While Whistler, BC is usually known as a winter sports wonderland and a holiday celebrations hotspot, it is also a great place to visit with your friends and family during the summertime as well. Whistler is one of the best places in the world for beginners to learn mountain biking, a sport loved and enjoyed by many travellers from around the world during the months from the month of May until October 2019.
The following article includes resources and information especially helpful for beginners; especially if it is your first time learning mountain biking or visiting Whistler:
Mountain Biking 101: What is Mountain Biking?
Mountain biking in Whistler is an exhilarating and adrenaline-filled activity that’s available during the summer times, making Whistler a promising getaway for you and your loved ones to learn a trick or two over different terrains on the mountains.
Cross Country Mountain Biking vs. Downhill Mountain Biking
Did you know there are different types of mountain biking available in the Whistler-Blackcomb area? Choose from cross country mountain biking or downhill mountain biking. The difference between the two is simple:
- Cross Country Mountain Biking, also known as “XC”, involves continuous, terraneous trails which can include a variety of unpaved obstacles, either natural or manmade.
- Downhill Mountain Biking, also known as “DC”, involves the challenge in biking down the terrain of the mountains, which in fact requires great technique in order to do so.
Pro Tips for Cross Country Mountain Biking and Downhill Mountain Biking
As a brief overview, Cycling Magazine has provided insightful tips for downhill mountain biking from a professional. Mountain biking involves jumps and curves on terrain that most beginners may not be used to, at first, and there is definitely a sense of urgency needed when you are mountain biking.
Some of these tips include:
- Understanding your bike and its absorbency to jumps and various degrees of shock. You can speak with a mountain bike professional to understand more about how to find the best bike that is suitable for you.
- Keep your eyes upward to maintain focus; downhill mountain biking requires your attention set on guiding the bike as you move along, potentially at rapid speeds.
- Unlike regular biking, you’ll want to let the bike roll along so you should prevent braking excessively.
Mountain Biking BC also includes a great tip in their article, Survive Your First Bike Park Holiday at Whistler:
- “Pace yourself and schedule for rest days.”
Disclaimer: these tips are for general information only, and the original sources have been cited for more information. Always speak with your instructor for the best and most reliable tips on the techniques required if you have any questions at any point while learning how to mountain bike.
What Makes Mountain Biking in Whistler So Special?
For the best first-time biking experience in Whistler, we recommend for you to check out Whistler Reservations’ offers on their Half-Day Tour packages, which are tours specially designed for beginners to help ensure that you are comfortable enough with mountain biking in time to take on your very first trail.
For downhill mountain biking, we would highly recommend for visitors to check out Bike Park 101 course, Women’s Nights or Men’s Nights, which are all events held at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Seasoned instructors use these group sessions to split up their learning attendees into groups based on their experience and comfort levels for downhill mountain biking. This can be especially comforting for novices learning to mountain bike for the first time!
Whistler Mountain Biking Costs and Fees
Whistler Mountain Bike Park is your best choice for downhill mountain biking. Many past visitors have left positive and honest reviews about the Mountain Bike Park, reminding other travellers that there are an array of trails to choose from but not every single trail may be suitable for each mountain biker!
If it is your first time mountain biking, we highly recommend going for the Fitzsimmons zone, and to aim for a Mountain Biking package which will allow you to learn side-by-side with an instructor.
Where can I buy tickets for Mountain Biking in Whistler?
For the most up-to-date information available online regarding the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, including dates and hours of operation and more, please visit the Whistler Blackcomb Mountain’s official website by clicking here.
Click here to check out the hours of operation for the Whistler Mountain Bike Park in 2019.
Best Areas to Visit for Mountain Biking in Whistler
There are over 70 bike trails in Whistler for various levels mountain biking. The mountain biking trails are divided into four zones: Fitzsimmons, Garbanzo, Creek, and Peak; and the complexity of each biking trail is segregated for learners of all levels.
As a rule of thumb, it is useful to know that the Fitzsimmons zone is the one for beginners. The rest are for tricks and/or intermediate and advanced bikers. It may also be beneficial to know that mountain biking lessons are available for kids of all ages, even for those from the ages of 5-12, as well.
Top Rated Whistler Mountain Biking Trails for Beginners
Some of the most popular trails Whistler visitors like to use for mountain biking include:
- Village stroll
- Valley Trail
- Trail Network
- Whistler Off-Road Cycling
Where to Find Great Deals for Mountain Biking Rental Gear
PRO TIP: Purchase your mountain biking rental equipment ahead of time online for a special deal of 20% off Mountain Biking packages from the Whistler Blackcomb’s official website!
WVH Management is Here to Help
Whistler Vacation Homes Management thrives when it comes to the area’s vacation home rentals because we’re here to assist you with the planning, preparing and perfecting of your anticipated trip to Whistler. After all, over 3 million memories are made on the Whistler Blackcomb Mountain each year — we highly look forward to being a part of yours!
WVH Management provides our guests with stellar services and genuine efforts as they arrive to Whistler each and every day. For more information on mountain biking in Whistler, please feel free to reach out by calling us at 604-545-0488 or by clicking here to speak with us directly. We look forward to speaking with you for further assistance.
