Are you wondering if the Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass is a good investment for your next trip to Whistler? As a British Columbian for over 30 years, I have been to Whistler more times than I can count and was recently sent on assignment to check out the Summer Alpine Pass and see what it all entailed.
After a day of hiking, spotting local wildlife, soaring in the sky in the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and being on top of the world in the middle of the Fitzsimmons mountain range, I can say that the Whistler Summer Alpine Pass is an adventure-packed deal that’s definitely a must for those looking for an action-packed summer experience.
With so much to do and places to explore I wanted to put together this deep dive article as a guide to share all of the insights about what to expect when exploring Whistler Blackcomb in the Summer and how you can put the Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass to work for you!
Land Acknowledgement
Whistler Blackcomb is located on the unceded territories of the Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’Wat) Nation and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation, who have lived on these lands since time immemorial. “The Whistler Blackcomb team has deep gratitude for the opportunity to live and work in this beautiful place, colonially known as Whistler. We encourage all guests of the resort to visit the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre for an opportunity to respectfully learn about these lands, their people and culture.” – Whistler Blackcomb
What is the Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass?
The Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass gives you UNLIMTED Summer mountain access to both the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. This will allow you to experience unlimited sightseeing, Peak 2 Peak Gondola rides, Blackcomb Gondola, Whistler Village Gondola, 50+ km of hiking trails, wildlife viewing, the early summer snow wells and late summer blooming wildflowers.
The primary benefit of having the pass is that it allows you to access the Blackcomb Gondola, Peak 2 Peak Gondola, and The Whistler Gondola, which forms a 13.5 km loop connecting you to and from the village. This gives you unlimited hiking and exploring options all without having to hike up the side of the mountain each time you want to hit the alpine! Combine this access with all of the other attractions and benefits, and the Summer Alpine Pass is a great investment for Whistler adventure seekers!
Pass holders also get extra benefits including discounts on lodging and invites to special events.
7 Benefits Of The Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass
1. World Class Hiking with Access to Over 50+ kms of Trails 🥾
The Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass gives you access to both Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain where over 50+ kilometers of trails are begging to be explored. Whenever I head up to the top of the mountain I feel like a little kid as I’m overwhelmed at the grand scenery that surrounds me. From 360-degree panoramic vistas to volcanic landscapes, to ancient glaciers, everywhere you look there’s something new to see. My hiking group was giggling at me as I was skipping and hopping like a kid, excited to run around the next corner to see what incredible view awaited. My camera roll is filled with scenes of wildflowers, jade green alpine lakes, and mountain ranges including the iconic Black Tusk.
Having a Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass means you don’t have to choose just one trail to explore, you can go back again and again! Tip: Try to plan some visits during different times of the day, such as sunrise and sunset, allowing you to see the mountain in a different light (Note: Bears are more active in the mornings and evenings so be sure to practice bear safety).
Blackcomb Mountain Hiking Trail Map
Here are two maps that have been provided by Whistler Blackcomb that showcase the variety and magnitude of hiking trails that are available to Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass holders. Click this link for the full map, legend, and more information!
2. Spot Wildlife 🐻
Did you know that Blackcomb is home to 30 black bear families and Whistler has 40 bear families that call it home? While bears are the most popular wildlife that guests seek out there are also pika, marmots, deer, chipmunks, and a wide variety of birds that will undoubtedly catch your eye. If you’re lucky enough to have your camera out you can also try to capture a photo or two of the animals, where they are often known to feel like they come out to say a quick hello before retreating back to their nests.
3. Soak In Awe-Inspiring Views 🗻
There’s nothing like Whistler Blackcomb summer sightseeing and the best place to do it is on top of the mountain! Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains are located in the Fitzsimmons Range of the Pacific Ranges of the Coast Mountains. What that means is that as you ascend up the gondola, you’ll start seeing mountain peaks among mountain peaks, and quickly be fully surrounded by snow-capped mountains, taking your view out as far as your eye can see. Iconic mountains like Black Tusk also make for a stark contrast in the sky. While I’ve been to Whistler many times, the vastness of the surroundings always seem to impress me and I found myself asking our guide again and again to tell me about the different mountains, ranges and their names as it just seems to go on forever!
4. Soar In the Peak 2 Peak Gondola 🚠
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola connects Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain via a 4.4 kilometer, 11 minute traverse across the valley in what was truly a major feat of engineering. When it was finished, the Peak 2 Peak broke world records as the world’s longest continuous lift system as well as the highest gondola of it’s kind. Soaring 436 meters above the forest below, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola is an incredible way to mountain hop from Whistler to Blackcomb, all while in one of the most unique forms of mountain transportation.
