Whistler Bike Park Trails: truly the ultimate mountain biking experience.
Whistler Bike Park, in British Columbia, Canada, is one of the world's largest and most popular mountain bike destinations. With a wide range of trails catering to all levels of riders, it is a must-visit destination for any mountain biker.
The park boasts over 80 trails, from beginner-friendly green runs to gnarly black diamond descents. One of the standout trails is the legendary A-Line, a fast and flowy descent through the forest, suitable for intermediate and advanced riders. Another must-ride trail is Crank It Up, a technical, rocky descent that tests the skills of even the most experienced riders.
The A-Line
An iconic downhill mountain biking trail within the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, part of the larger Whistler Blackcomb resort area, starts near the top of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. It descends down the mountain, ending near the base of the park.
Trail Type & Difficulty: a downhill flow trail explicitly designed for advanced and expert riders. It features a combination of steep descents, jumps, berms, drops, and tabletops, all carefully crafted to provide an exhilarating and challenging riding experience.
Length: approximately 1.6 kilometers (1 mile) long, with a vertical drop of around 300 meters (1,000 feet). The trail can be ridden in just a few minutes by experienced riders, and many riders choose to ride it multiple times due to its fun and addictive nature.
Features:
Jumps: famous for its massive jumps, ranging from small rollers to large tabletops and gaps. Some of the jumps on A-Line are among the largest in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, with heights of up to 12 meters (40 feet) and distances of over 20 meters (65 feet).
Berms: the trail is lined with banked turns (berms) that allow riders to maintain speed and flow through corners with minimal braking.
Drops and Features: you’ll find drops, step-downs, and other technical features that challenge riders' skills and courage.
Crowds and Atmosphere: due to its popularity, A-Line can get quite crowded, especially during peak riding times like weekends and holidays. The trail has a lively and energetic atmosphere, with riders cheering each other on and sharing stoke for big jumps and tricks.
Safety and Caution: while A-Line is an incredibly fun trail, it poses significant risks due to its technical features and high speeds. Ensure you have appropriate protective gear, including a full-face helmet, knee and elbow pads, and body armor. Know your skill level and ride within your limits to avoid injury.
A-Line is a must-ride trail for downhill mountain bikers visiting Whistler, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience that epitomizes the thrill of riding in one of the world's premier mountain bike destinations!
Crank It Up
One of the most popular mountain bike trails in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, known for its flowy and playful nature, it starts near the mid-station of the Fitzsimmons Express chairlift and descends down the mountain, ending near the base of the park.
Trail Type and Difficulty: a downhill flow trail designed for riders of intermediate skill level and above, it features a smooth and well-groomed surface with a consistent gradient and a series of banked turns (berms) that allow you to maintain speed and flow through the trail.
Length and Elevation: approximately 3.3 kilometers (2 miles) long, with a vertical drop of around 220 meters (720 feet); the trail can be ridden in just a few minutes by experienced riders. You’ll likely ride it again and again!
Features:
Berms: the trail is lined with numerous banked turns (berms) that allow you to carry speed through corners with minimal braking. The berms are well-built and maintain their shape throughout the riding season.
Rollers and Jumps: Crank It Up features a series of rollers and small jumps that allow riders to catch air and practice jumping skills. The jumps are designed to be beginner-friendly, with smooth takeoffs and landings.
Optional Features: throughout the trail, there are optional features such as larger jumps, drops, and technical lines for more advanced riders looking to add a little extra to their ride.
Crowds and Atmosphere: Crank It Up is one of the busiest trails in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, especially during peak riding times (weekends and holidays). The trail has a lively and energetic atmosphere, with riders of all ages and abilities sharing the trail and cheering each other on.
Safety and Caution: While Crank It Up is rated as an intermediate trail, it still poses risks for riders, especially those new to downhill mountain biking. Wear appropriate protective gear, including a helmet, knee and elbow pads, and gloves, be aware of your skill level, and ride within your limits to avoid injury.
Crank It Up is a must-ride trail for intermediate and advanced riders visiting the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. It offers a fun and flowy riding experience that epitomizes the joy of downhill mountain biking.
Looking for a cross-country experience?
The park also has a network of well-maintained XC trails that wind through the forest and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the great things about Whistler Bike Park is its variety of terrain, from the steep, rocky descents to the fast and flowy trails. This makes it an excellent destination for riders of all skill levels, as there is always a new challenge to conquer.
The park also has a well-developed infrastructure, with lifts serving most trails, making it easy to get up to the top and maximize your ride time. There are also several bike shops on-site, offering bike rentals, repairs, and advice, making it a one-stop shop for all your mountain biking needs.
Just for Fun - Trail Names
Easy Trails
Easy Does It: a beginner-friendly trail designed for those new to downhill mountain biking.
B Line: another beginner-friendly trail featuring gentle descents and wide berms.
Intermediate Trails
Crank It Up: a flowy and playful trail with smooth berms and small jumps.
Blue Velvet: an intermediate trail with a mix of flowy sections and technical features.
Del Boca Vista: known for its fun jumps and rollers, this trail offers a mix of flow and technical riding.
Advanced Trails
A-Line: one of the most famous and iconic downhill trails in the world, featuring massive jumps and technical features.
Original Sin: a challenging trail with steep sections, drops, and technical features.
Dirt Merchant: known for its big jumps and fast descents, it’s a favorite among expert riders.
Expert Trails
Fade to Black: an expert-level trail featuring technical rock features, drops, and steep descents.
Canadian Open DH: a technical and challenging trail with rocky sections, roots, and drops.
In Deep: a steep and technical trail with tight switchbacks and challenging features.
Freeride and Technical Trails
Duffman: a technical trail with rock slabs, drops, and challenging features.
Tech Noir: a freeride trail featuring wooden features, rock rolls, and technical sections.
Jumps and Skills Development
Airdome: a dedicated area with a variety of jump lines and features for riders to practice and improve their skills.
Pumptrack: a pumptrack area designed for riders to practice pumping and flowing without pedaling.
Trail names and classifications may change as new trails are built or existing trails are modified. Whistler Mountain Bike Park may introduce temporary trails or features during special events or festivals.
It's always a good idea to check the park's website or consult trail maps for the most up-to-date information on trails and conditions. Ride on!
