Whistler Blackcomb Says “NO” to Smoking

The pristine Whistler Blackcomb resort has a message for you: butt out.

As of May 30, smoking will be prohibited anywhere on Whistler Blackcomb property, including lift lines, chairlifts, gondolas, ski runs, hiking trails, valley base areas, parking lots, bike trails and all bar and restaurant locations, including patios.

The new smoke-free policy will apply to both guests and staff although the latter is being given a one-year grace period to ease into the new rule. Staff will be permitted to smoke in designated smoking areas. During that time, Whistler Blackcomb will provide tools and resources to assist them in quitting smoking. Then on May 31, 2016, they too will be required to butt out.

The move earned praise from Vancouver Coastal Health medical health officer Dr. Paul Martiquet.

“We know many young people ski and snowboard and youth who haven’t started using tobacco by the time they are 26 years old will most likely never start,” he said in a news release.

“Eliminating smoking in public places, such as on our mountains, creates healthy role modeling so youth and others are less likely to even consider using tobacco.”

Dave Brownlie, president and CEO of Whistler Blackcomb, said the decision was motivated by a desire “to preserve the pristine alpine environment our guests come here for.”

It was also motivated, he said, by a desire to provide a safe and healthy environment for work and play for both guests and staff.

And when the resort says no smoking, it really means it. The ban includes medical marijuana. So the Ross Rebagliatis of the world will be out of luck as smoking of any kind (tobacco, marijuana, e-cigarettes and vaporizers) is prohibited anywhere on Whistler Blackcomb property

Say goodbye to the days of the happy hippy resort and hello to squeaky clean mountain air.

yzacharias@vancouversun.com