The Peak 2 Peak Guide
As one of the most popular attractions on the mountain I wanted to include this helpful guide from Tourism Whistler to help you understand the summer sightseeing overview, the distances, as well as practical planning tips.
What are the Summer Hours for the Peak 2 Peak Gondola?
The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is open 10am – 5pm each day. I would recommend that you plan to spend at least half a day, if not more, exploring Whistler’s Alpine. Whistler Blackcomb recommends that you head up from the valley no later than 4:30 PM.
5. Cross the Cloudraker Skybridge ⛅️
Not for the faint of heart (but if you’re up for an adventure, this is it!), the Cloudraker Skybridge takes you up overtop of the Whistler Bowl, where you can get astounding views out over Whistler Peak to West Ridge, and all the way over to Black Tusk and the Fitzsimmons Mountain Range.
This 130 meter bridge wiggles and jiggles a bit, which makes for some fun giggles (see what I did there). I’m not aversed to heights but there were a few guests who were a bit unsure and it was neat to see them experience the incredible views all while saying to themselves, “don’t look down.”
On a clear day you can see as far as your eyes will allow you to and the Cloudraker Skybridge is truly a must-do adventure! Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass holders would get to visit multiple times and I think going at sunset would be an extraordinary experience.
How to get to the Cloudraker Skybridge
From the Roundhouse Lodge you’ll take the 0.6 kilometer Peak Express Traverse trail and head up to the top of the world summit via the Peak Express chairlift. Guests must be a minimum of 40 inches tall to ride the Peak Express chairlift.
6. Walk out on Raven’s Eye 🐦⬛
Whether you take the Cloudraker Skybridge or opt to travel on land, the Raven’s Eye lookout is another adventure awaiting you at the top of the mountain. With a 2 point viewing platform, this cantilevered walkwalk takes you 12.5 meters out over the West Ridge, feeling like you’re soaring like a raven out over the Whistler Bowl.
Photography Tip: During peak season Raven’s Eye can initially look busy and other people will be in your photo, however, if you wait a minute or two you’ll see that there’s lots of movement and you can often get uninterrupted moments like this. And if not, you can photoshop (like I did) the last 1-2 people out of the photo).
7. Indulge in Exceptional Culinary Experiences like the Whistler Blackcomb & Hawksworth Restaurant Collaboration and the Mountain Top Summer Feast 🍴
Chef David Hawksworth x Whistler Blackcomb Pop-Up
Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass holders get exclusive access to special events such as the Whistler Blackcomb and Chef David Hawksworth Pop Up Collaboration. A unique summer dining experience held at the top on the Roundhouse Lodge deck, this long table outdoor dining experience was a modern mix of gourmet food surrounded by world-class scenery.
“The summer menu highlights starters such as a wild, locally caught salmon gravlax, with golden beets, granny smith apple, and a buttermilk dressing. A delectable main of duo of beef: braised short rib, wagyu flank, with a pomme fondant, and sour cherry jus alongside pemberton valley greens, and conehead cabbage with miso, and honey, served family-style. To conclude the meal, a beautiful desert of peach rhum baba, highlights the sweetness of local summer fruit.”
Mountain Top Summer Feast
The Mountain Top Summer Feast is an elevated dining experience that also includes live music that runs on weekends at Whistler’s Roundhouse Lodge. I can say that the Roundhouse Lodge is truly one of the most scenic places to savour a meal and definitely a must on anyone’s summer Whistler bucket list.
Fun Fact: Kids Eat Free!
Children 7- 12 years old get to eat free with the purchase of an adult feast ticket (kids 0-6 years eat free without the additional purchase).
Whistler Blackcomb Season Pass Perks
Unlimited Access
Morning ascent to the alpine? Evening sunset hike? With the Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass, you can access Whistler’s Alpine including the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, open air chairlifts, Raven’s Eye Cliffwalk, Cloudraker Skywalk, and 50+ kms of trails waiting to be explored.
One of the things I love the most about heading up to Whistler in the Summer is seeing and hearing all of the visitors who flock to the region from around the world. Sometimes as British Columbian’s, we can take the region for granted but being surrounded by “ooo’s” and “awe’s” in many different languages its a quick reminder to be grateful for our landscape and that we should visit often to really be able to experience it.
