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)

Six municipal facilities, including Meadow Park Sports Centre, Whistler Public Library, Maury Young Arts Centre, Myrtle Philip Community Centre, Whistler Olympic Plaza and washrooms, 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 accessibility 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.

Adaptive Recreation

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. 

Pedal Wheelchair

The pedal wheelchair assists those with mobility and balance challenges to get outside and enjoy the views from the valley trail.

Restrictions

Pedal wheelchair users must bring a buddy to assist with any chair-to-chair transfers. Helmets are recommended.

Equipment rental available through the RMOW Recreation Department

Alpine Skiing/Bike Park

Accessible Village Gondola and Blackcomb Gondola provide winter access. In the summer months the Village Gondola provides access to the bike park

Restrictions

Some trails will require more effort when they flatten and gravity is no longer assisting

Equipment rental available through Whistler Adaptive

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

Restrictions

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!

Restrictions

Some of the expert trails will be quite challenging for a non-competitive para-xc athlete

Equipment rental available through Whistler Adaptive

Ziplining

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

Restrictions

Some of the platforms are not accessible. The connection between the ziplines is modified

ATV Riding

Currently limited to four-wheeled ATVs

Restrictions

Requires hand function

Dog Sledding

Restrictions

Requires transferring out of a mobility device into a sled that is close to the ground

Cat Sit Skiing

Assistance required to transfer into the cab of the Snow-cat

Restrictions

Must be a proficient sit- skier

Municipal Parks and Trails

The below parks are listed in order from the south to the north of Whistler.

Alpha Lake Park

• 3 Accessible parking stalls
• 2 Accessible washrooms
• Accessible children’s play area
• 1 Accessible floating dock
• 3 Accessible picnic tables
• Summer Programming 
• Fenced off-leash dog park

Details

• Rubberized surfacing and ramp access into tree-house
• Access is not hard surfaced from Valley trail to dock and step up onto dock
• Private operators rent non-adaptive water sports equipment

 Alta Lake Park/Wayside Park

• 2 Wheelchair accessible parking space
• Accessible ramping down to the Valley trail and to lower grass (the slope exceeds 6%).
• 2 Accessible washrooms
• 2 not wheelchair accessible Floating docks
• Wayside Park provides access to Valley trail, which leads to the Alta Lake Boathouse and the Art-House
• 1 Accessible washroom provided in both houses
• Outdoor Accessible Shower facility

Details

• The hard surfaced ramp has short sections at 11% grade
• Hard surfacing from Valley trail to the hard surface beneath accessible picnic
• Access is not hard surfaced from Valley trail to dock and step up onto dock

Alta Lake Boathouse

• Accessible low floating dock
• 1 Accessible washroom

Details

• Low accessible dock allows easy water entry
• Washroom facility does not have the 1500mm turning radius within the washroom space (approx. 1300mm)
• This boathouse is where the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program runs their summer water sports from
• Valley trail has a 12m section which has a maximum grade of 12% to reach the west side of Alta Lake where the two houses are located

Alta Lake Art House

• Accessible fishing dock at the Art House
• 1 Accessible washroom
• Accessible deck & Main floor

Details

• The Art House is used by the Whistler arts Council for summer programming and classes
• Washroom facility does not have the 1500mm turning radius within the washroom space (approx. 1200mm)

Lakeside Park

• This is the most accessible park that Whistler currently offers
• 2 Accessible parking stalls
• 1 Accessible washroom
• 2 Floating accessible docks
• Accessible water lift
• 2 Accessible picnic tables
• Summer Programming
• Outdoor Accessible Shower facility

Details

• There is an accessible washroom plus other washrooms in the same location
• Private operators rent non-adaptive water sports equipment
• The lift consists of a seat, footrest and moveable arm rests on a hydraulic cylinder, which is operable with a lever that slowly rotates and lowers user into the water.

Rainbow Park

• 4 Accessible parking stalls and paved drop-off area
• 1 Accessible washroom
• 1 Accessible floating dock
• Outdoor Accessible Shower Facility
• 3 Accessible picnic tables
• Summer Programming

Details

• There is an accessible washroom plus other washrooms in the same location
• Private operators rent non-adaptive water sports equipment

Florence Petersen Park

• 2 Accessible picnic tables

Details

• There are accessible washroom facilities within the Whistler Public Library and the Whistler Museum and Archives adjacent to the park

Lost Lake Park

• 2 Accessible parking stalls
• 1 Accessible washroom
• 2 Accessible picnic tables
• 1 Floating raft
• Outdoor Accessible Shower facility
• Accessible warming hut/concession stand

Details

• There is an accessible washroom plus other washrooms in the same location
• Requires swimming to raft and climbing swimming ladder to get on to raft

Maury Young Arts Centre

• Automatic door openers
• Designated accessible seating
• Braille signage
• Elevator
• Accessible toilets
• Assistive listening system that can also provide audio descriptions for people with vision loss

Spruce Grove Field House

• 2 Accessible parking stalls
• 1 Accessible washroom
• Accessible wheelchair lift

Details

• Must enter the Field House to access the washroom facility
• The lift services the third floor of the field house. A key is needed to operate the lift.

Spruce Grove Baseball Diamonds

• 2 Accessible parking stalls
• 1 Accessible washroom
• Accessible viewing area
• Children’s play area

Details

• Children’s play area is not accessible

Meadow Park Sports Centre

• 5 Accessible parking stalls
• Accessible pool lift
• 2 Accessible washrooms, gender neutral washrooms
• Automatic door opener at main entrance
• Lowered section of reception desk
• Beach access into the children’s pool area
• Lift to 2nd floor Fitness Centre
• 1 private accessible change room with shower and power adjustable change table

Details

• Must enter into the Sports Center to access the washroom facility
• The lift consists of a seat, footrest and moveable arm rests on a hydraulic cylinder, which is operable with a lever that slowly rotates and lowers user into the water.
• An accessible pool chair is provided to access this warmer water pool
• The lift is designated for people with mobility disabilities and requires a key that is available at the front desk.  The weight room and cardio equipment has a limited number of adaptable pieces of equipment.

Meadow Park Children’s Water park

• 1 Accessible parking stall
• 1 Accessible washroom

Details

• This accessible washroom services the water park, baseball diamonds, and tennis courts. There is an accessible washroom plus other washrooms in the same location

Meadow Park Diamonds/Tennis Court

• 1 Accessible parking stall
• 1 Accessible washroom

Details

• This accessible washroom services the water park, baseball diamonds, and tennis courts. There is an accessible washroom plus other washrooms in the same location

Whistler Olympic Plaza

• Hard surface pathways
• 2 ramps to lower level viewing area and grass
• Multiple designated accessible viewing areas
• Multiple accessible seating areas
• Accessible, universal, and non-gendered washrooms
• Accessible backstage area
• FM induction loop available for people hard of hearing

Municipal Facilities Available for Rent

There are a number of municipal facilities that are wheelchair accessible and available for rent:

• Myrtle Philip Community Centre
• The PassivHaus
• Spruce Grove Field House
• Whistler Olympic Plaza
• Whistler Public Library

Learn more about facilities and parks bookings. 

Inclusive Playground

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.