{"id":4307,"date":"2021-12-17T17:31:42","date_gmt":"2021-12-17T17:31:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/?p=4307"},"modified":"2021-12-17T17:31:45","modified_gmt":"2021-12-17T17:31:45","slug":"know-before-you-go-skiing-and-snowboarding-at-whistler-blackcomb","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/4guysmagazine.com\/?p=4307","title":{"rendered":"Know Before You Go: Skiing and Snowboarding at Whistler Blackcomb"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whistler Blackcomb is scheduled to open on November 25, 2021<\/a>, and there are a few changes for this season that you need to know about before you hit the slopes, but before we start with what\u2019s new, let\u2019s just recap what\u2019s not. Whistler Blackcomb is still North America\u2019s largest ski resort, with 200+ runs over 8,100 acres of terrain. It has reliable snowfall and moderate temperatures, thanks to its West Coast locale, and has been voted\u00a0Best Ski Resort in North America<\/a>\u00a0multiple times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What happens here is big mountain skiing<\/em><\/a>, <\/em>the kind of skiing and snowboarding you see in the movies. You know, powder in the face, graceful, arcing turns on long, vertical descents and cliff drops with pillowy landings. While that\u2019s simply amazing, it\u2019s worth noting that seventy-five percent of Whistler Blackcomb\u2019s terrain is green and blue (beginner and intermediate), so you can work your way up to those powder turns, or cruise the corduroy at your own pace and take in the incredible views of the Coast Mountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note from the Editor: Things may change quickly this season as Whistler adjusts to new, public health advisories as they come out. We will aim to update this post as quickly as possible to keep it a relevant and useful planning tool for you this winter.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"A
Wahoo, the mountains are open! PHOTO SCOTT SERFAS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day Passes for Whistler Blackcomb \u2013 December 5 Deadline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All Whistler Blackcomb pass sales end on December 5<\/a> including their Day Pass \u2013 these passes offer the lowest rates to ski \/ ride this season. They aren\u2019t date-specific and don\u2019t have to be used consecutively. After December 5, you will only be able to purchase date-specific lift tickets for the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This season, to prioritize the guest experience and Pass Holders, Whistler Blackcomb is limiting lift ticket sales during three popular periods: Dec 25 to Jan 2, Jan 14 to 17, and Feb 18 to 27. Lift tickets will not be limited on any other days this season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Opening Day Terrain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thanks to recent snowfall, and more on the way, Whistler Blackcomb is anticipating skiing to mid-mountain on Opening Day on both Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain. The upload will be possible from Whistler Village Gondola, Fitzsimmons, and Creekside Gondola to Whistler Mountain, and Blackcomb Gondola and Excalibur Gondola to the top of Blackcomb Mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roundhouse and Rendezvous restaurants will be open on opening day \u2013 and yes, this includes the Umbrella Bar! Glacier Creek will be open for washrooms only, and GLC and Dusty\u2019s will be open daily from 11 AM \u2013 7 PM and 11:30 AM \u2013 7 PM respectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No Whistler Blackcomb Reservation System<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Last winter, Whistler Blackcomb had a reservation system for skiing and riding, but not this season. They\u2019ll be loading lifts and gondolas at normal capacity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaccines<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Vaccines are not required to ski or ride, but you do have to show proof of vaccination to dine indoors (more details below in the dining section).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Face Coverings for Whistler Blackcomb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Face coverings are required on gondolas and indoors<\/strong>, including restrooms, restaurants (while not eating or drinking), lodging properties, retail and rental locations, and buses in accordance with government mandates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Face coverings will not be required to ski and ride this season, and they will also not be required in outdoor spaces such as lift lines and chairlifts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dining on Whistler Blackcomb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Like last season, guests will be required to book a reservation to eat at on-mountain restaurants<\/strong> using the Time to Dine reservation service on the EpicMix App<\/a> or online<\/a>. This is for all dining on Whistler Blackcomb, including quick and full service, which means you can\u2019t just rock up when your tummy starts to growl, so be prepared and make a booking. You can make a reservation one day prior from 7 AM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vaccine Card<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Like we mentioned above, guests will be required to show their\u00a0proof of vaccination<\/a>\u00a0to dine at indoor restaurants, restaurant patios, and bars, including those on Whistler Blackcomb.\u00a0<\/strong>Proof of vaccination will be required for guests ages 12 and over at those locations, and for guests ages 19 and over, proof of photo ID will also be required. This also applies to those in the ski and ride school programs that include lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"COVIDDining 101<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whistler Blackcomb is welcoming guests back to dining \u2013 prior to entering, a vaccine passport check will be conducted where guests will be required to show proof of vaccination and a government-issued ID.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are offering a variety of hot and grab-and-go food items, as well as hot and cold beverages at their restaurants. Bar services like Seppo\u2019s and Umbrella Bar are back for your enjoyment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please note that occupancy limits have expanded, and it is possible that you will be sat at a communal table with other guests. They are implementing a time limit of 45 minutes per reservation to ensure seating for all guests. There\u2019s a 5- to a 10-minute window if you\u2019re running late for your booking; however, after that time, your table will be given to the next guests in line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whistler Blackcomb is asking all of their guests to be considerate of others and cancel reservations if their plans change. Please do not book several reservations at the same time in different lodges, do not hold tables, and leave when finished to make room for others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bringing Your Own Lunch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re bringing your own food and drinks with you (no alcohol), you will be able to eat inside at one of the lodges by making a booking (starting at 7 AM PST the day prior) via Time to Dine<\/em> on the EpicMix App<\/a> or online<\/a>. Whistler Blackcomb asks that you are considerate of others and use the table for eating only, and to head back out on the mountain when you\u2019re done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water bottle filling stations will be available, and we suggest bringing your own water bottle\/hydration pack for your time on the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washrooms on Whistler Blackcomb<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Washrooms are exempt from any vaccination card requirements, but you do need your face covering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Guided
A guide or instructor can help you make the most of the terrain. PHOTO MIKE CRANE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Whistler Blackcomb Ski and Snowboard School<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ski and snowboard school<\/a> is available for adults and children aged three and up of all skill levels. Here are some key things to note:<\/p>\n\n\n\n