Whistler’s popularity as a summer destination has exploded in recent years thanks to its reputation as a mountain biking mecca. And the trails will be in peak condition at the beginning of the season, says Brian Finestone, Whistler’s Bike Park manager. His team did a lot of trail prep prior to ski season and when the snow melts, “they’ll be well-packed down, well-watered and ready to ride,” he explains.
Riders of all levels can find a variety of trails to challenge their skills, ranging from the family-friendly, paved Valley Trail to technical single-track through old growth forests on the gravity-fuelled descents of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
Mountain bikers who visit during the Victoria long weekend will be the first to hit the trails for the season (which runs May to October) before the park rolls out the largest trail expansion in Whistler Mountain Bike Park history. When the new trails hit the park in Creekside mid-June, bikers can look forward to 13 kilometres of trails, the Red Chair running all summer long and the new Dusty’s Bar + Grill, which is set to be the new après hot spot.
While you are here, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the launch pad to our Outer Spaces on board the Guinness World record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola. Set out on a 360˚experience on two mountains offering 50+ km of hiking trails, vistas that overload the senses, free and custom-guided tours in every direction, and an ever changing landscape from early summer snow walls to blooming wildflowers to ancient glaciers.
The mountain is in full swing this weekend with skiing on Blackcomb, the bike park opening on Whistler and a $66 million construction project underway. Whistler Blackcomb is putting a new gondola on Blackcomb and adding a string of new amenities to the alpine, including chair upgrades and a suspension bridge. If you’re out to ski on Blackcomb, the park will still be open on Jersey Cream, with a few brand-new rails, including a new 40 -foot round bar and a long round flat-down (during springtime until close Blackcomb). There’s also Glacier season June 9th to July 15th to look forward to (weather-permitting).
The following passes will maximize your days of adventure on the mountains:
o Whistler Mountain Bike Park Pass (details) Unlimited $679, 10-Day $455, 5-Day $285 and Twilight $275.
o PEAK 2 PEAK 360 Experience Pass (details) $89 when booked 2+ days in advance
For more information, visit Whistlerblackcomb.com.
