The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is the headline ride in Whistler: a cable-car link between the summits of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, spanning 4.4 km across the valley at its highest point about 436 metres above the valley floor. The terminals sit at 1,850 metres on Whistler and 1,680 metres on Blackcomb, and the crossing takes about eleven minutes one way. Some cabins have glass floors, and the views run from the village far below to the glaciers and peaks of the Coast Mountains. For skiers and snowboarders the Peak 2 Peak is simply the way you change mountains, and your lift ticket covers it. For everyone else there is a sightseeing ticket, with winter 2026-27 sightseeing reopening on November 25, 2026 and running through April 18, 2027. That ticket includes access to both mountains and the Umbrella Bar on Whistler Mountain, and online bookings need at least three days of notice; inside that window you buy at the Whistler Visitor Centre. In summer, alpine sightseeing typically runs from late May to early October, and the 2026 summer season has finished.
What you do at the top depends on the season. In winter, sightseeing guests can ride the village gondola, cross the Peak 2 Peak, step out at the mountain restaurants and terraces, and watch skiers drop into the bowls. Dress for a summit that is much colder and windier than the village, with proper boots for snowy walkways. Plan about two hours in all, and longer on weekends and holidays when queues build.
In summer the same ride opens up the alpine hiking network, with trails across both mountains and long views of Black Tusk and the glaciers; sightseeing guests can walk the alpine paths and eat at the mountain restaurants. Because summer 2026 sightseeing has ended, the next window is late spring 2027, and exact dates are published each year on whistler.com. The clearest weather tends to be morning, when cloud is lower on the peaks.
Practicalities. Tickets cannot be printed at home, so bring your confirmation and a valid photo ID to pick them up. The sightseeing ticket is priced for adults, seniors, teens and children aged seven to twelve, with children six and under free, and prices are in Canadian dollars. If you are skiing anyway you do not need a separate ticket, so the sightseeing ticket is best for non-skiers, grandparents and rest days.
What to expect
The experience
An eleven-minute gondola crossing between Whistler and Blackcomb summits, with access to mountain terraces and restaurants on both sides.
Best time
Winter 2026-27 sightseeing runs November 25, 2026 to April 18, 2027; clear mornings give the best views.
How long
About two hours for the ride and a stop at the top.
Tips
Book online at least three days ahead or buy at the Whistler Visitor Centre. Bring photo ID, and dress warmly for the summit.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Non-skiers and first-timers who want the signature Whistler view.
- Families
- Children six and under ride free and the cabins are enclosed; dress kids for cold wind.
- Couples
- Ride up for the afternoon light and warm up at a mountain terrace.
- Pair with
- A soak at the Scandinave Spa or an evening in the village.
- Time needed
- Two hours, three with a meal on the mountain.
Good questions
When does Peak 2 Peak sightseeing run this winter?+
Winter 2026-27 sightseeing reopens November 25, 2026 and runs to April 18, 2027. Skiers with a lift ticket ride it whenever lifts are operating.
How long is the gondola ride?+
The crossing takes about eleven minutes each way over a 4.4 km span, reaching about 436 metres above the valley floor.
Is it available in summer?+
Yes, sightseeing typically runs from late May to early October, but the 2026 summer season has ended. Check whistler.com for the 2027 dates.
How do I buy tickets?+
Book online at whistler.com at least three days ahead, or buy at the Whistler Visitor Centre for nearer dates. Tickets are collected in person with photo ID.
Do I need a ticket if I ski?+
No. A Whistler Blackcomb lift ticket, Day Pass or Epic Pass covers the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.