The 2021/22 Whistler Ski Season is About to Begin
Whistler Blackcomb is scheduled to open for the 2021/22 season November 25th. Lifts will run from 8:30am until 3:00pm on the 25th. The last day of the season is expected to be April 18, 2022. Many of the guests have already booked for the winter season. Hotels and chalets in Whistler Village and the surrounding communities are filling up, but there still are many accommodation options available.
Vail Resorts does not currently plan to reinstate the reservation system it used to manage mountain access last winter amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The company has announced that it will continue to monitor public health guidance and communicate any necessary safety protocols to guests as needed.
Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s largest ski resort, with over 200 runs and 8,100 acres of glorious terrain. Whistler’s West Coast provides reliable snowfall and moderate temperatures, and Whistler Blackcomb has been voted Best Ski Resort in North America multiple times.
Edge Cards are once again included in Vail Resorts’ list of pass products. They are available only to Canadian and Washington State residents. Edge cards accommodate for two, five or 10 days of skiing at Whistler Blackcomb (Guests are able to use up to two days with the 5-Day Edge Card, or up to three days with the 10-Day Edge Card at some other Vail-owned resorts.) Prices for a 2-day card start at $175.00 CAD, a 5-Day at $367.00 CAD, and a 10-Day card at $631.00 CAD. These prices are about 20% less than last year’s pass costs.
The Whistler Blackcomb Unlimited Pass is currently being offered for $1,119.00 CAD. Pass holders have unlimited, unrestricted access at Whistler Blackcomb exclusively, as well as 50% off lift tickets at other Vail Resorts properties, and 20% off at Whistler Blackcomb-owned retail stores and on-mountain restaurants.
Saving Money on Your Whistler Ski Vacation
Accommodations can be one of the biggest expenses when planning your Whistler vacation. One way to reduce the cost of accommodations is booking in one of the outlying Whistler neighbourhoods, and taking a bus or shuttle to the Village. The savings typically offset the 15 – 35 minutes spent on the short commute to the lifts.
But there’s another option many Whistler guests haven’t considered: the very affordable motels and hotels in Squamish, located just 45 minutes from Whistler Village, via Highway 99. The quiet town of Squamish offers almost all of the amenities of Whistler Village, without all the hustle of bustle of the resort. You’ll feel more rested, and your wallet will certainly thank you.
Squamish Accommodations are the Perfect Complement to Whistler Skiing
It’s Less than an Hour Away
Squamish is only 40 minutes from Whistler by car or bus, which is something visitors don’t realize. In the time it takes to enjoy a couple of cups of coffee or have a big breakfast, they can reach Whistler and get ready for an exciting day on the slopes.
It Expands Recreation Opportunities
Those who love to ski are often the individuals who love horseback riding, hiking, mountain biking and exploring in general. Squamish has some of the most legendary trails in British Columbia, and they are accessible from virtually anywhere in the community. Those who need a break from the serious sports can enjoy phenomenal eagle watching, catching sights and pictures of these majestic, nesting birds. Gorgeous lakes are dotted all over the city, with tons of water sports, and Squamish offers up some of the best kayaking around. Those who stay in Squamish don’t limit their potential activities to just skiing!
Squamish is More Affordable and More Peaceful
While the excitement of Whistler Village can be exilerating, for many people it quickly starts to overwhelm the senses. Crowded areas, noise, congestion and traffic soon start to grate on the nerves and make what was supposed to be a fantastic vacation into an annoyance. Squamish offers beautiful accommodations without all of the hustle and bustle that makes some individuals dread the stay in Whistler Village. Plus, prices are much more affordable. Those who stay in Squamish aren’t dealing with “ski-season prices” the way they are in Whistler Village. For these reasons, savvy visitors who have been skiing in Whistler for years consider Squamish a quiet retreat from their retreat!
Close to Vancouver Shopping and the Vancouver International Airport
For those who will be arriving via the Vancouver International Airport, Squamish is much closer than Whistler, making it convenient and easy for weary travelers to rest and energize. It’s also close to downtown Vancouver shopping, so those who want to bring back fun souvenirs can easily access the most popular stores and retail services, as well as some of the more historic and quaint shops and boutiques the area is known for. With Squamish being closer to Vancouver, all-day shopping trips are more enjoyable, but quick trips to find forgotten gear or special items are possible as well.
Those who are new to skiing in Whistler and those who have been enjoying those majestic slopes for years can benefit from Squamish accommodations. From more affordable prices and a more relaxing atmosphere to a wider variety of recreational activities and a convenient location, Squamish offers many of benefits for those planning a Whistler skiing trip.
Whistler’s 2012/2013 Ski Season Opens
The 2012/2013 ski season officially opened today. Blackcomb is scheduled to open on the 22nd.
Whistler was recently awarded Number One Ski Resort in North America by the readers of SKI Magazine. Whistler’s consistent and reliable snow fall, the size and variety of its natural terrain, combined with the highest quality visitor experience make Whistler Blackcomb one of the best ski resorts in the industry. Snowfall is expected to be excellent again this season.
Additional Information
Whistler Snow & Weather Forecast
Whistler Road Conditions (and of course you can check the top bar of this site for weather)
Cheap Whistler Accommodations in Neighboring Squamish, BC
Squamish Hotels & Motels – Budget Accommodation for Whistler Skiing
It’s pretty much impossible to find Whistler hotel rates starting at only $65.00/night. Availability and selection are better in Squamish and Squamish offers a quiet alternative to the busy night life of Whistler. You’ll feel more rested for a great day of Whistler skiing :-).