Roads

The safety of road users is a priority in Whistler, particularly the safety of pedestrians and cyclists. The provincial Ministry of Transportation is responsible for the maintenance and snow clearing of Highway 99 and the Resort Municipality of Whistler is responsible for the approximately 70 kilometres of municipal roads in Whistler.

Winter driving from October 1 to March 31

In B.C., vehicles must use winter tires on most major highways between October 1 and March 31. Passenger vehicles travelling along Highway 99 require winter tires with the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the M + S (mud and snow symbol) with at least 3.5 mm of tread. The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure provides winter driving recommendations. Commercial vehicles have different regulations for winter tires and chains.

Peak travel times throughout the year and snow conditions can result in heavy traffic volumes, increased travel times to, from and within Whistler, and in some cases even highway closures.

Snow and ice control

When it snows, municipal roads are cleared in order of priority. The highest priority roads, such as Whistler Transit bus routes, are cleared first. Other important routes are next and small residential streets are last. Detailed snow clearing maps are in Whistler’s Snow and Ice Control Policy (starting on page 6).

Journey planning

Check Drive BC for highway alerts and live Highway 99 Cams showing traffic and road conditions around Whistler. Drive BC is also available for mobile devices and by calling 1-800-550-HWYS (4997).  

Check the Environment Canada website for weather reports.

Tune in to Mountain FM for Highway 99 road reports.

Preparing for winter weather and journey delays

Delays and highway closures are more likely in winter. Please remember to:

  • Bring warm, weather-appropriate clothing and winter boots with good traction
  • Pack food, water and necessary supplies for all travellers and pets
  • Bring a charged cell phone and charger
  • Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
  • Use appropriate winter tires  
  • Drive with your lights on for visibility
  • Have the fuel topped up and prepare your vehicle with fresh wiper blades, an ice scraper and shovel. Carry cold weather windshield washer fluid.

Parking

Find a map of parking in Whistler.

To allow us time for important winter snow removal operations, parking in Whistler’s neighbourhoods is not permitted:

  • on the odd-numbered side of the street at any time.
  • on the even-numbered side of the street from November 1 to March 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding holidays).

Report an issue

Highway 99

Municipal roads

Report snow clearing issues, including icy road conditions, potholes, damaged street signs, localized flooding, burned out streetlights and people pushing snow off their driveway onto municipal roads.

Sidewalks, Valley Trail and Village Stroll

Private roads

Private roads, such as through strata complexes, are managed by private strata councils.

Downed power lines

Downed power lines are dangerous, BC Hydro ask you to stay back 10 metres and call 911.

The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure’s Adopt a Highway program offers non-profit and for-profit organizations opportunities to assist with litter removal and aesthetic improvements to promote local stewardship of public highways.

Traffic Calming Requests can be made with this form.

Whistler’s Traffic Calming Policy guides local traffic calming measures that enhance safety within the community.