Summer Skiing Opens on Whistler/Blackcomb Glacier

16th June 2022

Last modified on June 21st, 2022

It’s the first time the glacier has opened in the Canadian resort since 2019. There were fears that skiing and snowboarding in the summer might be over forever. However there are restrictions and worries for the future of glacier riding.

The pandemic caused operational problems for Whistler resort over the summer months of 2020 and 2021, but other activities went ahead and the resort was open.

Skiing and snowboarding were ended and it was feared they might never come back, mainly due to climate change and the glacier shrinking

Now they are back, but it is only for private ‘summer camp’ ski and boarding schools and not for the general public.

Riding will be on offer until mid-July if conditions allow.

“Ski and Snowboard ability level must be advanced to expert, no exceptions,” said the resort.

“Skiers/Riders must be able to ride on T-bars, there is no chairlift on the glacier.

“No singles on T-bars during busy periods, which is most periods.

“Conditions may vary throughout the day, so be prepared.

“Bring sunscreen, goggles, sunglasses, gloves and a jacket as the weather changes quickly in the alpine.”

Skiing and snowboarding was axed in Whistler for the summer of 2020 as we reported at the time in our rolling blog during May 2020, Coronavirus Impact on Skiing & Snowboarding:

Whistler/Blackcomb Confirms No Summer Glacier Skiing or Snowboarding this Year

The Canadian resort hopes to open later for other summer activities such as hiking and mountain biking, but its glacier will remain closed.

The chief operating officer, Geoff Buchheister, announced there will be no glacier skiing or riding this summer due to COVID-19 in an email to staff.

Glacier access “adds a layer of complexity over an already complex situation,” he said.

“I know many of you, along with some of the biggest names in our sport, have fond memories of participating in summer glacier camps.

“I am disappointed we are unable to offer glacier skiing and riding this summer. I do not take the decision lightly and understand the impact it will have on the businesses who operate camps on the glacier, but, first and foremost, our priority has to be on planning for a safe summer operation.

“By narrowing our focus to our summer operation, we can ensure that our team is preparing a plan that is careful, measured and realistic, while in keeping with provincial health guidelines,” he said.