Enjoying a Safe Summer at Whistler Blackcomb
We’re passionate about the outdoors and our mountain communities, and we're committed to protecting these special places and everyone who comes to experience them. Enjoy the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, hiking and limited mountain biking this summer in Whistler Blackcomb's pristine alpine environment. Enjoy safely.

WORKING TOGETHER TO BE SAFE
It takes the compassion, care and personal responsibility of everyone to help us ensure a safe mountain experience for all. With that in mind, we have reimagined the resort experience to further prioritize the health and safety of our employees and guests in response to COVID-19. Safety has always been one of our core values and we invite you to learn more below about the new procedures and protocols being implemented with your safety, our employees’ safety, and the safety of our communities in mind.
Health and safety remain our top priority. At our resorts this summer, we will be operating according to local public health orders and following their guidance as it relates to face coverings and checking for the BC Vaccine Card. More information can be found HERE. We encourage everyone to follow Provincial guidelines as the pandemic continues to evolve.
OUR COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
To further prioritize the health and safety of our employees and guests in response to COVID-19, we have reimagined the resort experience for this summer. Our approach to safety will be consistent across our family of resorts to provide you with a familiar and comfortable experience regardless of where you choose to recreate.
Physical Distancing:
- On mountain, our vast outdoor setting makes physical distancing easy. But in the base areas and other locations where it is more difficult to do so, we will have signage and decals to ensure guests remain six feet (two meters) apart.
- Guests will be required to wear face coverings in certain areas. This includes in lines, when loading and unloading chairlifts, when loading and riding in gondolas and in indoor resort facilities. Guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own face coverings, but resorts will have them available upon request, subject to availability. Employees will be required to wear face coverings at all times.
- Plexiglass barriers have been installed in areas where physical distancing measures are not possible, including at points of purchase.
- Capacity of lifts and gondolas will be reduced to allow for physical distancing. Guests will only be allowed on lifts with travellers in their party.
- Employees may limit the number of guests in any area of the resort to ensure proper physical distancing (e.g. parking lots, indoor facilities, common spaces, etc.).
Employee Protocols and Training:
- All 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 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Personal Protective Gear (PPG).
- Employees will undergo daily health screenings and receive appropriate training to ensure safety.
- Employees are required to stay at home if sick.
Enhanced Cleaning and Sanitization:
- High-touch surfaces will be frequently cleaned and disinfected with EPA-approved products that kill the COVID-19 virus.
- Enhanced cleaning and disinfecting will take place daily in our gondola cabins and in our public restrooms.
- Hand sanitizing stations will be provided throughout the resort. Frequent handwashing is required of employees.
- All transactions will be cashless for lift and gondola rides, mountain activities, on-mountain dining as well as at the Company’s lodging, rental, and retail locations.
We'll continue to review and update our policies to adhere to the most up-to-date practices to keep employees and guests safe.
We are lucky that our beautiful outdoor settings provide a landscape to experience nature and practice physical distancing while returning to the activities we love. To ensure a safe experience for all, it will take compassion, care and personal responsibility. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.
Please take a moment to understand the following guidelines so you can best prepare for a safe and enjoyable visit.
- Stay home if you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19.
- Comply with physical distancing guidelines outlined by public health as well as our resort signage.
- Wear a face covering in certain areas.* Bring your own, but if you forget we will have limited supply.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer when you cannot wash your hands.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
Although much has changed, it continues to be our mission and pleasure to serve our guests and provide you with a memorable summer experience.
Gondolas and Chairlifts
- Lift Lines: Guests are asked to maintain physical distance from those not in their party. Markers will be placed six feet apart to assist guests while in line. Guests must wear a face covering while in line and when loading and unloading lifts, as well as when riding a gondola cabin.
- Loading & Unloading: Guests will only be allowed to ride with travellers in their parties. Guests will not be paired up or asked to ride the chairlift with others. If six-foot (2 meter) distance can be maintained, then two people may ride the chairlift seated on opposite sides.
- Gondolas will be cleaned daily.
Owned & Operated Lodging
- Guests will be asked to maintain physical distancing guidelines and use face coverings when in common areas.
- One guest per family will be allowed to enter the lobby for check-in/out.
- Transactions will be cashless.
- Room keys will be cleaned and disinfected before they are placed into guest packets.
- Click here for a list of applicable properties and details on our booking and cancellation policies.
Dining
- To ensure physical distancing, dining operations will run at reduced capacity with updated floor plans in common areas. Outdoor seating will be available.
