Whistler Blackcomb to get upgraded Creekside gondola and chairlift
Posted September 25, 2021 11:08 am.
Last Updated September 25, 2021 11:09 am.
WHISTLER (NEWS 1130) — Whistler Blackcomb is getting some upgrades to its Creekside chairlift systems.
$325 million is being invested into the ski resort’s lift system for the major upgrades — the largest single-year investment the resort has ever made.
“It means that we will be getting a Creekside gondola and a new Big Red Express. It’s going to be much, much faster to get up Creekside,” Jennifer Smith with Vail Resorts says.
Guess who’s getting a new 8-person gondola and a high-speed 6-person chair ahead of the 2022-23 season? Hint: It’s us. ????
Learn more about these exciting projects coming to our Creekside area: https://t.co/jUo5OHm1n9#EpicLiftUpgrade pic.twitter.com/PtNeGXPJWT
— Whistler Blackcomb (@WhistlerBlckcmb) September 24, 2021
Smith says skiers will spend less time in lines when the upgrade is done.
“The gondola, which is currently a six-person gondola will become an eight-person gondola, and then Big Red Express will go from a four-person chair to a six-person chair.”
The new gondola and chairlift uses newer technology, she says, and will get people up the mountain faster.
“I believe that the gondola itself will be moving 35 per cent faster. And I think the chair is 30 per cent faster.”
Construction of the new system is slated to begin in the spring, while the resort is aiming for an American Thanksgiving opening for this year.
However, that timeline could be pushed up, depending on how much snow falls.
