Whistler Blackcomb Replacing Fitzsimmons Express Lift in 2023, Some Rolling Trail Closures Expected
Whistler Blackcomb has announced that it is working on two new lift upgrades in 2023 that will be replacing the main chairlift in the bike park, the Fitzsimmons Express, alongside the Jersey Cream lift.
The changes will see the Fitzsimmons Express go from a four-person to an eight-person chair with higher speeds that is claimed to significantly increase capacity.
 | We’ve been busy upgrading the Creekside Gondola and Big Red Chair, and of course expanding the Whistler Bikepark, and we’re not done yet! We’re so stoked to share the news that we’ll be getting two new lift upgrades in summer 2023, following approvals + installation: Fitzsimmons Express and Jersey Cream will both be replaced, improving lift line wait times and overall circulation and capacity. Fitz will go from a 4-person to an 8-person high-speed chair, reducing wait times and significantly increasing uphill capacity in winter and summer, providing even greater access to our bike park. Across the valley on Blackcomb, Jersey, the mountain’s most popular lift, will go from a 4-person to a 6-person high-speed chair, also reducing wait times, increasing uphill capacity, and improving mid-mountain circulation and capacity. We’ve got a long history of innovation, and we’re committed to always being forward-thinking – it's part of our DNA as an industry leader. We’re excited about what this means for our mountains, and hope you are too! |
To make these changes for future improvements will mean some closures in the bike park while the work is completed. The goal currently is to start on the Fitzsimmons Express project next spring. Whistler Blackcomb says: "Plans to accommodate WMBP riders are still being hammered out, but you shouldn’t expect any kind of consistent major disruption – you'll still have access to the Fitz Zone via the Whistler Village Gondola. This, in combination with uploading options and expanded bike parks trails in Creekside will help ensure timely access to the mountain."
While the Fitz zone will be subject to rolling trail closures, the aim is to communicate these in advance so no one is left unaware of what is actually open. Most of the impact from the construction will be on trails surrounding the Fitz chair. Currently, Whistler Blackcomb says that the Whistler Village Gondola will be exclusively used for mountain bikers in the summer with other users moved over to the Blackcomb Base, Garbanzo, Peak and the new Creekside Gondola. Next season will also see Creekside return with new updates to existing trails and eight new lines for riders to try.
We reached out to Pierre Ringuette, Senior Manager, Whistler Mountain Bike Park and Snow Surfaces at Whistler Blackcomb, for more information.
When will the Fitzsimmons Express project start?
How was the timing of the replacement chosen? What factors went into the decision on timing?
What trails in the bike park will be impacted by the closures?
What lifts will be open for operations in Summer 2023 for mountain bikers?
Will Creekside be fully operational next year? How many new trails will be open in Creekside next year?
FAQ’s
Q: How do you plan on dealing with demand in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park without Fitz spinning?
A: There’s never a perfect time to do this kind of construction, but these projects are important for the future of accessing our mountains and your experience overall. Plans to accommodate WMBP riders are still being hammered out, but you shouldn’t expect any kind of consistent major disruption – you'll still have access to the Fitz Zone via the Whistler Village Gondola. This, in combination with uploading options and expanded bike parks trails in Creekside will help ensure timely access to the mountain.
Q: Will the bike park be open during construction?
A: Yes! We’re excited to be introducing new and expanded trails at Whistler Bike Park next summer – part of our commitment to always innovating and providing new experiences for our guests.
Q: Will the price of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park pass be adjusted to reflect Fitzsimmons chair closure?
A: You’ll still have access to the Fitz Zone and will be able to upload from Whistler Village via the Gondola – we don’t expect this to impact pricing.
Q: Why are you planning another set of lift upgrades when you haven’t been able to finish Creekside Gondola and Big Red yet? Will these be finished by opening day?
A: As it stands, Creekside and Big Red are on track to open on time. Even though the work on these projects is around the clock, we’re still planning for improvements next year. We’ll keep you posted on updates about the opening of Creekside Gondola and Big Red, too.
Q: Creekside doesn’t offer the same level of terrain as the Fitzsimmons/Garbanzo zone. Why would I want to upload there?
A: Over the summer, we invested heavily in trail upgrades to improve diversity in terrain at Creekside as part of our WMBP expansion project. Next year, visitors can look forward to Trail 1199, a new pro level race track as well as a rebuild on the popular Insomnia trail which will bring a new jump line to the area. All this and more will be readily available thanks to the 100% bike accessible gondola.
Q: So you’re saying Fitz is going to be an 8-pack that offloads to a 4-person chain...won’t that cause more congestion and backup?
A: To ensure this isn’t an issue, we’ll lean into our expertise in line management and loading efficiency to ensure as smooth an experience as possible. You should prepare for some delays on weather days, but we feel confident that this will not significantly impact flow on the majority of our ski days.
Q: How do you plan on dealing with demand in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park without Fitz spinning?
A: There’s never a perfect time to do this kind of construction, but these projects are important for the future of accessing our mountains and your experience overall. Plans to accommodate WMBP riders are still being hammered out, but you shouldn’t expect any kind of consistent major disruption – you'll still have access to the Fitz Zone via the Whistler Village Gondola. This, in combination with uploading options and expanded bike parks trails in Creekside will help ensure timely access to the mountain.
Q: Will the bike park be open during construction?
A: Yes! We’re excited to be introducing new and expanded trails at Whistler Bike Park next summer – part of our commitment to always innovating and providing new experiences for our guests.
Q: Will the price of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park pass be adjusted to reflect Fitzsimmons chair closure?
A: You’ll still have access to the Fitz Zone and will be able to upload from Whistler Village via the Gondola – we don’t expect this to impact pricing.
Q: Why are you planning another set of lift upgrades when you haven’t been able to finish Creekside Gondola and Big Red yet? Will these be finished by opening day?
