One of Whistler’s best kept secrets for beginner skiers and riders is the Whistler magic chair lift ticket. At only $20 per day, it is the perfect opportunity for first time skiiers, or families with young children, to get a taste of whistler, without the price tag. While it is not always open in the early season, usually by Christmas in Whistler, the Magic chair is available.

Whistler Magic Chair Ticket
The Whistler Magic Chair ticket gives ticketholders access to the Magic Chair at the Blackcomb day lodge. The Magic Chair accesses the Yellow Brick Road Green run and is a designated slow zone. The Yellow Brick Road is a wide run that is not very steep and perfect for beginner skiers and boarders.
These Whistler beginner lift tickets cannot be purchased in advance, and are available same day only from the Blackcomb day lodge ticket office. The chairlift is in between the Blackcomb Gondola and the Whistler Kids Ski School building.

More Resources on Traveling to Whistler
Whistler is located just two hours from Vancouver in British Columbia and is truely a year-round destination. Known for world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter and mountain biking, hiking, and lake time in the summer no matter what time you visit, you are bound to fall in love with this Canadian ski resort.
Check out where to stay in Whistler with kids for the best family friendly accomodations.
If you are bringing the kids to Whistler, also check out the Whistler Tube Park! It is tons of fun!
If your kids are ready for more than just the Magic chair and you happen to live in BC or WA you are in luck! If you register in advance, your kids can ski or ride for free for 5 days! Read all the details here.
I have a post on getting to Whistler from Vancouver. If you are looking for an AirBnb, check out the best AirBNBs in Whistler.
Shopping Tips for Whistler Village? Check out this post on the best Whistler souvenirs.
What to Pack for Whistler
- Winter Gear: If you are going to Whistler in the winter, you are going to need a winter hat, boots, gloves and a hat. It can be snowy and cold in the village, early-season often sees no snow in the village, but it can be wet. Sub-zero temperatures are normal in the village all season and sometimes it can be bitterly cold! To keep toes warm in boots and skates and those fingertips toasty, we now use these reusable hand warmers!
- Reusable Shopping Bag: Whistler prides itself on being green, bring your own shopping bag for the grocery store, or for your souvenir shopping.
- Travel Adapter: For visitors coming from the United States, Canada uses the same 110V plugs, so no adapter is needed. But those of you visiting from Europe, the UK, Australia or Asia, make sure you bring a North American plug or inexpensive Universal Travel Adapter
- Credit Card: While yes, you will need it for shopping, but it is also needed for some hotel deposits, as well as renting gear. Most shopping in British Columbia has moved to plastic (debit or credit) as the most popular way to pay. While cash is usually fine, ensure you have credit cards where needed.
- Guidebook: Whether you like researching beforehand or like to have something in your hand when you travel, grab the British Columbia Lonely Planet Guidebook.
- A good power bank to charge phones and other devices is always a good idea. After a day of videoing, GPS and taking photos, the last thing you want is a dead cell phone. These are inexpensive and come in handy during the day. If you are flying to Vancouver, make sure you keep any power banks in your hand luggage, as security will often remove them from checked bags (I have found that out the hard way before).
Lindsay Nieminen is the creator of UncoveringBC.com. She grew up and still lives in the suburbs of Vancouver with her family. She aims to inspire inform, and educate others about traveling in her home province of British Columbia. She is also the creator of carpediemourway.com which aims to show parents how to seek out adventure at home or abroad, with their children in tow!
Hi,
Do you know if the Magic Chair at Whistler still offers tickets at $20?
When I called them, they seemed to have no idea about this.
Wondering if they just want to keep this low key?
Thanks!
Avi
Yes they do! I bought one this week! It is not always open early in the season though!
The magic chair price is up to $23 now for the 2022/23 season. The Whistler side has a Beginners pass too. $44 for adults, which you can use to take the gondola up to the Olympic station and explore the beginners runs in that area, as well as ski back down to the village. More costly because it’s a much larger area, but definitely still worth it for the price.
Thanks so much for the update Tim! I am going to update this for this season!
Hi Tim, is there any way to buy the magic chair tickets early? If not, when I buy on the day itself, is the availability guaranteed for the magic chair tickets? Thank you in advance! 🙂
They only sell them from the ticket window. There are rarely people on the hill, I don’t think it ever sells out.