Ascent Trail (Little Burn, Big Burn and Heart Burn)

Ascent Trail (Little Burn, Big Burn, and Heart Burn) in Whistler is exactly what it sounds like: a full-on grind straight up Blackcomb Mountain. Over just 6.4 km you gain about 1,144 m, topping out around 1,860 m, so it’s classified as extreme for a reason. Think of it as trading a gondola ticket for a serious leg workout and a fast track into the alpine.

The route starts from Whistler Village and climbs through dense forest, ski runs, and then more open slopes as you link Little Burn, Big Burn, and Heart Burn. It’s steep almost the entire way, but the path is generally well marked with fun signs, changing vegetation, and the occasional wildflower patch to distract you from the climb. Views build gradually, then open up near the top to big mountain scenery and a good chance of spotting marmots and birds, with the higher Whistler and Blackcomb hikes and the Peak 2 Peak gondola waiting if you want to extend the day.

Recent hikers agree: this is a tough, sustained ascent and feels more like a training route than a casual stroll. Expect construction detours on the ski hill at times, with dusty, less pleasant sections, and be ready for hot sun on the open parts despite decent shade lower down. Trail signage is mostly solid but can be confusing at a couple of junctions, so downloading the route helps, and carrying plenty of water, bug spray, and bear spray is smart, especially in midsummer. Best season for the Ascent Trail in Whistler is roughly July through September, when the snow is gone and the gondola is usually running for an easy ride down.