The Whistler Experience® Program is Whistler’s community-wide initiative to elevate service excellence and build a stronger, more connected resort experience.
Since 2014, 40,000+ Whistlerites have completed the program, gaining valuable tools to deliver exceptional service (and countless locals’ deals along the way).
But over the years, a few myths have popped up about what it is — and what it isn’t. Let’s clear those up.
Myth #1: “The Spirit Pass is the only benefit you get from The Whistler Experience.”
Truth:
While the Whistler Blackcomb Spirit Pass is one of the most popular perks, it is just one of dozens of local deals and discounts you get for taking part in the Whistler Experience Program.
These deals and discounts include:
- Whistler Transit Bus Pass: A discounted transit pass
- Discounted groceries: 10% off at The Grocery Store
- Activities & Recreation: Year-round discounts on fitness classes, outdoor adventures, tours, activities, and iconic Whistler experiences.
- Arts & Culture: Reduced admission and ticket pricing for local museums, comedy shows, and cultural experiences.
- Dining & Nightlife: Exclusive food and beverage discounts across Whistler cafés, restaurants, bars, and access to the Gibbons Après Pass Ambassador Program.
- Accommodation: Preferred local rates and discounts at Whistler hotels and hostels (subject to availability and blackout dates).
- Retail: Savings on clothing, rentals, ski and bike gear, tuning services, cannabis retailers, and Whistler Blackcomb retail locations.
- Services & More: Discounts on parking, immigration and legal services, transportation, tuning services, and local tours.
In short, the program offers deals with dozens of local businesses. It truly is the locals’ discount program.
Myth #2: “You can’t get a Spirit Pass after a certain date.”
Truth:
There is no cutoff date for the Whistler Blackcomb Spirit Pass during the winter season.
As long as you work for any Whistler Chamber Member and complete a qualifying training course, you can access your Spirit Pass and all the other benefits at any point in the season. This is therefore the only season pass product that is available throughout winter.
This means you can buy a season pass even if you arrive after the mountain has opened and the standard passes are no longer available.
Not to mention, the price doesn’t increase – it’s the same all season!
Myth #3: “Program benefits are only valid during winter.”
Truth:
The Whistler Experience benefits are not limited to winter. In fact, the current 2025–26 program runs from October 2025 through August 31, 2026, so all the benefits are active until that final date.
These dates are in place to best maximize the benefits for the many Whistlerites who arrive in time for the winter season and stay throughout the following summer.
For example, if you have the Whistler Blackcomb Spirit Pass for winter 2025-2026, you’ll have sightseeing access up the mountain for summer 2026 until the lifts close! You can also use the other deals at any time of the year to August 31, 2026.
However, note that some benefits are season specific. You won’t be able to go cross country skiing in summer, for example.
Myth #4: “You have to do the same training every year.”
Truth:
While one qualifying training event or course is required each year to unlock benefits, you don’t have to repeat the exact same training every year. The program offers a variety of training paths – online or live, entry level or leadership-focused – so participants can choose what best fits their role and interests each year. Plus, all the training programs only take one to three hours each, making this a quick and easy way to improve your skills and lock in excellent benefits for the year.
In fact, we recently completely revamped the programming from the old ABCs to the WE go BIG Program, offering all new content for Whistler staff. Plus, we have numerous more courses coming in spring, some of which are popular programs from prior years, and others that are brand new to The Whistler Experience.
Myth #5: “The Whistler Blackcomb Spirit Pass has blackout dates”
Truth:
The Whistler Blackcomb Spirit Pass is exactly the same as the Unlimited Season Pass – the only difference is the name. That means no blackout dates, half-price lift tickets at other resorts such as Sun Peaks, and the same great on-mountain deals on food.
Myth #6: “Employers have to cover all the costs.”
Truth:
For us, The Whistler Experience Program is all about improving the guest experience, so customer service training is mandatory. As for the costs, it’s entirely up to the employer how much they cover.
For example, there is typically the cost of the training course, an admin fee, and the cost of the Whistler Blackcomb Spirit Pass itself. Whistler employers can opt to cover none, some, or all of those costs for employees.
Many employers help pay for the training cost and admin fees, but ask their employees to pay for their own Spirit Passes. Some employers will cover everything as part of their attraction and retention packages – it’s entirely up to you!
Note that the Whistler Chamber collects an admin fee and course cost only, whereas Whistler Blackcomb takes the payment for the Spirit Pass directly.
The Whistler Experience Program
The Whistler Experience program is about creating a reputation for world-class customer service across the resort. We do that by offering customer service training, and providing exceptional local deals and discounts to the thousands of workers who commit to taking these training programs every year.
For employees, the Spirit Pass is a major benefit, but the real strength of the program is its combination of meaningful customer service training and the huge array of local perks, allowing locals to make the most of their Whistler Experience!
Ready to enrol? Explore our current training options here.