August 20, 2026 Team Contributor
Winter might feel far off as Canadians soak up the last of summer. But Whistler Blackcomb is already gearing up for the snow. The resort has confirmed November 20, 2026 as its target opening date for the 2026-27 ski and ride season. And it promises all the excitement. This year’s lineup includes new lift infrastructure, upgraded mountain dining and a fresh set of Epic Pass deals worth locking in early.
Here is everything Canadian skiers and riders need to know to start planning their winter.
New lift access to Blackcomb’s alpine terrain
The biggest infrastructure upgrade this season is on Blackcomb Mountain. The Showcase T-Bar is being replaced with a new quad chairlift, giving guests easier and faster access to the Horstman Glacier and Blackcomb Glacier terrain. For advanced riders who chase glacier turns, this is a meaningful upgrade in both speed and comfort on the way up.
On-mountain dining will feel different this time
Whistler Blackcomb is investing heavily in its food this season. And we aren’t talking about the menu refresh. Classic ski-day comfort food, including chili, burgers, pizza, fries, hot dogs, chicken fingers and mac and cheese, is getting an upgrade with higher-quality ingredients and better presentation.
A few other changes worth noting
- Breakfast service returns to Dusty’s
- Pika’s at Roundhouse is getting a full renovation, including a new coffee bar.
- Steeps Grill & Wine Bar (Whistler Mountain) and Christine’s On Blackcomb (Blackcomb Mountain) are adding upgraded outdoor patios with lounge seating and fire pits.
More details on winter events and seasonal experiences are expected in the coming months, so it’s worth checking back closer to opening day.
Epic pass opening dates across North America
If your winter travel plans extend beyond British Columbia, Epic Pass also unlocks access to other major resorts across North America. Here are the confirmed opening dates so far:
- October (as soon as possible) – Keystone Resort, Colorado
- November 6 – Breckenridge, Colorado
- November 13 – Vail Mountain, Colorado
- November 20 – Whistler Blackcomb (BC), Park City Mountain (Utah), Heavenly (California), Northstar (California)
- November 25 – Beaver Creek and Crested Butte, Colorado
- December 4 – Kirkwood and Stevens Pass
Dates are weather dependent and could shift, so it’s worth confirming before you travel.
Best pass options for Canadian skiers and riders
Whether you’re planning a full season on the mountain or just a handful of powder days, Whistler Blackcomb has pass options built for different travel styles.
Epic Pass
Best for skiers who want unrestricted access to Whistler Blackcomb plus more than 90 resorts worldwide, including Fernie Alpine Resort, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and Kimberley Alpine Resort.
- Adults: $1,119 USD
- Teens and young adults (13-30): $889 USD
- Children (5-12): $569 USD
EDGE Card
Exclusive to Canadian and Washington State residents, this is one of the most budget-friendly ways to ski Whistler Blackcomb.
Whistler Blackcomb Day Pass
Ideal for guests planning 1 to 10 days on the mountain this season.
You can compare all pass options directly at WhistlerBlackcomb.com or EpicPass.com.
How to save money on your season
Move quickly if you want the best price. The lowest fall pricing on Epic Pass ends September 7, 2026, so booking before then makes a real difference to your wallet.
A few more ways to save this season:
- New for 2026-27: Skiers and riders aged 13-30 get 20% off Epic Pass
- Returning guest discount: Anyone who used a lift ticket or Epic Friend Ticket at a Vail Resorts mountain in 2025-26 can save up to $175 USD on select Epic Passes
- Stack the savings: Combine both offers and riders aged 13-30 could lock in an Epic Pass for as low as $714 USD
- Epic Pass perks: 20% off on-mountain dining, lodging, ski and ride school, equipment rentals and select experiences like heli-skiing at Whistler Blackcomb
- EDGE Card perks: Up to 20% off lodging and shopping, plus $35 off group lessons and camps
Bring your friends along for less
Epic Pass holders who purchase now will also receive five Epic Friend Tickets. The good part: you get 50% off adult lift tickets, and 25% off child lift tickets. Plan a group trip without everyone paying full price.
Planning your trip
With an opening date locked in and pricing set to increase after September 7, now is the time to book if Whistler Blackcomb is on your winter radar. Between the new Blackcomb lift, upgraded dining and flexible pass options, this season is shaping up to offer more value and better access than in past years.
Don’t wait if you’re headed to the slopes this winter. Lock in access to Whistler Blackcomb with an Epic Pass before prices increase after September 7
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