Seasons Passes
One of the most important things to have when doing a season is obviously a season pass for the mountain! All the different options can be quite confusing, so we have put together this micro guide so you can work out what option is best for you.
There are essentially 3 different ways to own a season pass:
- STANDARD SEASON PASS... buy it yourself!
- SPIRIT PASS... buy it through your local employer!
- STAFF PASS... work for Whistler Blackcomb for a free pass!
If you are coming to Whistler for less than 15-days you might be eligible for an Edge card (residents of Canada, Washington & Oregon states & friends & family of WB staff).
There are essentially 3 different ways to own a season pass:
- STANDARD SEASON PASS... buy it yourself!
- SPIRIT PASS... buy it through your local employer!
- STAFF PASS... work for Whistler Blackcomb for a free pass!
If you are coming to Whistler for less than 15-days you might be eligible for an Edge card (residents of Canada, Washington & Oregon states & friends & family of WB staff).
THE STANDARD SEASON PASS
- buy it yourself... This pass is owned by you and gives you access to the mountain from the day you buy it to the end of the winter season, as well as giving you summer sightseeing access. You also get 20% off food and most drinks (unfortunately beer is exempt) in the mountain restaurants. You also receive a $50 discount on ski and snowboard lessons.This seasons pass comes in three main types:
15-DAY - This pass gives you 15 days of skiing throughout the season, with no other restrictions. If you want to use more than 15-days you can pay for additional days at the "Edge Card rate" which should always be the cheapest day rate available.
MIDWEEK – Fairly self explanatory, gives you access to the hill Monday-Friday & costs less than the unlimited pass.
- Early bird price (before October) $1019
- Full price $1319
UNLIMITED – Gives you access to the hill all the time, all season.
- Super early bird price (before May) $1099
- Early bird price (before October) $1429
- Full price $1729
* Whistler Blackcomb seem to have changed their policy a bit this year - they now charge a $50 admin fee to refund your pass before the start of the season... this fee can be reduced in special circumstances (e.g. pregnancy or medical conditions).
SPIRIT PASS
- buy it with the permission of your employer...This pass gives you exactly the same perks as a standard season passes, you just pay less for it! The only drawback is that it’s not entirely controlled by you (so don’t call in sick on a pow day whilst using this pass to go skiing - your employer will probably fire you!).The spirit pass is available to anyone working for a company in Whistler that is registered with the local Chamber of Commerce. The idea behind the spirit pass is to create a core group of local riders who understand the rules of the mountain, and are dedicated to upholding the “spirit” of Whistler - basically being very friendly, informative and accommodating to tourists. You will have to attend a half-day course that gives you a little general history on Whistler and makes sure you know the core values of this resort town (they make it pretty entertaining, it’s no math lecture).
Many businesses will pay for your spirit pass if you work for them for the whole winter, or they will negotiate out a deal where they deduct $x amount from your pay-check each week towards the cost. Some companies will make you pay the entire amount upfront yourself.
If you can afford to, we recommend you buy a standard season pass at the early bird rate, then if you get a job in Whistler that is eligible to offer you a spirit pass, you can apply for a full refund on the standard seasons pass you bought. If you used your standard seasons pass before becoming eligible for a spirit pass they will decrease your refund for each day used, usually around $60 a day.
STAFF PASS
- given to all employees of Whistler Blackcomb…Main perks:- FREE SEASONS PASS!
- 50% off food in mountain restaurants (apart from peak times 11am-1.30pm)
- Free ski/snowboard school
- 25% off gear in mountain owned shops (40% off helmets/thermals/socks)
The staff pass cannot be bought - it is only available to employees and their spouses, & volunteers of Whistler Blackcomb AKA “The Mountain”. It will be revoked if you stop working for them, and if you are caught breaking any rules you will lose your pass & your job.
The mountain tend to pay pretty poorly but, if you take full advantage of your perks (especially the free ski school), you can easily make up for that.
We recommend the same plan here as for those aspiring to get a spirit pass; buy a standard season pass at the early bird rate & you will be refunded if you get a job with the mountain. If you haven’t used it at all you will get a full refund, otherwise about $60 will be deducted for each day of skiing you got in.
CONCLUSION...
Our advice for most people is to buy a standard season pass before you get here, as early as possible! That way you get refunded if you find a job with a pass, but can still go riding if you don’t, without paying crazy-high tourist prices. But if cash is a little tight, wait until you get here and scout out that free pass!UK - 0208-816-8317
AUS - 1300 790 208