Backcountry Access

Backcountry Access Guidelines

Whistler Olympic Park (WOP) offers backcountry access to guests through the park's groomed trail network. While WOP provides access to the backcountry, the Park is not responsible for the safety of any persons using the backcountry. The following information is essential to ensuring your safety when accessing the backcountry from the WOP trail network.

All backcountry users shall obey the following guidelines:

1. Purchase a Rainbow/Sproatt access ticket ($10/vehicle).
2. Display a valid Backcountry Vehicle Dashboard Permit.
3. Park in the appropriate parking lot in accordance with trek plan.
4. Access backcountry trailheads from the designated inbound trails only.

Day Tickets

All backcountry skiers are to purchase a $10.00/vehicle access ticket. Tickets can be purchased at Guest Services in the Day Lodge, or at the ticket booth located at the front gate.

Backcountry Vehicle Dashboard Permit

Whether using the overnight parking lot at Alexander Falls or the day parking lots, all backcountry vehicles must display a valid parking permit filled out and visible on the dash.  The Backcountry Dashboard Permit is available at Guest Services in the Day Lodge or via the PDF attachment located at the base of this page.

In the event that the owner of a vehicle is unable to be located, the Park will contact the RCMP who will in turn contact the appropriate search-and-rescue organizations. All costs associated with the search for and rescue of backcountry users will be borne by the users.

Day Lot & Overnight Parking

WOP opens at 8:30am on weekends and 9:00am on weekdays and closes at 4:30pm (9:00pm on Wednesdays). Click here for full hours of operation.
Please use the information below to select the appropriate parking lot for your trek plan.

Use Day Parking When:

• You plan on completing your trek within the park's open hours.
• Day parking includes Parking Lots 1, 2, 3 and Biathlon Parking.
• If you anticipate that your trek may extend past regular hours of operation, please park in the overnight lot at Alexander Falls Recreation Site.
• Vehicles left within the Park after hours will be towed at the owner's expense.

Use Overnight Parking When:
• You plan to start your trek before the park opens or if you plan to finish your trek after the park is closed.
• Overnight Backcountry Parking is located at Alexander Falls Recreation Site, 800 meters below the WOP ticket booth.
• Make sure you have purchased a ticket and downloaded a parking permit before leaving home.

In the event that the owner of a vehicle is unable to be located, the Park will contact the RCMP who will in turn contact the appropriate search-and-rescue organizations. All costs associated with the search for and rescue of backcountry users will be borne by the users.

Trailhead Access Points

Backcountry skiers are welcome to use the cross-country ski trails to access the trailheads. Backcountry signage is posted on the inbound trails to help navigate toward the backcountry access points.

Two trailheads can be accessed through the Park: Beverly Creek & Hanging Lake.

Access Points: Hanging Lake Trailhead

• Overnight Parking
• Lots 1, 2 & 3
• Biathlon Parking

Access Points:  Beverly Creek Trailhead

• Overnight Parking
• Biathlon Parking

IMPORTANT! DO NOT ACCESS either trail head by touring up the side of the ski jump or through the snowmobile access road.

Although these two areas have been recommended in guidebooks as access routes, they are dangerous areas due to avalanche hazards and the movement of machinery.

If you would like more information on the best inbound routes to access the backcountry trail heads, please stop by the Day Lodge for a trail map.

Emergency Contact Information

For emergencies during normal operating hours:

Ski Patrol: 1-778-228-4586

For emergencies after operating hours:  911

Please contact us at 604-964-0060 with questions or queries.