Skydiving is one of the most liberating experiences you can have, and we highly recommend it for any thrill seekers out there. Whistler Skydiving in Whistler BC, (Canada) is our preferred place to do it. With scenic mountain views and an LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere you can’t go wrong.
Facility: Whistler Skydiving
Thrill Level: Extreme
Location: 1850 Airport Rd, Pemberton, British Columbia – Canada
LGBTQ+ Friendly: Yes
Cost: $359+HST (CAD) / per person with the options for add-ons
Add-ons: Photos – $95+HST, Video – $115+HST, Combo – $160+HST
Proximity:
Pemberton: 7 minutes
Squamish: 1hr and 15 minutes
Whistler: 35 minutes
Vancouver: 2 hours
Location:
Given that it is called Whistler Skydiving, the facility is actually located at the Pemberton Airport which is roughly 30 minutes from Whistler. Basically anywhere you are coming from you will have to drive or take a rideshare. Additionally, you also have the option of taking the bus to Whistler and then a rideshare from there. We drove in from Squamish which took about an hour without traffic – the scenery of the mountains and trees are really beautiful, therefore we would recommend the drive.
*Always give yourself extra time and plan ahead for any traffic or road closures as roads frequently go down to one lane.
Overview
Now, before we get into it we have to say that jumping out of an airplane at 10,000 feet is not as bad as it sounds. Comparatively, you know that feeling you get in your stomach when you’re on a rollercoaster mid drop? Yes you know it, it’s that sinking feeling. Well surprisingly that doesn’t happen when you jump out of a plane. Basically it feels like a lot of wind in your face and complete freedom. If you’re afraid of heights you won’t feel that way during the jump.
Getting There
Once you arrive at the address you will see Whistler Skydiving’s main office. While the parking lot is right in front of it. Just look for the green house with the Whistler Skydiving sign on the back. It is remotely located so there’s not much around, but with that being said it’s not too hard to find. Once you’re in the parking lot just go to the front of the green house to check in. Generally, a reservation is recommended but not required. We made ours one month in advance but they seem to have plenty of availability for anyone who is planning last minute.
*Keep in mind before booking that the maximum weight limit per person is 100kg/220 lbs, you must be 19 years old, and closed toe shoes are required.
The Experience
In a nutshell we have outlined what your experience at Whistler Skydiving will consist of…
Reservations
Although reservations aren’t required it’s generally a good idea to make a reservation so you can properly plan your day. We booked our jumps with the photo and video options for 9:00 AM so we could get them out of the way first thing. Whistler skydiving actually recommends booking first thing in the morning for the most favourable weather conditions. Although, keep in mind that your scheduled time is your check in time not your actual jump time.
You are not allowed to bring your own camera equipment to use during your skydive at Whistler Skydiving. We would highly recommend purchasing the photos and video options as we thought they were great value.
Check in
Upon arrival you have to check in you have to read and sign a release of liability, waiver of claims, assumption of risks, and indemnity agreement. Basically, by signing these you are acknowledging that anything could go wrong and you could die. No big deal. From there we got to pick who was going to get fitted for their harness and jump first. Surprisingly Aly decided she wanted to get it over with first so she took the plunge.
Viewing Area
Whistler Skydiving has a viewing area with some picnic tables at the check-in area so you are more than welcome to bring spectators. There is also a bathroom located in the building next door which is only a few steps away. We would highly recommend taking that last bathroom break before your jump being that you have to pay a cleaning fee for any accidents you have during your jump. After gearing up your instructor takes you through a 5 minute safety briefing. If you pay additionally for the video they do some filming for you before you get in the plane, as well as in the plane. The entire briefing/ check-in process took us 20 minutes.
The Jump
Once you sit in that plane and get ready for takeoff the rest is history. The ascent to 10,000 FT took about 10 minutes (who would have thought?). Despite your fears, anxiety and excitement we each tried to take a deep breath and enjoy the flight because it’s a pretty cool view. Once you reach 10,000 FT the instructor attaches themselves to you, opens the door where you are greeted with a rush of wind to your face, and you have to swing your feet out of the airplane as you begin to edge out. Three, two, one and you are off.
So, the first 30-40 seconds you free fall until your parachute opens, then you’ll sail down for about 4-5 minutes. Then comes the fun part. While you are sailing down the instructor will let you steer. They will show you a little trick so you can experience the feeling of 0 gravity as well. As you approach the ground brace yourself for landing and that’s it!
Post Jump
Surprisingly the adrenaline and jitters stay with you for quite some time after your jump. As a result you will want to relive the experience over and over, especially if you are an adrenaline junkie like us. Aly’s first words after landing were “Let’s go again”. Afterwards, as we were getting ready to head out we bought some t-shirts and were given SD cards with the footage and pictures from our experience. A few hours later our edited videos were emailed to us. Overall it was a seamless and incredible experience.
What to Wear/Bring
If you have a car you can leave your belongings inside or bring them with you. In fact the parking lot is steps from the check-in area. In the case that you took a rideshare, the check-in area is very spacious and the staff are extremely friendly and accommodating. Even if you need to leave any valuables with them during the jump you can feel safe doing so.
Takeaways
Altogether from start to finish this experience was incredible and we would do it again in a heartbeat. In spite of going into it with extreme anxiety the both of us felt at ease with the friendliness of the staff and laid back atmosphere. Despite doing multiple jumps all day everyday our instructor was just as excited as we were which made the experience that much better. Being from Canada we both felt safer doing our skydive locally and we felt at ease with the safety protocols put in place. Not to mention the scenic mountain views blew us away! If skydiving is something on your bucket list we would highly recommend doing it here!
Sky diving was always at the top of both our bucket lists so this activity comes in at number 1 for the both of us. I really don’t know what’s
