A Whistler Guide To Summer Skiing
The winter is melting away, and the warmer temperatures of summer are beginning to raise the mercury levels. Activity choices start to warm up, and you’ll need fewer layers of clothing. Are you still feeling a bit reluctant to hang up your skis? Well, …you don’t have to, as summer skiing in Canada is a thing.
Whistler offers summer skiing in the alpine to the public, which means anyone with the skills can keep shredding well into the warmer months. Even if the biking season is well underway, certain areas are still accessible to ski in June, July and August.
Summer skiing offers sweeping landscapes, soft snow and blue skies; but slather on the sunscreen to avoid that unwanted goggle tan! Let’s go over all the information on summer skiing, including dates, rates, access, and summer glacier camps on offer.
Summer in Whistler is one of a kind and offers an entire array of epic outdoor activities to check out!
Summer Skiing in Whistler, What to Expect?
Keep your tips up with Summer Skiing in Whistler. Glacier Skiing begins early June to Mid-July, and open to the public 11 am-3 pm daily. Dates to be confirmed for summer 2020. Stay tuned.
Glacier skiing is suitable for advanced to expert levels (no exceptions), and riders must be able to use a T-Bar; there is no chairlift to the glacier.
Lift Tickets and passes are sold exclusively through Whistler Blackcomb at guest services, or please call 1-800-766-0449 for more assistance.
What’s the Summer Skiing Rate?
Based on last year, a summer pass was approximately $560 plus tax, and the daily pass was $69 plus tax. Whistler Blackcomb will release 2020 rates later this spring.
What Will You Need for Glacier Skiing?
- Ski or Snowboard
- Ski or Snowboard boots
- Ski poles
- Snow Pants
- Thermals
- Mid Layer, but Temperature dependant
- Waterproof Outer Layer
- Gloves
- Helmet
- Goggles- Remember your sunny lenses!
- Sunscreen
- Camera
What is Open for Summer Skiing in Whistler?
The Horstman Glacier is the only section open for summer skiing on Whistler Blackcomb. This area is the perfect escape to let you experience the best of both worlds — carrying on the winter fun into the fabulous summer.
The glacier is accessible by way of the famous 7th Heaven chair. Grab the shuttle bus that is included in your ticket purchases to get to 7th Heaven. One public lane is offered to skiers, which consists of the Terrain Park features to keep on working on your tricks well into July. Keep an eye out for the signage for the public lane or ask a Whistler Blackcomb representative for assistance.
All other lanes are reserved for those participating in the glacier camps, which will be discussed below.
Access to the Glacier All Summer Long
A view from the top of the Whistler glacier
Isn’t it fantastic? Nine months of the year for skiing, if you’re a winter fanatic, then this is the dream. Two T-bars spin off the back of 7th heaven open daily from early June to Mid-July.
If uploading from Whistler Gondola, you can take the well-renowned Peak-2-Peak over to Blackcomb, catch the shuttle to take you to the 7th heaven chair, and you’re off to the races.
If uploading from Blackcomb Gondola, take the gondola up to rendezvous. Look for the 7th Heaven shuttle bus. Skis and boards can be loaded on the outside. Take the chair lift up to Horstman Hut — this will be your closest washroom and place for food options.
Check out the glacier and locate your lane. Ask a Whistler Blackcomb staff member if you need further information. Lap the T-bars in the public lane and respect the private lanes as the camps use these.
For downloading, take the T-bar back up to the hut, ski down the marked run under 7th Heaven, leading you back to rendezvous lodge and the Blackcomb Peak-to-Peak. Download via Blackcomb or Whistler gondola depending on the mountain you are on.
Horstman Glacier zone transforms in the summer as it becomes a series of lanes, each designed with a specific discipline of skiing or snowboarding in mind. As mentioned, there is a public park designed for “just for fun” or social zone included with any glacier lift ticket. The public park consists of a surfy quarter pipe and a wide selection of rails and boxes to keep things entertaining.
Check out this map to get a visual of what’s open and accessible during this time.The reviews for summer skiing are phenomenal; it’s a great way to progress, whether individually or in one of the summer camps.
