WHISTLER, BC (June 10, 2025) – Coworking Whistler announced today the launch of a local economic survey to gauge current business sentiment and explore opportunities for community collaboration and professional growth in the face of economic uncertainty.
The survey, which runs June 10th to June 30th, seeks input from local business owners/managers, sole proprietors, digital workers, commercial landlords, and employees throughout the Whistler area, and offers participants the chance to win over $2,500 in professional development prizes.
Economic Outlook
As a tourism-driven economy, Whistler faces uncertainty stemming from the US Administration’s forward-facing stance on trade. This has increased the likelihood of a future recession.
“We’re already seeing a number of indicators that a recession may happen as early as the second half of this year in Canada and the USA." said Will Stewart, who previously worked as a US-based economist and is an owner of Coworking Whistler. "At a consumer level: volatility in exchange rates, rising inflation, and people's ability to afford travel are becoming common themes across our major visitor markets as well as at home.”
75.9% of Canada’s export revenue in 2024 came from the United States. [Stat Can]
Whistler & Vail - Winter
In many ways, Whistler’s own ski economy echoes that of Canada, where we are completely — and complexly — connected to the US.
“Vail's ownership of Whistler Blackcomb and the industry's season-pass business model now plays a major factor in mountain related tourism in Whistler and throughout North America,” says Stewart. "The sustainability of many small businesses along with their employees here is increasingly linked to Vail's global business decisions and returning maximum value to shareholders from its asset portfolio."
Post-pandemic this relationship, along with an ever strengthening US Dollar or ours, has helped drive exceptional growth in US-based visitation to Whistler. This also means the resort economy is now more exposed to any pull-back in US travel.
Another factor is Vail's consumer perception and questions about the Epic Pass's value. Despite declining pass sales in 2024, weakening customer satisfaction, and negative media coverage about crowded US resorts this winter, Vail increased their prices again for the upcoming season.
"Strong early bird Epic Pass sales for the coming winter could help protect Whistler during any economic downturn and position us better in comparison to other top ski resorts," says Stewart. "However, another seasonal decline in sales, combined with Vail's extremely high in-season lift ticket pricing, likely favours independent resorts and more affordable destination options."
Over the last few winters many viral videos have emerged on social media showing it can be more economical to fly to Japan or Europe and ski compared to visiting any North American resorts owned by Vail or Alterra, citing lift ticket and accommodation costs [blog]
A (Canadian) Summer Snapshot
Although the long-term outlook is largely unknown, Whistler’s 2025 summer season is much more real and extremely promising.
Provincial and national data suggests visitor numbers may reach all-time highs in some British Columbian destinations this summer, primarily driven by Canadian demand for domestic travel.
A strong indicator is Canadians' response to US threats, with many avoiding unnecessary travel south of the border in protest.
"Similar to the 'Buy Canadian' movement earlier this year, people seem to be applying the same thinking to where they spend this summer’s vacation time and travel budget," says Sam Roberts, co-owner of Coworking Whistler. "This looks positive for Whistler businesses and our upcoming events program."
Whistler is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025 (Pique)
Sentiment Survey - Details
The initiative lines up with a time in the year when many Whistlerites have shifted gears: reflecting on the winter as we head into summer-mode.
Additionally, with the recent federal election resulting in a minority Liberal government, along with last fall’s provincial majority NDP outcome, business owners have a clearer picture of leadership.
The survey explores various aspects of Whistler's economic ecosystem, including:
Current and predicted business and employment sentiment
Impact of changing tourism patterns
Opportunities for local collaboration, development and support
Potential for community-driven economic initiatives
"The current rate of change brings both significant opportunities and challenges — along with many unknowns — to our community," explained Sam Roberts. "By getting a better sense of what these are, new initiatives may become evident."
The survey takes approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and is open to anyone who works in Whistler or the Sea to Sky, whether as a business owner, independent professional, remote worker, or employee.
Participants who complete the survey will be entered into a prize draw featuring over $2,500 in prizes donated by Coworking Whistler and Amazon bestselling Author Paul Millerd, including:
DISC Workshop for Team Cohesion (2hrs in-person, team of 1-15) by Sam Roberts, Certified DISC Facilitator and Coach - $1,500 (x1)
One week free desk membership @ Coworking Whistler - $225 (x4)
A copy of Paul Millerd's book "Good Work: Reclaiming your Inner Ambition" - $29.99 (x4)
Survey results will be compiled into a report available to all participants in July 2025. Coworking Whistler hopes the findings will inform public discussion and better highlight perceived opportunities and risks facing the local economy.
"Strengthening your community in times of uncertainty is incredibly important," Stewart added. "We hope the survey results can act as a catalyst for new conversations to help Whistler's economic and business community in the short term and play a part in a bigger mentality of business, professional and employee collaboration in town."
To participate in the survey or learn more about Coworking Whistler's shared workspace, free events and other initiatives, visit www.coworkingwhistler.com.
About Coworking Whistler
Coworking Whistler located in the Village Square provides flexible workspace solutions and fosters a collaborative community for professionals and entrepreneurs in the Whistler area. Owned by Will Stewart and Sam Roberts, the workspace is committed to supporting local economic development and creating opportunities for professionals to connect, collaborate, and thrive. You can join Coworking Whistler as a Community Member for free to stay informed of upcoming events and any locals only discounts and offers.
Will Stewart
Owner - Coworking Whistler
bookings@rentalswhistler.ca
-30-
