Rock Slide Forces Closure of Whistler Peak Chair

A rock slide near the Whistler Peak Chair has forced the closure of an important lift on Whistler Mountain, cutting off access to the highest lift-served alpine terrain.

Resort operations confirmed that a rockfall occurred near the summit lift infrastructure, prompting an immediate safety closure of both Whistler Peak Chair and the Peak Express Chair while crews assess the situation. The rock slide happened at 6:30 am and was heard by staff. No injuries were reported.

The affected lifts sit at the very top of Whistler Mountain and provide access to the alpine terrain around Whistler Peak and Little Whistler Peak, including some of the resort’s most iconic high-alpine runs and viewpoints.

According to the resort’s operations team, the lifts will remain closed until further notice while mountain staff evaluate the stability of the surrounding terrain and determine whether any infrastructure or lift components were affected by the slide.

Rockfall is a natural hazard in high alpine environments, particularly during periods of temperature swings when freeze-thaw cycles loosen fractured rock. While relatively uncommon within ski area boundaries, events like this can occur where lift infrastructure intersects exposed alpine terrain.

For skiers and riders, the closure removes direct lift access to the summit ridge — terrain that typically serves as the launching point for descents into Harmony, Symphony and the upper bowls of Whistler Mountain.

Until inspections are completed, the resort is prioritizing safety and restricting access to the area.

For those who know the mountain, the Peak Chair is more than a lift — it’s the final step to the top of Whistler. When it stops, the highest part of the mountain effectively goes quiet.

Sources
Squamish Chief; Whistler Blackcomb Operations Update.