Safely enjoy the Whistler Mountain Bike Park this summer

Are you opening the Whistler Mountain Bike Park?

Yes. The Canadian jurisdiction in which Whistler Blackcomb operates has largely flattened its COVID-19 curve. As such, the park will open with a somewhat reduced footprint and operating hours, to meet social distancing guidelines laid out by the province and regional health authority. The resort will continue providing a world-class riding environment, prioritizing health and safety.  Whistler’s Mountain Bike Park is a leader in lift-accessed mountain biking, and an industry front-runner in developing safe gravity-sport protocols. This approach to excellence will be upheld as the park opens for business in this new COVID-19 environment.  

Why are you only offering grab-and-go for on-mountain dining? 

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, we have had to reimagine the resort experience and our operations for this summer, including mountain dining. At this time, we are limiting our on-mountain dining options to grab go to limit touch points for employees and guests and will continue to assess our ability to expand operations over the course of the summer.  

 What on-mountain activities are open? 

To ensure we provide the safest experience, we will open with limited summer activities, focused first and foremost on getting you on the mountain. At Whistler Blackcomb we will kick off summer operations with Sightseeing and the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. For a full list of summer activities click here. We will continue to assess expanding our operations once we are open and as soon as it is safe to do so. 

Are you opening the Whistler Mountain Bike Park? 

Yes. The Canadian jurisdiction in which Whistler Blackcomb operates has largely flattened its COVID-19 curve. As such, the park will open with a somewhat reduced footprint and operating hours, to meet social distancing guidelines laid out by the province and regional health authority. The resort will continue providing a world-class riding environment, prioritizing health and safety.  Whistler’s mountain bike park is a leader in lift-accessed mountain biking, and an industry front-runner in developing safe gravity-sport protocols. This approach to excellence will be upheld as the park opens for business in this new COVID-19 environment. 

Will the Whistler Mountain Bike Park still require social distancing protocols? 

Yes. Like the rest of our operation, you will be required to social distance in lineups and wear a face covering on the lifts. Face coverings will be in addition to full face helmets. Chairs will be spaced to allow for properly sanitization and riding groups will be asked to stick together. Rider groups will not be intermixed unless they are travelling with their parties.  

What if I injure myself in the bike park?  

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s bike patrol will attend to any rider injured in the park, as per standard operating procedures. Patrollers will all have PPE for medical response and will practice social distancing whenever and wherever possible to protect the health of both guests and staff.

 Why are many of the bike park’s iconic trails still closed?  

We made the decision to open the bike park to provide a safe, well-manicured environment for mountain bikers from the surrounding area to continue enjoying the sport. Working within the guidelines provided by the provincial health authority, in consultation local and provincial leaders, we determined the best route forward is to open slowly with the aim of adding more trails as the province eases toward reopening.  

Will your retail stores offer bike rentals this summer?  

We are operating with the same product offerings as previous years, only now with enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols, so we have valley trail bikes, e bikes and downhill bikes ready to roll, along with protective equipment. Guests can rent helmets and armour as well. Our downhill fleet will be housed at G1 and Summit, while the Fairmont, Salomon Store, Can-ski Blackcomb and Summit will be limited to Valley Trail bikes. 

Where can I purchase tickets for lift rides and summer activities? Do I need to make a reservation?  

Please pre-purchase your tickets for lift rides and summer activities online, if possible. Tickets are being sold by time and date, to ensure social distancing is maintained at all times. You will need to pick up your ticket onsite. Please note, all transactions for tickets and passes sold onsite will be cashless. 

What on-mountain restaurants are open?  

Limited grab ‘n go dining outlets will be open on mountain to provide pre-packaged snacks and beverages at the Rendezvous Lodge, Roundhouse Lodge and Garbanzo Bike & Bean. Examples of grab n’ go menu items include: potato chips, bottled water, pop, chocolate bars, CLIF bars, pepperoni sticks, hummus and dip, cookies and loaves. Coffee and tea will be served by staff.  

All locations will have cashless transactions.

What does the food & beverage dining experience look like?   

Both restaurants will have reduced seating capacities inside and patios will be open for additional seating as well, at a reduced capacity. Washrooms are available at both restaurants for guests.

Why are you only offering grab-and-go for on-mountain dining?  

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, we have had to reimagine the resort experience and our operations for this summer, including mountain dining. At this time, we are limiting our on-mountain dining options to grab’n go to limit touch points for employees and guests and will continue to assess our ability to expand operations over the course of the summer.

Can I use my 20-21 Epic Pass for summer access?    

Summer benefits for the 2020-21 Epic Pass include free lift access for scenic rides (varies by pass type and region), as well as select lodging, food and beverage, and activity discounts. Full details here.  

How are you keeping guests safe this summer? 

We have developed new processes and procedures for the safety of our guests and employees, taking into account local government guidelines, industry best practices and our unique knowledge and insight about our operations. You can find more information on some of our safety procedures and guest expectations HERE.  

What are you doing to protect your staff? 

