Whistler Heli Skiing

On Oct 18th, 2013, BC Parks advised Whistler Heli-skiing, a subsidiary of Whistler Blackcomb, that it would be phasing WH's heliski operation out of Garibaldi Park by 2021. WB/WH are not happy and WB says it will be less willing to cooperate with BC Parks, for example, on improved public access through the Blackcomb CRA.

Letter, dated October 25, 2013, from David Brownlie of Whistler Blackcomb complaining to the Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skill Training that the draft master plan amendment to Garibaldi Park for the Spearhead Range is "inconsistent with building a world class tourism brand and creating jobs" in the province. The concern was that heli-skiing in the Spearhead Range would be discontinued. Mr. Brownlie claims that heli-skiing in the park sets WB apart from its competition, provides jobs and public safety.

Package of correspondence between BC Parks and Whistler Blackcomb in which BC Parks has a turnaround and now supports heli-skiing in the Spearhead Range of Garibaldi Park. This correspondence occurred after BC Parks had advised heli-skiing was being phased out. Subsequently, WB complained to the province saying "In our opinion the direction that BC Parks has taken with the master plan amendment is inconsistent with building a world class tourism brand and creating jobs in our Province.".