Whistler Blackcomb marks its 60th anniversary with fresh snow, Epic Friend Tickets, and unforgettable mountain experiences. Celebrate a season built on friendship and adventure.
Snow is falling early in Whistler, setting the stage for a celebration six decades in the making. As Whistler Blackcomb gears up for its 60th anniversary, the resort is embracing the social side of skiing with new Epic Friend Tickets and a season filled with special events, stories, and shared moments.
Vail Resorts has announced a target opening date of November 21, 2025, for Whistler Mountain. The milestone season also marks 45 years of Blackcomb Mountain and 45 years of Whistler Heli-Skiing, turning this winter into a celebration of legacy, innovation, and connection.
The season of friendship: Epic Friend tickets
This year’s biggest news is the launch of Epic Friend Tickets, a game-changing perk for Epic Pass holders. Each passholder receives six tickets, each offering 50% off lift tickets for friends at Whistler Blackcomb or any of Vail Resorts’ 37 North American destinations.
Epic Friend Tickets can be redeemed all season long—no blackout dates, no pressure. The cost your friends pay even counts as credit toward their 2026/27 Epic Pass, making it a smart and social way to share the stoke.
Whether it’s carving new lines through alpine bowls or celebrating a bluebird day with après drinks, these passes are all about keeping friendships—and powder days—rolling.
Whistler Blackcomb turns 60
Whistler’s 60th anniversary is a tribute to the pioneers, Olympians, and visionaries who turned a rugged mountain range into a global icon. Visitors can look forward to story-driven events and on-mountain celebrations honouring the people and moments that shaped its story.
One highlight: the Gold Medal Route, inspired by the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, invites intermediate and advanced skiers to trace the trails once carved by champions. It’s one of seven themed Wonder Routes that showcase the natural and cultural wonders of both mountains.
For those looking to deepen their connection to the sport, the Ski With An Olympian program offers one-on-one time with world-class athletes who share pro tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and mountain insight.
Heli highs and alpine dreams
If you’ve ever dreamed of carving untouched snow with your closest friends, Whistler Heli-Skiing is the ultimate adventure. Celebrating 45 years, this iconic experience gives skiers access to terrain 50 times the size of Whistler Blackcomb.
- Intro to Heli-Skiing offers first-timers two guides to teach the ropes and build confidence off-piste.
- Astar Ultimate is designed for seasoned experts ready to ski or ride from start to finish without counting runs.
Each experience blends thrill, safety, and awe—an unforgettable journey into British Columbia’s deep backcountry.
Après and culinary delights with a view
Whistler Mountain’s 60th season is a tribute to the dreamers, pioneers, and Olympians who helped shape it into a global icon. Expect special events, storytelling moments, and surprise tributes to the people who defined Whistler’s adventurous spirit.
Those seeking to relive Olympic glory can follow the Gold Medal Route, an intermediate-to-advanced trail inspired by the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. It’s part of the resort’s Wonder Routes, a network of themed trails designed to showcase the unique beauty of both mountains. For a deeper dive, guests can even book the Ski With An Olympian program—learning tips and tales from athletes who’ve lived the dream.
From heli highs to après vibes
Adventure here doesn’t stop when the lifts close. Whistler Heli-Skiing, also celebrating its 45th year, offers a range of bucket-list experiences that redefine freedom on snow. Choose from the Intro to Heli-Skiing package, ideal for first-timers guided by seasoned pros, or the Astar Ultimate, a high-octane experience for expert skiers looking to conquer every line from start to finish.
Back on the ground, Whistler’s culinary scene shines as bright as its slopes. Celebrate friendship with Winemaker Lunches at Steeps Grill & Wine Bar, or savour comfort food with a view—like Crystal Hut’s waffles, Horstman Hut’s Bavarian favourites, or Raven’s Nest’s Indigenous-inspired dishes.
And for those who believe no ski day is complete without après, the new Après Route offers a self-guided way to explore the best stops on the mountain—ensuring everyone in your group can find their rhythm between toasts and tales.
The countdown begins
With snow already blanketing the peaks, Whistler Blackcomb is poised for another unforgettable winter. Epic Pass prices rise after November 16, so now is the time to secure access to over 40 resorts worldwide, including Whistler Blackcomb, Vail, Breckenridge, and Park City.
Whether you’re a lifelong local or planning your first trip to Canada’s alpine playground, this anniversary season is a reminder of why Whistler endures. It’s a place where friendship finds its rhythm in every run, every meal shared, and every sunrise over the mountains. Sixty years later, the magic feels brand new.
More information
Visit EpicPass.com for details on passes and the new Epic Friend Tickets, or explore Whistler Blackcomb’s latest experiences at WhistlerBlackcomb.com
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