Whistler Blackcomb targets November 20 opening, with a later lift start planned
Whistler Blackcomb targets Friday, November 20, 2026 as its opening day for the 2026-27 season, Vail Resorts announced in August. The date covers Whistler Mountain, Blackcomb Mountain, Peak 2 Peak Gondola and Creekside Gondola, according to the resort’s hours page, subject to weather and conditions. Operating hours for winter 2026-27 are listed as TBD.
The lift-hours change
Pique Newsmag reported on August 18, 2026 that Whistler Blackcomb plans to run most valley and alpine lifts from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from opening day through January 15, rather than the traditional 8:30 a.m. start. Most Snow School programs will shift 30 minutes later until mid-February, according to the same report. Traditional 8:30 a.m. hours are expected to return around B.C. Family Day and Presidents’ Day.
The reported later start comes in the first winter since B.C. changed how it keeps time. The province adopted permanent year-round daylight saving time in 2026, according to the B.C. government. Clocks moved ahead on March 8 and will not be turned back on November 1. For a broader look at what the clock change means for the corridor, see Sea to Sky winter: what changes.
Whistler Blackcomb’s own hours page still says TBD. Visitors should check the hours of operation page and the lift status page before heading up. Winter tire rules on Highway 99 are already in effect, and current conditions are tracked on the Highway 99 road report.
Related: Highway 99 conditions: Sea to Sky Highway closures and status
What is new on the mountain
A new quad chairlift replaces Showcase T-Bar on Blackcomb Mountain, improving access to Horstman Glacier and Blackcomb Glacier terrain, according to the Vail Resorts release.
On the dining side, breakfast service returns at Dusty’s Bar & BBQ. Pika’s Traverse Restaurant at the Roundhouse has been renovated and now includes a coffee bar. Patio upgrades are planned at Steeps Grill & Wine Bar and Christine’s On Blackcomb.
Anyone looking to stay overnight in the corridor can browse cabins with a hot tub or sauna between Vancouver and Whistler.
Last season Blackcomb Mountain opened on November 21 with limited terrain and Whistler Mountain followed on November 26, according to Pique.
Sources
Checked Oct 19, 2026.
- Vail Resorts news release, Aug 18, 2026 — opening date, new quad chairlift, dining changes
- Whistler Blackcomb hours of operation — Nov 20 listed for Whistler Mtn, Blackcomb Mtn, Peak 2 Peak, Creekside Gondola; hours TBD
- Pique Newsmag, Aug 18, 2026, Luke Faulks — lift hours plan, Snow School shift, last-season context
- B.C. government — Daylight Saving Time — permanent DST policy
- B.C. government news release — clocks moved ahead Mar 8, 2026; not turned back Nov 1, 2026
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