A: As it stands, Creekside and Big Red are on track to open on time. Even though the work on these projects is around the clock, we’re still planning for improvements next year. We’ll keep you posted on updates about the opening of Creekside Gondola and Big Red, too.
Q: Creekside doesn’t offer the same level of terrain as the Fitzsimmons/Garbanzo zone. Why would I want to upload there?
A: Over the summer, we invested heavily in trail upgrades to improve diversity in terrain at Creekside as part of our WMBP expansion project. Next year, visitors can look forward to Trail 1199, a new pro level race track as well as a rebuild on the popular Insomnia trail which will bring a new jump line to the area. All this and more will be readily available thanks to the 100% bike accessible gondola.
Q: So you’re saying Fitz is going to be an 8-pack that offloads to a 4-person chain...won’t that cause more congestion and backup?
A: To ensure this isn’t an issue, we’ll lean into our expertise in line management and loading efficiency to ensure as smooth an experience as possible. You should prepare for some delays on weather days, but we feel confident that this will not significantly impact flow on the majority of our ski days.
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Also they already have the 8 chair from Park City. They haven’t built/ordered the 8-bike racks yet. Lead time probably too long for next summer.
The large lines at Garbo come from Creek/Red upload overflow mixed with people lapping the lower mountain while they wait for the alpine to open.
2 downsides on this system: you need 4 peoples to unload the 4 bikes and it's hard for the kid to install the bikes because they have to lift up the bike. So basically, mist of the time you need someone to help loading.
I ended up staying on the upper mountain more than I otherwise would have, because the lines were much shorter.
The lift situation though made the whole experience more "meh" than "magnificent". I'm looking forward to going again when the whole mountain is over, but it sounds like I may skip next summer.
Why, when so many trails are closed, so many lifts are closed and the operating time is reduced am I still paying full price for lift tickets... just to do 4 runs! Should have bought the 3 runs sampler passes... ya we're skipping Whistler for a while.
Just like the winter... so many mountains offer a much better bang for your buck than Whistler does.
Blue Brake Bump maybe?
I rode it once and couldn't force myself to do it again. Maybe I just needed a DH bike?
Conversely, I went to Sun Peaks this summer. Free parking at the base of the lift, vending machines that print out your lift pass, day pass almost half the cost. The entire day we had no one in front of us at the lifts, trails equal to Whistler without the brake bumps or completely blown out (albeit less number of trails). The experience was night and day
After 5 there is rarely any line…even this year.
We also rode Upper Mountain in Whistler more than we would normally. Blue Velvet was one time thing due to breaking bumps. Part of the Freight Train was closed, but it was the best option anyway. In the end we end up riding Fitz area just because the trails were so much better - e.g. Dirt Merchant to A-Line.
Overall we did a long 3-week trip in the BC - so many locations. We plan to go back hopefully soon, but it seems that we will probably wait one more year due to next phase of replacements.
I love Whistler (I live in Vancouver, it's close) but Sun Peaks and Silver Star have really stepped up. Haven't even checked out Big White or Revy yet either. Whistler weekend lines have gotten too long to be worth it, the new lift upgrades are badly overdue.
yeah I'm not talking about silverstar haha. People act like that jank place is the only other bike park. Sun Peaks is BC's best park hands down. 2 lift accesses mountains plus another one with new enduro trails. Best jump trails and gnarly tech.
I've been building at Revy for 5 years now it's still got a ways to go but it's starting to rival other parks.
Ride don’t slide and what’s the other one? BC something? f*ck that stuff is cool.
Even the flow trails were a lot of fun, I think it’s called dirt circus or something at the bottom. What a nice reprieve, no mortar sized hole
Is he a Tory? If so he's in with a pretty good shout of getting the job in the next couple of weeks.
Many years ago, when I was around 10, we were skiing the old lower (double) chair on Mt Seymore and the lift line, slightly downhill and sans ropes, was a disaster by Canadian standards. After a few runs of this, a large and rotund skier, not a staff member, stopped in front of everyone and in a loud, German accented voice just ordered everyone into a single long line. I distinctly remember it stayed in that more organized state for the entire rest of the day. This has always stayed with me as an example of how leadership is often about timing and strategy.
1. Whistler - except next year it will drop below Trestle
2. Angel Fire
3. Trestle
4. Silver Star
5. Sun Peaks
6. Deer Valley
Last time I was a Mammoth (pre pandemic) it sucked hopefully it's better now but can't personally recommend it.
Definitely check out non lift served bike parks if you are in the area:
Kamloops if you are near Silver Star or Sun Peaks- worth a day for sure.
Frisco is DOPE spend at least a day there if you go to Trestle.
Duthie Hill near Seattle is super fun too.
I haven't ridden on the east coast and I understand there are some good parks there.
At least Cascadia is a better name because the Cascade range extends into Canada, even if it also refers to a geopolitical pipe dream.
Whoever is in charge at vail is a f*cking idiot.
"I'm so gutted by this corpo convo, but I'm stoked af to announce you all you shred-dogs out there keeping real that I'll be pedaling for the near-term future."
You should have just CLOSED THE WHOLE place for one year and get all improvements done at once but instead youre hitting your customers 2 years in a row…and you’re not expecting to at the very least offer a reduced price on ticket? Lol go fck yourself Vail. You suck.
Fingers crossed that the new resort proposed for Chilliwack could eventually include not just bike trails (they're selling it as "all season") but actually be a competitive bike park. It's the same distance from Vancouver.
At least Whistler during the summer months is open as late as it is, so you can generally make the most out of a day even when you do have to wait in line. This chair update will be great as long as they find a way to accommodate loading more bikes as well.
A), stay in Vancouver, and
B), go to Sunpeaks or Silverstar.