In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1983. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: When Whistler Mountain announced their 1983/84 ski rates in September, season’s passes increased by an average of 11.4%, more than double the official Statistics Canada rate of inflation (5.5%). President Lorne Borgal pointed out that Whistler Mountain had spent at least $1 million upgrading facilities in 1983 and, as prices had not been raised much in the past, pass prices for Whistler were still lower than some other ski resorts. An adult season’s pass increased from $450 to $500 and a dual-mountain pass jumped from $560 to $640. Adjusted for inflation today, these passes would cost roughly $1,290 and $1,650. Day tickets increased from $19 to $21, today a cost of about $54.
Question: Do you think the new ticket prices for Whistler Mountain have increased too much?
Josee Milord – Unemployed – Emerald Estates
There’s a lot of workers here making five dollars an hour. We pay the same price as people who come here from Paris or Hong Kong. It’s really bad, there should be a reduction in the cost. They have me a free pass one year, but I was a supervisor.
Gerald Kilby – BC Hydro Employee – North Vancouver
I’ve got an answer. I’ll just ski on Blackcomb. I think the mountains are comparable, and if Blackcomb offers Super Valu rates (reduced price on lift tickets if bought at supermarket), I’ll take advantage of it. I don’t mind saving five bucks.
Ron Douglas – Manager, Araxi’s Restaurant – Alpine Meadows
It’s affordable still. It’s not as if they’re doing it for extra profits. The changes will probably hit family groups if anyone. People are up here to ski, and they’re willing to pay for it.