First Timer’s Guide to Whistler Bike Park

If you’re interested in mountain biking in the least, there’s a really good chance you’ve heard of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. The park is known worldwide for its trail system, multiple lifts, a vast number of trails, and expert design. The bike park attracts riders from all over the world, but we want to let you in on a little-known secret – it’s quite possibly the best place for beginner and intermediate riders. So don’t let the hype deter you, because we have the ultimate guide to get you ready for your first time in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

Get the Gear

First up, get the proper gear! If you don’t currently have a downhill bike, that’s okay – because there are plenty of shops in Whistler that have bikes for hire. If you’re staying in our Creekside location, Lake Placid Lodge, we highly recommend renting a downhill bike from Coastal Culture Sports. Their full-service shop not only offers bikes for hire but apparel, safety gear and any item you could need to make your first day perfect! We recommend that at the minimum, you have a full-face helmet, goggles, and knee & elbow pads. Last, but certainly not least, we recommend bringing a jacket with you on the mountain, as weather conditions can change drastically when moving up the lift in elevation!

Tips for the Day

The first pro-tip we have is to purchase your pass in advance! You can easily do this online, and it will save you time and hassle on your first day of riding. For this season specifically, COVID safety measures are still in place, so you’ll want to make sure you have your facemask and keep 2 meters of distance between you and other riders in the line-up. We also recommend carrying a water bottle with you, as there currently aren’t public drinking fountains at the base of the mountain. While there are many places to eat in the village, we suggest putting a couple of snacks in your pocket or pack to keep you fueled up while you’re on the mountain. A hydrated and fueled brain makes better decisions!

Where to Ride

We highly recommend starting in the Fitz Zone on your first day in the park. The main lift, Fitzsimmons Express, provides access to the lower mountain where more beginner and intermediate trails are located. For your first lap, take a cruise down Easy Does It, and get a feel for your bike and the surroundings of the bike park. This long, cruisy beginner trail is a great warmup! From there, you can try Whistler beginner technical trails like After Atlantis or Del Boca Vista. The key to a successful day in the park is steady progression! So spend as much time as you need on the green trails, before tackling the intermediate. When you’re ready, B-Line is a great intermediate trail that’s the perfect “next step” after you conquer the greens.

Get a Guide

If you’d prefer to have someone show you the way, we suggest hiring a guide from the Whistler Mountain Bike Park! Not only will they show you the way, but you’ll learn some great tips on body positioning and bike handling, speeding up your skills progression on the bike. There’s a wonderful, three-hour lesson available from Whistler Blackcomb called “Intro to Park” and we highly recommend this for your first day of riding! Let the pros show you the ropes, and then enjoy the park at your own pace for the rest of your visit.

 

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