Whistler offers two renowned mountains for skiing and snowboarding, Olympic and Paralympic venues for sliding and Nordic sports, as well as some of the best mountain biking in the world.
Whistler is unique in its ability to accommodate a four-wheel downhill chair on the accessible Village Gondola to transport bikers to the Whistler Bike Park.
Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC)
Three municipal facilities, including Meadow Park Sports Centre, Whistler Public Library and Whistler Olympic Plaza, have received the Rick Hansen Foundation Accessibility Certification (RHFAC).
The RHFAC Program is a LEED-style rating system that measures the accessibility of buildings and sites, promoting increased access through the adoption of Universal Design principles. The aim of the program is to make all buildings and the exterior environment accessible and safely usable by persons with physical, sensory, or cognitive disabilities.
Accessible Activities
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) has several examples of programs and community features that support community accessibility and provide access to various recreational activities including: municipal parks and facilities, 2010 Games legacies, cultural tours and public art.
Whistler Adaptive
Whistler Adaptive provides programming, equipment and coaching for 18 different para-sport disciplines. The program has become a leader in adaptive sports, not only in the province of B.C., but also in the country.
The program also provides support for people with disabilities wishing to participate in various recreational activities, including extreme activities like zip lining. Given that some of the recreational activities will require some modification or extra assistance, it is recommended that you book early to avoid disappointment.
Whistler Adaptive also recommends booking immediately after a lesson for the following lesson and even for the following year to ensure choice of instructor and equipment.
Companion Passes
Whistler Adaptive Sports is able to provide accompany tickets for persons with a disability requiring assistance, guides, carers or other personal support to access Whistler-Blackcomb. The accompany ticket products are generously provided by the Epic Promise Foundation and Vail Resorts. Accompany tickets are available for summer and winter sight-seeing, bike park, tube park and skiing and snowboarding. The donation is capped to a certain number of tickets for each product, so individuals are encouraged to plan their trips 72hrs or more ahead of time.
Accompany Ticket Request Form
Tickets can be requested at Guest Relations for last minute visits. Accompany Tickets are provided on a one to one ratio with a paying pass holder and/or ticket holder.
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb’s mission is to create wonderful memories for their guests, again and again. All guests, regardless of ability, deserve the very best mountain experience possible. The linked information on mountain access is meant to assist individuals with disabilities to access the facilities and skiing/riding on Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
Whistler Mountain is wheelchair-accessible with gondola service to the top of Whistler Mountain during winter and summer months. The Peak 2 Peak Gondola is available for sightseeing tours only.
The Whistler Blackcomb website provides information to assist individuals with disabilities to access facilities and skiing/riding on the mountain.
For more information, call 1-800-766-0449 or 604-967-8950.
Whistler Sport Legacies
Whistler Sport Legacies is responsible for three of Whistler’s 2010 Winter Games Venues: the Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Olympic Park, and the Whistler Athletes’ Centre.
These facilities were used during the Paralympic Games and have accessibility features.
Whistler Olympic Park is a particularly great destination for the entire family for all levels of ability and provides designated parking, accessible trails and an accessible lodge with accessible bathrooms.
Companion Passes
Whistler Olympic Park is able to provide a complimentary accompany ticket for persons with a disability requiring assistance or a guide to access the trails and facilities at Whistler Olympic Park. In order to make it easier for staff to distinguish eligibility, they have introduced the Access2 card, which can be presented at the time of arrival for a more expedited purchase.
Whistler offers endless opportunities for all kinds of unique experiences and adventures in fresh mountain air.
All Adaptive Recreation inquiries and bookings should be made through the Tourism Whistler website or at 1-800-944-7853.
Activity |
Adaptation |
Restrictions |
Accessible Village Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola provide winter access. In the summer months the Village Gondola provides access to the bike park |
Some trails will require more effort when they flatten and gravity is no longer assisting Equipment rental available through Whistler Adaptive |
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Cross-Country Skiing in Whistler | The Lost Lake trail system provides a variety of well-maintained green and blue trails. Additionally there are some free trails around Nicholas North golf course and the Valley Trail that are groomed on a less frequent basis |
If transferring into personal sit ski from the accessible parking spaces in day lot 5, there may not be any track set along the Valley Trail underpass that leads to the Cross-Country Connection in the Passive House Equipment rental available through Whistler Adaptive |
Cross-Country Skiing at Whistler Olympic Park | There is a variety of trails and areas to explore. Porter’s Glide trail in the dog-friendly area is a great area for beginners and some very happy dogs! |
Some of the expert trails will be quite challenging for a non-competitive para-xc athlete Equipment rental available through Whistler Adaptive |
Able to bungee jump while in wheelchair |
No ramp to video viewing area; this is not necessary for the jumping experience |
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Superfly Ziplines is the only service provider that can accommodate people with mobility disabilities. Travel between platforms is with a trail rider(a passive device is used to sherpa an individual rider in singletrack terrain) and vehicle |
Some of the platforms are not accessible. The connection between the ziplines is modified |
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Currently limited to four-wheeled ATVs |
Requires hand function |
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None required |
Requires transferring out of a mobility device into a sled that is close to the ground |
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Assistance required to transfer into the cab of the Snow-cat |
Must be a proficient sit- skier |
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None available |
Must be able to stand to transfer up and into the horse-drawn carriage |
The below parks are listed in order from the south to the north of Whistler.
Park | Features | Details |
Alpha Lake Park |
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Alta Lake Park/Wayside Park |
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Alta Lake Boathouse |
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Alta Lake Art House |
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Lakeside Park |
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Rainbow Park |
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Florence Petersen Park |
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Lost Lake Park |
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Millennium Place |
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Spruce Grove Park |
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Spruce Grove Field House |
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Spruce Grove Baseball Diamonds |
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Meadow Park Sports Centre |
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Meadow Park Children’s Water park |
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Meadow Park Diamonds/Tennis Court |
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Whistler Olympic Plaza |
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There are a number of municipal facilities that are wheelchair accessible and available for rent:
- Myrtle Philip School
- The PassivHaus
- Spruce Grove Field House
- Whistler Olympic Plaza
- Whistler Public Library
Learn more about facilities and parks bookings.
The 4,000 square-metre inclusive playground provides play opportunities for children of all abilities or parents with disabilities to allow side-by-side play with friends, families and caregivers.
Located on the perimeter of Whistler Olympic Plaza, the playground has become a gathering place for community and visitors alike.
See the Inclusive Playground in action in the Whistler Journey Video.
Related Links
2010 Legacies Now Measuring Up