Whistler Blackcomb Provides Update on New Six-Person Lift

Progress continues on Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia’s new Jersey Cream Express lift, which it intends to complete in time for the 2024-2025 ski season.

A few days ago, the resort dropped a video by Matthew Sylvestre detailing the construction process.

Whistler Blackcomb Jersey Cream Express Update

Towers three through 14 have been assembled for the new lift, the drive and return terminals are in place, and Whistler Blackcomb has staged the haul rope.

Previously, the lift was a high-speed four-seater. Once construction is complete, it’ll be a high-speed six-seater. The original Jersey Cream first fired up in 1989, serving a 30-plus year tenure.

The new lift will have the same alignment on Blackcomb Mountain’s piste as its predecessor—and is expected to operate between 25 and 30 years—with a slight twist that might initially confuse locals. The upgraded Jersey Cream will spin in the opposite direction than it once did.

Whistler Blackcomb opted to replace the lift because it’s the backbone of the Blackcomb alpine skiing experience. The upgrade will improve Jersey Cream’s uphill capacity by 29%.

Construction is now fully underway, but Jersey Cream Express project once faced a delay. Last year, Whistler Blackcomb announced that work on the new lift couldn't begin until 2024, citing labor and resource constraints on the part of Doppelmayr, the resort’s manufacturing and installation partner.

Despite the Jersey Cream delay, the Fitzsimmons Express replacement moved forward as planned, debuting during the 2023-2024 season.

Since 2018, Whistler Blackcomb has instituted numerous lift infrastructure improvements, including installing the Blackcomb Gondola and upgrading the Big Red Express, the Creekside Gondola, and the aforementioned Fitzsimmons Express.

Earlier this week, Whistler Blackcomb shared its 2024-2025 opening date. The resort plans to open on November 22nd, weather and conditions permitting, and, with the planned completion of the Jersey Cream Express, have an improved way for skiers to experience the Blackcomb side of the mountain.

Related: Inside Freeskiing’s New Boot Brand: Phaenom Footwear

Be the first to read breaking ski news with POWDER. Subscribe to our newsletter and stay connected with the latest happenings in the world of skiing. From ski resort news to profiles of the world’s best skiers, we are committed to keeping you informed.

Submit your best clips for a chance to be featured on POWDER. Tune in and watch handpicked, high-quality ski videos streaming all day long on POWDER TV , and subscribe to our YouTube channel .