Are you ready for the season ahead? To help keep you informed and with your finger on the pulse, we’ve pulled together a handy list of resources and info. From storms to parking to skating, and everything in between, we’ve got your covered, Whistler!
We’ll update this post throughout the season as new information comes our way. Check back often.
*Update: Monday, March 18, 2024*
Navigating Traffic
If you’re starting to see traffic backing up on your way into or out of town, stay on the highway or stop at the next eatery and wait for it to thin out.
We discourage re-routing through residential streets as:
- Online wayfinding solutions may report inaccurate information on these streets, due to limited cell phone coverage. Google and other internet-based wayfinding tools may have inaccurate information as they rely on cellular networks. This means Alta Lake Road, for example, may even be slower than the highway, but it shows a clear traffic green line on Google Maps.
- Side streets traffic delays can block or hinder emergency responders, who may need to access those areas.
- When intense weather events meet busy traffic, the plowing is often focused the highway and centre of town. This is laid out in our Snow and Ice Clearing Policy. Alternative routes may be difficult to navigate, due to poor driving conditions.
Driving
Before heading out on the road in the winter, it’s always a good idea to check the Environment Canada weather forecast.
For current Highway 99 road conditions, check out DriveBC’s Highway Cams, DriveBC’s events page or phone 1-800-550-HWYS (4997). You’re required to have winter tires on Highway 99 from October 1 to March 31.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) is responsible for the maintenance of Highway 99, while municipal roads are maintained by the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
Miller Capilano Highway Services (on behalf of MOTI) maintains Highway 99 through Whistler (from Function Junction) to Pemberton. To report a road hazard (including road surface issues, debris, buildup of snow and ice, etc.), please contact them on their 24/hour hotline at 1-866-918-1010 ext. 1.
Whistler’s municipal roads, pedestrian stroll, sidewalks and the Valley Trail are all maintained by our Roads and Parks crews. To report road issues (excluding Highway 99 and private strata roads) including potholes, broken signs, snow removal, or street light outages, contact the Roads Department at 604-935-8300.
For other resources related to roads in Whistler, including snow and ice control information and winter driving regulations, check out our Roads page on whistler.ca.
Transport Canada also recommends drivers in winter pack a Winter Driving Emergency Kit, including items like windshield wiper fluid, a flashlight, extra clothes and a blanket, and some non-perishable food and water.
Storms
Severe weather like blizzards, hail, high winds, and heavy rain can happen without warning.
Weather alerts are available 24/7 from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
When there are rainfall warnings, check out our flood resources.
If you see a fallen tree, flooding, or icy conditions, please report them.
If you’re experiencing a power outage, check the BC Hydro website for a list of outages or outage map for the latest updates.
If you’re a transit user, on storm days, be sure to be sure to check Whistler Transit Alerts to see if your route has been affected.
Whistler Alert
Whistler Alert is Whistler’s emergency notification service; it will inform you by text, phone and email of emergencies that may impact you.
Whistler Alert is set up for both residents and visitors. Visitors will be asked for their contact number and to input the date they plan to leave Whistler. They will no longer receive alerts after their intended departure date.
To stay informed and safe this winter, and all year round, sign up for Whistler Alert today.
Parking
Whistler’s Winter Parking Regulations are in effect from November 1 to March 31. This helps keep roads and parking lots clear for our busy municipal snow removal operations.
Please be mindful of the following in winter:
- No even side parking Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding holidays)
- No odd side parking any time during the year
- No overnight parking in the Day Lots or any other surface level lots in the winter to allow for snow clearing
Please note, the only overnight parking available is under the Whistler Public Library and underground Conference Centre.
Get the details on parking in Whistler, including the Whistler parking map.
Snow Clearing
It takes a dedicated and tireless crew to make Whistler livable in winter. Please clear snow to designated areas on your property, not on roads, parks or creeks.
Transit
Whistler’s public transit offers a reliable, affordable, accessible alternative to cars, and a great way to get around town. Friday, December 1 is the start of peak winter service schedule, with increased trips and changes to several routes.
Please check the Winter Rider’s Guide for full winter schedules, and information about transit seasonal service changes.
Winter Customer Service hours are 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily through April 14, 2024.
For more information about trip planning, schedules and to sign up for customer alerts by route number, please visit bctransit.com/Whistler.
Trails
Thirty-eight kilometers of the Valley Trail are cleared in the winter, making this a beautiful and convenient way to get around without a car in Whistler all year round.
Check back for full details on Winter Snow Clearing on the Valley Trail, and the updated Winter Valley Trail map to know what trails are cleared.
Social Services
Extreme weather response shelters are run by Whistler Community Services Society. They open if temperatures are -10C or below, or if temperatures are 0C with adverse weather conditions (snowfall, heavy rainfall, blizzard, etc.). Check for details at https://mywcss.org/ to see when the shelter is activated.
Skate, Ski, Snowshoe
Get amongst all the ways you can recreate in the winter in Whistler. Whether you want to take the family for an outdoor skate in Whistler Olympic Plaza or check out the winter wonderland that is Lost Lake on XC skis or snowshoes, there are plenty of ways to take in all the Whistler has to offer in the winter. Get all the details on winter fun at whistler.ca.
