Mountain Biking in Whistler

Nestled between the Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, Whistler is one of the North America's fantastic resort destinations, located about 75 miles north of Vancouver in Canada. Teeming with breathtaking vistas comprising snow-capped peaks, excellent terrains, enthralling waterfalls, lush green forests, dazzling lakes and rivers, Whistler is regarded as a year-round playground providing opportunities to enjoy a continuum of thrilling summer as well as winter activities.

Among many other activities such as heli tours, flightseeing, sightseeing, hiking, and ATV tours, mountain biking forms one of the most popular summer activities in Whistler. Mountain biking in Whistler is truly legendary. With hundreds of well-maintained mountain biking trails throughout the region, Whistler is considered a haven for mountain biking. In other words, Whistler boasts of some of the best biking trails on the planet. Further, a specialty is that Whistler has biking trails to cater every level of riders from novice to extreme pros.

Mountain biking in Whistler is categorized into three types: cross country biking, downhill biking, and valley trail biking. Cross country biking is primarily via old dense rainforests or may sometimes go right up to the bottom of a scintillating waterfall, or may sometimes even pass through an abandoned area.

One of the specialties of this type of biking is that it allows riders to be amid the wilderness, and is also considered a great way to explore the enchanting beauty of the region. A favorite sport in North America, Downhill mountain biking is perhaps the most popular among the mountain biking categories. An interesting feature of downhill mountain biking is that it enables the riders to easily ride up the mountain and that too without applying your own pedal power. Also, a specialty of this category of mountain biking is that you needn't have to be a veteran to enjoy it.

All of the Whistler's valleys are well linked by an extensive paved valley trail system, which in turn forms a perfect base for valley trail riding. Valley trails join several valley lakes, apart from various parks in the valley. Since valley trails are primarily designed for non-motorized vehicles, it allows for a safe as well as fun mountain bike riding, along with your family and friends. Special bikes coupled with comfy seats are available to make your ride along the valley trails a pleasant as well as memorable experience.

Now we will discuss some of the top destinations for enjoying mountain biking in Whistler. From fantastic trail networks along the majestic Blackcomb Mountain and technical single track to the astounding valley trails as well as the trails along the dense forest in Whistler, all of Whistler's biking trails and destinations are incredible.

Whistler Bike Park is regarded as one of the top spots for an enjoyable mountain biking. With more than 40 runs as well as more than 200 km of descending lift-serviced trails, this area is suitable for all types of riders. For example, if you are a novice, excellent options are available to ride along the banked trails via coastal forests.

For intermediates, such facilities as twisty single track are made available. Likewise, serious riders looking for challenges can choose trails running along the steep rock faces and root-strewn lines. In addition, all of the trails found here are well-maintained and patrolled, and render spectacular views of the surrounding lakes and valleys. Other specialties of the park are three access lifts such as Garbanzo Chairs, Whistler Gondola, and Fitzsimmons; two jump park areas; three skill centers for riders of all abilities like green circle, black diamond, and Blue Square; a fun-filled BikerCross; learning centers inclusive of ramps, practice obstacles, and teeter totters; and dirt trails along the canopied forests.

Another prominent biking trail in Whistler is the Lost Lake Park. Surrounded by a striking clear alpine lake, Lost Lake Park is a chain of well-linked trails, all of which are designed for a myriad of activities, such as, mountain biking and hiking during the summer and cross country skiing during winter. The centerpiece of the park is undoubtedly the lake, a dip in which after or before mountain biking is refreshing. A learning center, namely, Shaler's Bike Land, is also attached to the park. Further, Lost Lake Park is within easy reach of almost all top-rated attractions as well as facilities of the region.

Above all, your mountain biking vacation would be incomplete without taking the Epic Ride, Comfortably Numb, which is a 26 km long ride that runs from Wedgemount to Lost Lake. In addition, the ride includes more than 4,000 feet of twisting and climbing switchbacks.

Almost all of the Whistler's hotels and resorts render excellent packages to enjoy mountain biking. Mostly, included in the mountain biking packages are camps and clinics, guided tours, and private lessons. Many of them provide bikes on rental basis, while some even provide it for free. There are also shops exclusively for providing bikes on rental basis.