Don’t Forget the World Famous Summer Glacier Camps
Whistler Blackcomb hosts some of the best summer ski and snowboard camps in North America. To find out more information or participate in one of the freestyle or race camps, contact the hosts directly for further information. All those participating in camps will usually have access to upload before 11 am.
Here are the Race Camps offered in Whistler:
Whistler Mountain Ski Club
The Whistler Mountain Ski Club has produced racers at both the provincial and national alpine ski teams. The primary focus of this ski camp is to develop fundamental skills and solid foundations for the best techniques.
The glacier provides an environment free from the stresses of peak race season so that you can concentrate on developing skills and enjoying the summer life whistler has to offer.
Sports Club International
This premier summer ski racing camp has been running for over thirty years. The motto, “train hard, ski hard, and play hard!” They aim to improve young racers so that they can accomplish their personal bests. Space is limited.
Pratte Ski
This race camp offers a unique learning experience to improve ski performance and results. From Olympic hopefuls, young racers, families, and adults, they personalize and adapt to the individual needs and skill abilities across the board. This is a fantastic choice as it’s more flexible with individual successes and goals.
Ski Racing Sisterhood
Women of skiing unite with the Ski Racing Sisterhood.
Get ready gals; this is something for you. Anna Goodman, Shona Rubens, and Christina Lustenberger Olympic ski racers aim to inspire the next generation of girls. This is a camp provided by the girls for the girls. Ski Racing Sisterhood provides an empowering atmosphere targeted at girls aged 13-16 to improve their skills. It’s a great way to make new friends and work together to progress as individuals.
Here is the Freestyle Camps on offer:
Whistler Blackcomb hosts a few different glacier skiing camp options for you to choose from. Here are the options below:
Regular Camp (6-Day Session)
$642: Includes: Access, Coaching from Certified Instructors & Lunch
Regular Camp + Lift (6-Day Session)
$1040: Includes: Lift Tickets, Access, Coaching, & Lunch
Team Package (6-Day Session)
$808: Includes: Lift Tickets, Access, Lunch, (No WVSC Coaching), Every five athletes registered to access and lift tickets will be provided to their coach
1-Day Glacier Camp
A new camp introduced last year to provide a camp for those that cannot commit to a full 6-day session. Call 1-800-766-0449 to book and sort out team packages.
Momentum Camps
This freestyle camp has been running since 1992 offers the largest and most diverse training area on the glacier, including a private park, with rails, jumps, and two giant airbags to help progress tricks safely.
The camp focuses on mogul, slopestyle, freeride skiing both for recreational and competitive skiers starting ages nine or up. Last year they introduced the snowboard camp geared towards intermediate and advanced boards.
Coaches are top of the line, including Olympians, world cup athletes, x-games, and top pros. The camp offers a lot, including an action sports film and photography camp, girls week, and adult-only camp. Check out the various packages that include hotel accommodation and food. Call 1-800-949-7949 or visit the website.
Planet Ski International
This camp is focused on turning athletes into the best competitors who want to create the best training environment for that to happen. Camp rates are advertised at a fair price as they wish to attract athletes without high costs getting in the way. They tend to attract athletes through word-of-mouth. Please visit their website for 2020 details.
ID One Pro Mogul Camp
ID one trains and develops athletes offer an opportunity to learn and grow as a skier with a complete video review of training so you can look back and keep improving technique. Cover all aspects to improve in mogul terrain. They are aimed to take your skiing to the next level. 2020 summer details to be provided. Keep a lookout here!
Summer Skiing, Best of Both Worlds
There you have it! A full review of a Whistler Guide To Summer Skiing. Summer Skiing in Canada is not one to miss! Be sure to get in touch with the camps ahead of time.
If this is something that interests you, it is a fantastic way to improve, and who knows, maybe be a world cup champ one day!
After a fulfilling ski day on the glacier, there is still plenty of time in the day and light left to ditch the winter gear put on your swimsuit and head to the lake for a dip. Strip off the snowsuit and hit the bike park or local trails in the Whistler area. Treat yourself to a well-deserved drink at one of the local pubs.