Whistler ski tickets are how much? 1.5x price jump raises eyebrows

Skiers and snowboarders at Whistler Blackcomb who didn’t buy their passes in advance may have some sticker shock this year if they try to buy a ticket at the window this year.

Single-day lift tickets for peak times purchased once the season starts will cost $299 plus tax this year, according to Whistler Blackcomb’s website.

That’s up from a walk-up window price of just below $200 before tax last year, according to several ski blogs that posted 22/23 season prices.

So what’s with the jump in prices? A spokesperson for Vail Resorts said it had to do with inflation.

“A lot of factors go into our lift ticket pricing, including inflation, capital investments in the guest experience, and visitation demand (among other dynamic factors),” the said. “The cost of lift tickets typically increases every year across the industry.”

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Skiers and boarders were quick to voice their frustration on social media, with a post on the issue quickly making it to the top of BC’s Reddit page.

“Vail has made it pretty clear for a long time. They want rich tourists on packaged deals and they’ll tolerate locals with season passes,” one user said. “But the last thing they want is middle-class families ruining it for everyone.”

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“RIP 7-Eleven tickets at $67 for the day,” wrote another.

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This season, single-day lift tickets purchased before the start of the season cost $139 plus tax, and Canadian residents are eligible to purchase an Edge Card, which offers savings for a set of multiple ski-able days over the season.

For example, a 10-day Edge Card with restrictions (no Christmas break access) costs $779 before taxes — less than $100 a day.

“Incentivizing people to buy a pass ahead of the season has created so much stability for our industry as it allows us to plan ahead,” the spokesperson said. “Our pass holders are our most loyal guests, and in turn, we provide them with the best value.”

The season is scheduled to begin next month.