Whistler Blackcomb has released details on their website about backcountry access through the resort for the 2022-2023 season.
Whistler Blackcomb Backcountry Access Ticket Price 2022/2023
The biggest news is that for the 22/23 season, backcountry passes will cost $49, down from the 21/22 price of $62.
Blackcomb Backcountry Access Routes
Additional significant changes for this year revovle around backcountry access routes off Blackcomb Mountain. Whistler Blackcomb has identifed two primary access routes to access the Garibaldi Park without the use of lifts.
North Route (to Phalanx) – This new route ascends from the Upper Village and past Base II through terrain outside the maintained ski runs, begining on old logging roads and then traveling through timber to the base of Phalanx’s northwest ridge, in the vicinity of the access bench that leads to Poop Chutes. It is not clear how much work has been done to establish this route; there has been some discussion about trailwork over the summer but that has not been confirmed. Reportedly trail markers are not currently in place put will be installed later in the winter.
The Whistler Blackcomb website includes the following description:
North Route (New – Pilot Route) – Upper route marked in yellow on the map. An All Weather Conditions route that travels through the forest outside of the Ski Area Boundary leading to Garibaldi Provincial Park. The North Route is an unmaintained winter route. The North Route is not currently marked, flagging tape will be added along the route during the 2022/23 winter season, navigation skills are required (maps, compass and/or GPS and skills to use these tools). Check for up to date avalanche conditions and terrain closures before re-entering the Ski Area Boundary. (604) 905-2324
Download a gpx or kml track of the North Route from Trailforks here.
South Route (to 7th Heaven) – The south route leading from Base II to the base of 7th Heaven remains the same as last year, howver the hours of during which it can be used has been extened by 30 minutes. The route is now open from 5:00 AM – 9:30 AM.
The Whistler Blackcomb website includes the following description:
South Route (Interim Route – Time Restricted) – The route marked in turquoise will take skiers and splitboarders up Blackcomb to the park boundary. This route is signed with the green uphill route sign shown above. This is an All Weather Conditions route and open only from 5am to 9:30am. You must be clear to the bottom of Seventh Heaven by 9:30am.
Download a gpx or kml track of the South Route from Trailforks here.
East Col Access – The traditional access via the East Col remains unchanged.
The Whistler Blackcomb website includes the following description:
East Col – Marked in pink. Accesses the park from beyond Blackcomb Glacier. This route requires a lift ticket and high alpine clearance. Call the Backcountry Access Information Line, (604) 905-2324 to find out if the route is open. Recheck the backcountry line the morning of your trip and immediately before leaving cell reception. This phone line is updated on an ongoing basis.
Lower Mountain Access – A defined access route have been established to move from the Upper Village to Base II, as well as a short connection between the uphill travel route and the base of the Excelerator lift.
The Whistler Blackcomb website includes the following description:
Blackcomb Bench Climb (New) – The lower mountain access route marked in yellow on the map, an All Weather Conditions route that leads to three upper route options. The Blackcomb Bench Climb is an unmaintained winter route. This route is signed with the green uphill route sign shown above. Begins either on skier’s right of Merlin’s ski run or from Lot 7, the main trailhead sign is located on the North side of Lower Cruiser at Base II.
Excelerator Connector (New) – Marked in orange on the map, an All Weather Conditions route that makes the short connection to Excelerator. This route is an unmaintained winter route. Skiers and riders will need a valid lift ticket or pass to access the lift system.
Whistler Backcountry Access Routes
Access routes to the Garibladi Park from Whistler Mountain remain unchanged.
The Whistler Blackcomb website includes the following description:
Please use the Whistler Map contained below to follow our designated route on Whistler Mountain to Garibaldi Provincial Park. Please note:
The route marked in yellow is Singing Pass. This is the route from the valley bottom to the park boundary. It is an All Weather Conditions route.
The route marked in orange is Oboe Traverse. This is also an All Weather Conditions route. Skiers and splitboarders will need a lift ticket to access the bottom of the route as it begins inbounds
