The Province was seeking feedback on a new designated public access route that is being piloted by Whistler Blackcomb and provides free public uphill skiing access through the Blackcomb Controlled Recreation Area to Garibaldi Provincial Park.

Whistler Blackcomb is required under their Master Development Agreements with the Province to provide year-round, non-motorized access through both the Whistler and Blackcomb Controlled Recreation Areas. Whistler Blackcomb is also required to ensure the Controlled Recreation Areas and recreational improvements are safe and secure, including managing public access, avalanche risk and limiting risk to public safety.

Whistler Blackcomb, the Province, and stakeholder groups have been working together to identify a long-term solution for winter backcountry access through the Blackcomb Controlled Recreation Area that meets the requirements for Blackcomb’s Master Development Agreement, can be managed for public safety, and considers the need of backcountry users and the public at large.

This survey is specifically intended to capture information from members of the public that have an interest in uphill skiing and backcountry access to Garibaldi and Blackcomb Glacier Parks in the winter months.

Information on backcountry access via the Whistler and Blackcomb Controlled Recreation Areas can be found on the Whistler Blackcomb Backcountry page.

Feedback was accepted until 4 pm (PT) on May 31, 2022 via an online survey.

The survey responses will help identify public interest and concerns regarding the interim backcountry access route, quantity and qualify use, and highlight opportunities for future access improvements.