Exclusive Deals on Lodging
Pass holders can get access to exclusive deals on lodging in 3, 4, or 5 star accommodations in Whistler. I wanted to share an example of one of their packages so you can see the expected savings:
Peak 2 Peak Package – 2 Nights, 2 Summer Alpine Experience Tickets ($169 per person): This package will give you 2 Summer Alpine Experience Tickets, 2 nights of discounted accommodations in a deluxe hotel room for 2 adults.
20% Off Mountain Top Summer Feast
Head up to the Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain for mountain-top dining and live music on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. You’ll get 20% off your meals while you dine at 6000ft above sea level.
20% Off Bear Viewing Tours
With over 70 black bear families living in the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, seeing them in their natural habitat is an incredible experience. Tours will have you traversing through the mountains on a 4X4 vehicle as you visit the black bears in their natural habitat.
20% off Intro To Bike Park Lessons
Whistler’s Bike Park is world-renowned but with that, it can also be a bit intimidating for beginners. Alpine Pass holders can get 20% off an intro to bike park lessons at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
20% off Hiking and Walking Tours
Want a local expert to show you the best hiking trails on Whistler Blackcomb? On my last visit, I was invited to explore the area with a professional guide, Richard. Richard took us through the Alpine trail network and customized an itinerary based on our physical ability and time. I loved having a local guide point out the best scenic spots, and places to rest and soak it all in, as well as maximize our time on the mountain. Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Pass holders can have the same experience and get 20% off as a pass perk!
Bring a Friend
Adventures are more fun with friends! If you bring a friend to purchase an Alpine Pass they can get the pass for $130 (a $25 savings for them!). If you have friends who are only around for a day you can flash your pass and they can save 25% off their day ticket.
20% off Stacyc Ride
Want to try STACYC™ powered stability cycle? Pass holders can get 20% off their ride allowing them to go for a spin around the newly built pump track at the Whistler Blackcomb Adventure zone. Designed for kids 5-12 years old, this is a fun way for them to feel the whoops, berms, and practice balance all while having tons of fun! (Seeing this experience makes me wish I was a 12-year-old again and could play… at least I have the whole bike park to do this!).
20% Off Valley Bike Rentals
As amazing as the mountains are, sometimes it’s fun to head into the valley and pedal along the valley trails. Summer pass holders get 20% off valley bike rentals at Salomon Store, The Westin, Canski Blackcomb and Creekside, Blackcomb Ski and Sport, Four Seasons, as well as my favourite hotel, the Fairmont. All you have to do is flash your pass to the cashier to get 20% off your rental.
How Much Does the Whistler Summer Alpine Experience Pass Cost
The Summer Alpine Experience Pass costs are below (note: we’ve included the 1-day ticket prices so you can compare the two costs). If you’re planning on exploring Whistler for more than one day, then a Whistler Blackcomb Alpine Experience Pass with unlimited access is the best investment (plus you get all those discounts and perks!).
Adult (19-64) Pass: $155 (Single Day Ticket: $99)
Senior (65+) Pass: $145 (Single Day Ticket: $89)
Teen (13-18) Pass: $145 (Single Day Ticket: $89)
Child (7-12) Pass: $80 (Single Day Ticket: $50)
Child (3-6) Pass: $15 (Single Day Ticket: Free)
Where To Buy a Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass
You can purchase your Summer Alpine Experience Pass in advance online to be guaranteed the best price, and then you visit Guest Services in Blackcomb to pick up your pass to unlimited summer mountain access.
Epic & Edge Pass Deals
If you are as excited for this snow season as I am and are looking to purchase your Epic or Edge pass, you can do it now and get a complementary Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass valid for the rest of the 2024 season (a $155 savings off of your Winter Seasons Pass).
What To Bring For Your Whistler Summer Alpine Adventure
Visiting the mountains means the weather is going to change, so even if it’s hot and sunny in Whistler Village know that up top it’s typically 5-10 degrees (Celsius) cooler. Here are our recommendations on what to bring for your alpine adventure:
- Dress comfortably
- Wear layers
- Comfortable and sturdy walking shoes
- Water
- Sunscreen, bug spray
For our list of what to pack for a family hike, check out this article!
In conclusion, if you’re heading up to Whistler this summer (and if you don’t have anything on the calendar it’s not too late to book!) be sure to pick up a Whistler Blackcomb Summer Alpine Experience Pass to make the most out of your alpine adventures! While Whistler is world-renowned for its Winter season, its summer is equally incredible and worth exploring, again and again.
Thank you to Whistler Blackcomb for supporting my passion for your destination and introducing me to this incredible summer season pass. While this trip was hosted, the opinions and stories are my own.
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