We have developed a robust return to work and training process for all resort employees to ensure safety. All our employees are required to wear a face covering and follow the company’s safety protocols and procedures at all times, including regular hand washing and the use of PPG. Employees will undergo daily health screenings and are required to stay home if sick. We’ll continue to review and update our policies to adhere to the most up-to-date practices to keep employees and guests safe.  

Do I need to wear a face covering? 

Guests are required to wear face coverings in certain areas, including in lines, when loading and unloading chairlifts, in indoor resort facilities, and whenever it is not possible to maintain a six feet distance from unknown parties. Guests are encouraged to bring their own face coverings, but the WMBP will have them available upon request, subject to availability. When physical distancing is possible, such as riding on trails, guests may remove their face coverings.  

Do I need to bring my own face covering?

Yes, guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own face covering. We will have some available upon request, subject to availability. Guests without a face covering will not be allowed to load chairlifts or gondolas, inside resort facilities, or other areas where physical distancing is not possible.   

How will you be enforcing face coverings for guests? 

Guests who are not able to follow the safety protocols that are put in place to protect our guests, employees and communities will not be able to ride in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and asked to leave if necessary. It will take the compassion, care and personal responsibility of everyone to help us ensure a safe mountain experience for all.  

What is your child age requirement for face coverings? 

In line with local and CDC guidelines, we are asking that children older than 2 years of age wear face coverings in lift lines, loading and unloading lifts, and wherever physical distancing of six feet cannot be achieved.  

What are the rules on who can load together on gondolas and lifts? 

To minimize safety risks, guests will only be able to ride gondolas and lifts with travellers in their parties. 

Are you capping the number of people who can visit the resort? 

We will be closely monitoring capacity at the Bike Park, and may limit the number sold on high volume days, as needed to maintain social distancing practices. Tickets will be sold to exact lift times, as communicated by our PSS staff and website. Thanks to our expansive outdoor setting, we are confident we can accommodate all visitors this summer, but are asking for guests' cooperation complying with physical distancing protocols in base areas, lift lines and indoor spaces.   

What equipment are you providing guests: sanitizer, masks, etc.?  

Hand sanitizing stations will be available throughout the resort. Frequent hand-washing is encouraged. While we ask guests to bring their own face coverings, we will have masks available upon request, subject to availability. We have also converted all drinking fountains to water bottle stations to keep these units touchless. 

What changes have been made to cleaning procedures?  

High-touch surfaces will be frequently cleaned and disinfected with EPA-approved products that kill the COVID-19 virus. In addition, enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will take place daily in our gondola cabins, frequently throughout the day in our public restrooms and after each use on our alpine slide and mountain coaster carts.  

Will all transactions be cashless?  

Yes, all mountain transactions (e.g. lift tickets, dining facilities) will be cashless as well as transactions at the Company’s lodging, retail and rental locations.

What happens if inclement weather forces a lift evacuation or other quick response which hampers physical distancing requirements? 

While we do our best to anticipate weather events to minimize impacts to our guests, it is very important to have face coverings for each member of your party easily accessible. If response to weather, or an environmental threat, forces a rapid response from mountain operations, we will prioritize guests’ immediate safety over standard health guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please do your part to help us operate safely and keep your face covering on hand at all times.

Are you doing contact tracing? 

We will continue to work with local health officials to minimize the impact and spread of COVID-19 in our resort communities. While we don’t have a comprehensive contact system, we will work with local officials and endeavour to notify any guest or employee who we have knowledge came in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.  

When will Owned & Operated lodging reopen at Whistler Blackcomb?  

Vail Resorts owned and operated hotels are accepting reservations beginning June 19, 2020. We are offering free cancellations and full refunds for reservations made between now and Dec. 17, 2020. More information on our current booking and cancellation policies is available here. 

What safety precautions is Lodging Ovations taking?  Are any special cleaning procedures being taken? 

The safety of our employees and our guests has always been a top priority. To ensure our properties are prepared to address the realities of COVID-19, we have rolled out enhanced safety protocols at all of our owned and operated lodging properties designed to provide both guests and employees with a safe and enjoyable experience. Our new safety guidelines include limited touchpoints at check in, property-wide enhanced cleaning measures, shared space guidelines in elevators and physical distancing policies. While our protocols may vary by property, our teams will continue to follow CDC and WHO guidance, aligning our robust plan to ever-evolving industry best practices.  

How are you dealing with common areas? 

Our new safety guidelines include limited touchpoints at check in, property-wide enhanced cleaning measures, shared space guidelines in elevators and physical distancing policies. While our protocols may vary by property, our teams will continue to follow CDC and WHO guidance, aligning our robust plan to ever-evolving industry best practices. As a part of property-wide expanded safety guidelines, certain amenities/common areas may not be available at this time. Please contact the property directly for the most up-to-date information. 
 
Will the pool/spa/gym be open?  

As a part of property-wide expanded safety guidelines, certain amenities may not be available at this time. Please contact the property directly for the most up-to-date information. 
 
Can I valet my car?  

As a part of property-wide expanded safety guidelines, certain amenities may not be available at this time. Please contact the property directly for the most up-to-date information.