FAQ

Weather

Before driving to the Whistler Olympic Park you can check out our Webcam and Weather forecast. If there is a sudden weather change, which there often is at the Olympic Park, the Day Lodge has a rental and retail shop where you can purchase practical items including synthetic layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, hats, gloves, ski wax and much more.

Reserving a Lesson or Tour

Winter

Reserve your sport school lesson by calling 604-964-0060 or toll free 1-877-764-2455.  It is best to reserve private or group lessons in advance, however, if it is a last minute decision please call or drop by the guest services desk and we will do our best to match you with the lesson and instructor that best suits your skiing abilities.  Arrive at Whistler Olympic Park 20 minutes before your scheduled lesson. You will receive your trail pass as you enter the park at the gate. Next, check-in at the guest service desk in the Day Lodge, where the guest services team will direct you to your instructor or rentals.       

Summer

If you have a large group or if you are on a tight time-line, reserve your tour or lesson by calling 604-964-0060 or toll free 1-877-764-2455. It is not essential that you reserve a tour in advance. The Park will always have drop in space for at least one of our tours. Arrive at Whistler Olympic Park 15 minutes before your scheduled tour. Check-in at the guest service desk in the Visitor's Centre, there the guest services team will provide you with your tour pass and site map.

Parking

Winter                                                     

Even at the busiest of times, Whistler Olympic Park has plenty of free parking. All vehicles must be equipped with snow tires; however, a 4 wheel drive vehicle is not necessary. There is no overnight parking at the Whistler Olympic Park.

Summer

Even at the busiest of times, Whistler Olympic Park has plenty of free parking. There is no overnight parking available.

Gate Closure

Winter

Please be aware that Whistler Olympic Park closes at 4:30 pm. The entry/exit gate will be closed and locked at 4:45 pm. At this time, Whistler Olympic Park patrol staff initiates a search for those individuals still remaining in the Park. Guests who are late to exit Whistler Olympic Park will not be locked in indefinitely, but will have to wait for Whistler Olympic Park staff to open the gate.

Summer

Please be aware that Whistler Olympic Park closes at 6:00 pm. The entry/exit gate will be closed and locked at 6:00 pm. At this time, WOP patrol staff initiates a search for those individuals still remaining in the Park. Guests who are late to exit WOP will not be locked in indefinitely, but will have to wait for WOP staff to open the gate.

Park Access

Winter

Those entering the park must purchase a trail pass at the ticket booth as they enter. For those people who will not be using the trails, you may request a Day Lodge pass, whereby you receive access to the Day Lodge and Restaurant.

Summer

There is no entrance fee to access the Whistler Olympic Park during the summer season (June 9 to September 18). It is best to drive directly to the Day Lodge and access the Visitor Centre, where one of our guest service hosts will provide you with a site map and more information about our interpretive tours. 

Brandywine Restaurant

Winter

Brandywine Restaurant, located in the Day Lodge, is open 7 days a week from 8:30am to 4:00 pm. Stop by the restaurant for a hearty lunch or morning coffee and granola.

Summer

Brandywine Restaurant is open 7 days a week from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Stop by the restaurant, located in the Visitor Centre, for a quick cup a coffee or have a picnic lunch on our outdoor patio.

Pets

Winter

Pets are allowed in parking lots on leash and are allowed off leash in designated pet friendly trails. Pet passes are to be purchased at the front gate upon entrance.

Summer

Pets are allowed in the park and on trails, but they must be kept on a leash at all times

Backcountry Use

Winter

All Backcountry users must purchase a $10 day ticket (or $50 season pass) and must display a backcountry user contact sheet on the dash of their vehicle. During park hours, it is easiest for backcountry users to park at the Biathlon lot to gain access. Users can access the backcountry via two trailheads to the east and west of the biathlon range. Overnight parking is only permitted in the designated lot, just outside the park main gate, and a valid parking permit must be displayed, or cars will be towed. Ask guest services for a trail map to find out the simplest route, from this point, to the backcountry.  Backcountry tickets, user contact sheets and parking permits can be picked up at the entrance gate or at the guest services front desk. 

Summer

Guests can access the backcountry via the cross country trail network. There is no access fee to use the trails in the summertime; however, cars must be out of the parking lot by 6pm

Heavy Snowfall

During heavy snow fall roads to the Whistler Olympic Park are plowed on a 24 hour clock. Snow may accumulate on the road up to a few inches, depending on the location of the plow. During these periods of heavy snowfall a priority grooming schedule is in place that ensures Neverland Trail, Inside Passage and Porter`s Glide are groomed at regular intervals.

Biathlon Range                                                                   

The biathlon range is accessible to the public through instructor run programs including the experience biathlon program and the discover biathlon program. You can sign up for one of these by calling our reservations line at 604-964-0060.  Associate clubs also use the biathlon range for athlete training and development, races and events. For more information on how to join a local Nordic or biathlon club please visit our partners page.