- On-mountain dining will be grab 'n go only and all transactions will be cashless.
Rental and Retail Shops
- High touch surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected frequently, and hand sanitizing stations will be available.
- Updated floor plans and signage will help guests maintain physical distancing and direct the flow of traffic.
- All transactions will be cashless.
- Plexiglass barriers will be installed in areas where physical distancing measures are not possible.
- High touch surfaces will be cleaned and disinfected frequently, and hand sanitizing stations will be available.
- All transactions will be cashless.
- Plexiglass barriers will be installed in areas where physical distancing measures are not possible.
Ticket Windows
Restrooms
- Public restroom spaces will be cleaned and disinfected frequently throughout the day.
- Capacity limits may be in place.
Activities
- Guest capacity may be limited when partaking in certain activities.
- Limited activities will be offered during the initial phase of reopening, and we will continue to assess whether additional activities can be safely provided as the summer progresses and restrictions ease.
Open On-Mountain Activities
To ensure we provide the safest experience, we will open with limited summer activities, focused, first and foremost on getting you on the mountain. We will continue to assess expanding our operations once we are open, and as soon as it is safe to do so.
Activities that are currently available on-mountain include:
Summer Sightseeing & Hiking
The Whistler Village Gondola, Blackcomb Gondola and the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola will all be open for guests to access the alpine surrounded by jaw-dropping vistas, ancient glaciers, alpine lakes, and wildflower-filled slopes. In the height of summer, there are over 50km of hiking trails to enjoy including the Blackcomb Ascent Trails, three interconnected uphill hiking trails that meander through beautiful old growth coastal rain forest terrain from Whistler’s valley bottom to the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain.
Whistler Mountain Bike Park
The Whistler Mountain Bike Park will open with regular and extended play. We will continue to meet social distancing guidelines, face covering and sanitization standards laid out by the province and regional health authorities. 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.
Food & Beverage
The Roundhouse and Rendezvous will limit our on-mountain dining options to grab and go items to limit touch points for employees and guests and will continue to assess our ability to expand operations over the course of the summer. Dusty’s Bar & BBQ and the Garibaldi Lift Company will be open for sit-down service, both inside and out, for those with a reservation and walk-ups.
Whistler Blackcomb Retail
Whistler Blackcomb’s retail stores are open for business with all COVID Safety Protocols in place.
Whistler Blackcomb Rentals
Bike rentals we will be operating with the same product offerings as previous years, only now with enhanced cleaning and sanitization protocols. We have valley trail bikes, e bikes and downhill bikes, 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.
All locations will follow enhanced safety operations including a limited number of guests allowed in the stores at one time, and increased cleaning protocols. Please note, all transactions onsite will be cashless.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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 above.
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?
All guests are required to wear face coverings at the resort when in lift lines, on lifts and gondolas and inside our restaurants and retail locations—and whenever it is not possible to maintain a six feet distance from unknown parties. When physical distancing is possible, such as riding on trails, guests may remove their face coverings. Please note: It is important your face covering remain on throughout your lift ride, so it is on and protecting both you and our staff when you get off the lift. Bike Park lift attendants will be on the deck when you step off. Please keep your mask on for your protection and theirs.
Do I need to bring my own face covering?
Yes, guests are strongly encouraged to bring their own face covering. To help us reduce our environmental footprint, we're asking guests to bring your own face covering, which can be a cloth mask, scarf or buff, as long as it covers your nose and mouth. Guests without a face covering will not be allowed to load chairlifts or gondolas, inside resort facilities, in some retail locations or other areas where physical distancing is not possible. Thank you for helping us keep each other safe.
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 participate in our on-mountain experience 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, when riding a gondola, in indoor spaces, 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 with their own cohort on the Village Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola, if travelling in a group. Singles will be able to ride with other singles from non-related parties on lifts where there is enough space. For example, two singles could ride the Fitzsimmons Lift, with space for social distancing between them.
Are you capping the number of people who can visit the resort?
Capacity will be monitored consistently throughout the day, and managed as necessary. 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.
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 endeavor to notify any guest or employee who we have knowledge came in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
What on-mountain restaurants are open?
Dusty’s and the GLC are open for both reservations and walk-in traffic at the base of the mountain, and your will find the Rendezvous and Roundhouse are in full operation up top. All restaurants will continue with our COVID Safety Protocols, including additional sanitization. Please continue to wear your mask when you are not at your table, and plan to eat with your own party.
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 frontrunner 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. You must keep your face covering throughout your ride as face coverings are required to disembark.
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.
