Blackcomb Peak Hike

Route Description for Blackcomb Peak Hike

The hike to Blackcomb Peak sets out from the Rendezvous Lodge and climbs uphill along a ski run before the final summit of the peak traversing a rocky ridge. To avoid the long, uphill grind from Whistler Village, hikers looking to reach Blackcomb Peak can utilize the gondola ($65/single day pass) to get to the elevated starting point of the hike at the lodge. Otherwise, you will need to make your way up the Little Burn, Big Burn, and Heart Burn trails before starting the hike outlined in this guide. The route itself is not overly difficult, as it largely makes use of the Green Line ski run to gain elevation up the mountain. At the top of the ski run, hikers will need to traverse the ridge to reach the peak, a process that includes a few short exposed sections of trail. Make sure to wear proper hiking footwear and bring any additional gear that will help you reach the snowy peak, such as crampons, snowshoes, or microspikes.

Blackcomb Peak is one of Whistler’s iconic ski mountains and it is these very same slopes that make the peak a great destination for hikers. The initial stretch of the trail climbs uphill along the ski run to Horstman Hut, at which point the more adventurous part of the route begins. Hikers will need to make their way southeast along the ridge, clamouring over exposed sections of rocky trail on the way to the summit of Blackcomb Peak. From here, you will witness amazing mountain views in every direction, with the ability to spot the Fitzsimmons Range to the southwest and Wedge Mountain to the northeast. The moderately challenging terrain along the ridge and epic views from the summit make this mountaintop route a must-climb for any adventurers in the Whistler area.

After making your way up to the trailhead next to Rendezvous Lodge, follow the trail east and pass through the two junctions to get to the top of the Jersey Cream Express ski lift. Pick up the trail on the south side of the ski lift to begin your uphill climb along the Green Line ski run. This portion of the trail will take you on an elevation gain of 300 m as you climb through the alpine terrain on the way up to Horstman Hut. When you come across a junction with the Marmot Trail, ignore it and continue straight through, making your way up the series of switchbacks to the ridgeline.

After reaching Horstman Hut at the top of the ski lift, take a few moments to rest up before setting out to traverse the rocky ridgeline on the way to the summit of Blackcomb Peak. Here you can find washrooms that are located conveniently next to the hut and can be used if needed.

When you are ready to tackle the summit, make your way along the trail to the southeast, following along the ridgeline toward the peak. Although this last stretch of the trail is fairly rocky with some short exposed sections, it is not very technical, making for a fun climb up the last 200 m of elevation gain. As you traverse the ridge and arrive at the summit, you will be greeted with amazingly scenic views of the surrounding mountains. Wedge Mountain, the region’s highest point, can be seen standing proudly to the northeast, and Whistler Mountain in the Fitzsimmons Range can be spotted to the southwest. As you breathe in the crisp mountain air and look out over the mountainous landscape one last time, begin your descent of Blackcomb Peak to make your way back down to the Rendezvous Lodge and the gondola that will take you to the village below.

Hiking Route Highlights

Wedge Mountain

Known simply as “The Wedge”, this 2,903 m mountain is the highest peak in the Garibaldi Ranges and was named after its distinctive wedge shape in 1932 by the Garibaldi Park Board.

Whistler Mountain

Located in the Fitzsimmons Range, this peak was previously named London Mountain prior to the opening of the ski resort in the late 1960’s. This was changed to disassociate the peak with the poor weather in London, with the peak being renamed Whistler Mountain to reflect the whistling sounds made by local marmots.