A significant landslide has caused the closure of the Sea to Sky Highway, impacting travel between Vancouver and Whistler, B.C. The landslide, which occurred on Saturday, December 14, 2024, has blocked both directions of the highway, stranding skiers, snowboarders, and other travelers.
Reports indicate the landslide took place near Lions Bay, bringing down soil, rocks, and tree debris onto the road. This incident has prevented access to both Squamish and Whistler, which are popular destinations, particularly for winter sports enthusiasts.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) noted early Saturday afternoon the highway was initially expected to reopen by midnight. "The highway is not expected to reopen for at least 24 hours," they clarified later at 8 p.m., indicating the potential reopening would be at the earliest late Sunday. Alternative routes have been limited, as detours are unavailable due to the nature of the closure.
Emergency crews are on-site, working diligently to assess the situation. According to information from Drive BC, trees have fallen across the road between Lions Bay Avenue and Brunswick Beach Road. Ground crews and additional teams have been dispatched for the cleanup efforts, which involve heavy equipment. The Ministry of Transportation is conducting extensive assessments of the damage.
Despite the challenges, no injuries have been reported so far, which was confirmed by emergency services stating, "Emergency crews are working to confirm property damage and determine if anyone was injured. At this time, no injuries have been reported." This update has provided some reassurance to both the authorities and travelers concerned about the safety of those affected by the landslide.
Among those left stranded were Emily Bird and her partner Scott Gingrich. They had traveled to Whistler hoping for a day filled with skiing before returning to Vancouver. Feeling disheartened by the sudden closure, Gingrich expressed, "We’re feeling a bit disheartened," sharing his dismay at the change of plans. "We decided to cut our trip short... Our priority was getting back to Vancouver." With thoughts of catching their flight to Toronto for Christmas looming, they decided to monitor the road conditions closely.
Another traveler echoed similar frustrations, stating, "I hope you weren’t planning to go to/from Whistler today," indicating the widespread impact of the closure across social media platforms like X, formerly known as Twitter.
Local weather factors have played a significant role during this ordeal. B.C. has been experiencing severe weather conditions recently, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, which have affected other aspects of travel and infrastructure throughout the region. Some areas have faced power outages and ferry cancellations, indicating broader disruptions from the same weather patterns affecting the landslide.
Crews continue to conduct assessments, including geotechnical evaluations from helicopters to gather comprehensive information about the extent of the damage. Reports noted, "Crews are on site and assessment is progress," emphasizing the urgency and complexity of the cleanup efforts. Travelers are encouraged to avoid the area until it is deemed safe and cleared for passage.
Authorities urge the public to check DriveBC for updates on road conditions and the reopening timeline, as the impacts of the heavy rainfall continue to be assessed. While this situation evolves, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of everyone involved and preparing the highway for reopening.
The ramifications of this landslide extend far beyond the immediate area, affecting local economies reliant on tourism, especially during the holiday season. With Whistler Blackcomb being one of North America's premier ski resorts, the timing could not be worse for those awaiting opportunities to hit the slopes.
Travelers and locals alike are reminded to stay informed about the situation as updates become available. The tightening hold of winter upon the region creates urgency, signaling the needs and hopes of many for timely access to the iconic routes they depend on.
To wrap up, as the highways are cleared and the debris is removed, it is anticipated the travel situation will improve. But for now, the Sea to Sky Highway remains closed, with many excited holiday plans paused until safe passage is restored.