Can I eat or drink in the lift line?
Guests are asked not to eat or drink in the lift line in order to ensure face coverings remain in place. Those riding in the bike park will want to bring a small water bottle to fill and drink before re-entering the line. Water stations will be provided on site.
Will your retail stores offer bike rentals this summer?
Select retail stores will be open for mountain bike rentals.
Where can I purchase tickets for lift rides and summer activities? Do I need to make a reservation?
Both Bike Park and Summer Sightseeing are available for purchase online, and we will have the option to purchase available onsite as well. This location will not be accepting cash and it is highly recommended guests purchase prior to arrival to minimize time spent in spaced lineups.
Can I use my 21-22 Epic Pass for summer access?
Summer benefits for the 2021-22 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.
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.
Fire Danger
Smoking is prohibited on lifts and is only allowed in designated smoking areas. During times of extreme fire danger all smoking may be prohibited. Report fires immediately via cell or on-mountain emergency phones.
Sun Protection
With every 3,000’ increase in altitude, UV levels rise by 10% -12%. Please wear appropriate sunglasses and sunscreen to protect yourself from these harmful UV rays.
Protect your Purchase
Your ticket or pass is non-transferable and may not be resold or used by anyone other than the person to whom it was issued. Report lost or stolen passes to resort staff or law enforcement immediately. Resort staff may ask you to show your pass or ticket at any time. Failure to show a valid pass or ticket or engaging in fraudulent behavior of any kind may result in loss of resort privileges or criminal prosecution.
Aerial Drones
Recreational drone use by any guest or member of the public, for any reason, is not permitted on or over any Vail Resorts property.
Lightning and Thunderstorms
Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains. Take proper precautions when you see or hear a storm developing: Seek shelter, keep off ridgelines, and stay clear of chairlift houses, lift towers, power lines, open spaces, lone trees and signposts. Lifts may close on occasion, causing delays.
High-Altitude Environment
If you live at a lower elevation, you may tire more easily. Take it easy at first, plan short trips until you are acclimated and drink plenty of water. Some visitors may experience symptoms associated with resort high altitude. Symptoms may include headaches, nausea, and dizziness, loss of appetite, restless sleep, coughing and difficulty in breathing. If symptoms persist or if you have a concern about your health, you should seek medical attention.
Adequate Clothing
Be aware, mountain weather changes quickly and there is usually at least a 10 degree temperature difference from the bottom to the top of the lifts. Bring a raincoat and consider a sweater or fleece.
Lift Safety
Under the law, you cannot board a lift unless you have sufficient physical dexterity, ability and knowledge to negotiate or to use such lift safely or until you have asked for and received information sufficient to enable you to use the lift safely. You may not use a lift when under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please lower the bar when riding lifts.
Weather and Terrain
YOU ASSUME THE RISK of unpredictable weather, as well as rugged, uneven, irregular and slippery conditions.
Multi-Use
Be aware that trails and roads at resorts are used for many purposes during the summer. Mountain bikes, hikers, [horses (if applicable)], motorized vehicles, construction equipment and others may be encountered at any time.
Construction Warning
You may encounter construction equipment, maintenance vehicles or other heavy machinery at any time. Always be cautious and obey posted signs and warnings.
Mountain Biking
Helmets and sturdy shoes with good tread are recommended at all times. Child carriers or tow-behind bikes are not permitted and all bikes must have two working brakes. All loose clothing, bags or packs should be firmly secured so they do not interfere with the bicycle’s moving parts.
Mountain bikers must always yield to other non-motorized trail users. Should you encounter hikers [or horses (add if applicable)] on any trail, you must yield the right-of-way. Ride on designated trails only and obey all posted signs and warnings. Failure to do so may result in lift ticket and/or pass revocation.
Wildlife
Do not litter or feed wildlife. Hikers rarely encounter bears but, if you do, please remain calm and back away slowly. Resorts ask that everyone is cautious and respectful of wildlife.
You Assume the Risk
Mountain biking, hiking, and other recreational activities involve inherent and other risks of injury and death. Trail conditions vary constantly because of weather changes and biker/ hiker use. Variations in terrain, stumps, forest growth, rocks and debris (all of which may be hidden by tall grass or vegetation), lift towers, snowmaking equipment, vehicles, logging equipment and other machinery, and other natural and man-made obstacles and hazards may exist throughout the area. Waterbars are drainage structures designed to reduce erosion and may be found on any trail. Please use care when riding over waterbars.
You assume the risks of personal injury and death related to participation in recreational activities within this recreation area.