDE:
Creekside Gondola
Big Red Express
Peak or Harmony Express
*Harmony or Emerald Express - access return to Creekside
ROUTE 2: VILLAGE:
Village Gondola
Peak or Harmony Express
ROUTE 3: VILLAGE:
Fitzsimmons Express
Garbonzo Express
Big Red or Emerald Express
Peak or Harmony Express

Blackcomb Mountain


Route 4: Blackcomb:
Blackcomb Gondola
Glacier Express or Seventh Heaven Express
Showcase T-Bar
Route 5: Blackcomb:
Excalibur Gondola
Excelerator Express
Glacier Express
Showcase T-Bar
Route 6: Blackcomb:
Excalibur Gondola
Excelerator Express
Jersey Cream Express
Seventh Heaven

Accessing Garibaldi Provincial Park

Starting on Blackcomb Mountain


Please use the Blackcomb Map contained below to follow our designated route on Blackcomb Mountain to Garibaldi Provincial Park. Please note:

  • Blackcomb Bench Climb - The lower mountain access route marked in yellow on the map, an All Weather Conditions route that leads to three upper route options. The Blackcomb Bench Climb is an unmaintained winter route. This route is signed with the green uphill route sign shown above. Begins either on skier’s right of Merlin’s ski run or from Lot 7, the main trailhead sign is located on the North side of Lower Cruiser at Base II.
  • Excelerator Connector - Marked in orange on the map, an All Weather Conditions route that makes the short connection to Excelerator. This route is an unmaintained winter route. Skiers and riders will need a valid lift ticket or pass to access the lift system.
  • Crystal Exit  – Provides two way access between the North Route and the bottom station of Crystal Express.

GARIBALDI PROVINCIAL PARK ACCESS:

  • North Route - Upper route marked in yellow on the map. An All Weather Conditions route that travels through the forest outside of the Ski Area Boundary leading to Garibaldi Provincial Park. The North Route is an unmaintained winter route. The North Route is marked with blue flagging tape, navigation skills are required (maps, compass and/or GPS and skills to use these tools). Check the Terrain Status Map for up to date avalanche conditions and terrain closures before re-entering the Ski Area Boundary.
    DOWNLOAD THE GPS TRACK ON TRAILFORKS >

  • South Route (Interim Route - Time Restricted) - The route marked in turquoise will take skiers and splitboarders up Blackcomb to the park boundary. This route is signed with the green uphill route sign shown above. This is an All Weather Conditions route and open only from 5am to 9:30am. You must be clear to the bottom of Seventh Heaven by 9:30am.
    DOWNLOAD THE GPS TRACK ON TRAILFORKS >
  • East Col - Marked in pink. Accesses the park from beyond Blackcomb Glacier. This route requires a lift ticket and high alpine clearance. Check the Terrain Status Map to find out if the route is open. Recheck the map the morning of your trip and immediately before leaving. This map is updated by Patrol as conditions change.

  • Snowshoe Route - Garibaldi Park access by snowshoe is via the Blackcomb Bench Climb and the North Route only. Snowshoes can ascend and descend on these two designated routes. Please respect the multi-use trails, by staying off of the skin track.

View Blackcomb Map

When the high alpine lifts are closed due to avalanche danger, backcountry skiers and snowboarders should check the Terrain Status Map for more information on how to safely access the backcountry. Backcountry access route status is also available on Epic Mix and on our Terrain and Lift Status page.



Re-entering the Ski Area Boundary


Skiers and snowboarders looking to re-enter Whistler Blackcomb’s ski area boundaries from the backcountry should check the Terrain Status Map for up-to-date avalanche conditions and terrain closures within the ski area boundary. When re-entering the ski area boundary after hours please be aware of operational hazards such as grooming cats, snowmobiles, winch cats and to adhere to all signage and fencing.

If you encounter a winch cat sign when travelling through the ski area, make contact with the driver before proceeding past the equipment.

 

Patrol - Emergency


Check the Terrain Status Map for up-to-date information.
Backcountry Access Route Status >

For on hill emergencies only

604-935-5555
 
See all our Extremely Canadian Backcountry programs below and find the best fit for you.

Backcountry Programs

See all our Extremely Canadian Backcountry programs below and find the best fit for you.

Avalanche Skills Training Level 1+

Backcountry Intro Groups

Steeps Skiing Clinics

Avalanche Skills Training Level 2

Freeride Snowboard Camps

Backcountry Privates