Mountain Biking in Whistler: Trip Planning

Whistler is a mecca for mountain biking enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its extensive network of trails, breathtaking scenery, and a dedicated community of riders, mountain biking in Whistler has something for everyone, from beginner to expert. Whether you’re seeking blue flow, challenging cross-country trails, or double black in the bike park, Whistler provides an unforgettable mountain biking experience. In this trip planning guide, we’ll cover essential top trail systems, lodging, food, and non-bike activities to help you make the most of your mountain biking trip to Whistler.

Interested in other mountain bike locations? Check out our destinations page.

What to Know about Mountain Biking in Whistler

E-bike Restrictions

E-bikes are permitted on most trails in Whistler, including the Valley Trail network and Lost Lake area. The exceptions being Mount Sproatt and Rainbow Mountain alpine trails and the Emerald Forest Conservation Area. Riders should consult WORCA and the latest trail maps to identify e-bike-friendly routes, as certain trails are off-limits to maintain trail quality and environmental conservation.

Types of Trails

Whistler offers a wide range of trails, from flowy green beginner trails to double-black technical lines. Trails are clearly marked and maintained by local groups like the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA), ensuring options for all skill levels. If you’re heading to Bike Park be sure to check out their trail progression on the bike park map.

Weather

The prime mountain biking season runs from late May through early October, although specific dates can vary with weather conditions. Summers in Whistler are generally mild and perfect for outdoor activities, but be prepared for sudden changes in weather. The bike park and most trails ride well in the rain. The exceptions are some of the trails on Blackcomb such as Micro Climate and Dark Crystal.

Parking

Day Lots: Whistler offers several large day lots (Lots 1-5) located just south of Whistler Village. Lots 1, 2, and 3 are closest to the Village and the Whistler Bike Park, making them ideal for riders. Day parking in these lots is generally free, although some lots may have time restrictions or fees during high-demand periods. Early arrival is recommended, especially in summer, as these lots fill up quickly.

Creekside Parking: For those riding the Creekside Bike Park zone or staying in Creekside Village, the Creekside Parkade offers convenient parking. This is often less crowded than the Village lots and allows easy access to the Creekside gondola. Parking here is typically free for the first few hours, with hourly fees afterward.

Bike-Friendly Amenities: Many parking lots offer bike racks and spaces to assemble or disassemble bikes. Some of the larger lots in Whistler Village also provide easy access to restrooms and water stations.

Riding Terrain

Whistler’s landscape makes it one of the premier mountain biking destinations in the world, offering terrain that caters to all skill levels and preferences. From flowy singletrack to steep technical descents, the variety of trails and riding styles ensures that every rider, whether beginner or expert, can find something to suit their taste.

Mountain Bike Trail Systems in Whistler

Here’s a list of 5 areas to ride in and around Whistler. We’ll cover an overview of each area and a recommended route. Whistler has a lot of trails!

1. Whistler Bike Park
2. Lost Lake
3. Westside Trails
4. Cheakamus Trails
5. Blackcomb

Whistler Bike Park

The Whistler Bike Park has become iconic in the mountain biking world. Here’s what to expect from the different zones within the park:

Fitzsimmons Zone: This zone is home to the most famous trails in the Bike Park, including A-Line and Crank It Up. Here, you’ll find flow trails filled with big berms, tabletop jumps, and rhythm sections, perfect for riders who love speed and jumps. The Fitzsimmons Zone also has more technical trails, such as Schleyer and Detriot Rock City, with rocky drops and challenging features suited for advanced riders. If you like tech but aren’t ready for the blacks this zone has a lot of great blue tech trails such as Ninja Cougar, Karate Monkey, and Samurai Pizza Cat.

Garbanzo Zone: The Garbo Zone offers steep, technical terrain with a raw, natural feel. Trails like Original Sin and In Deep are known for their rough roots, rock slabs, and tight lines, making this zone a favorite among seasoned downhill riders looking for a technical challenge. The new trail Loamonade lives up to it’s name and goes between a black and double black based on weather and trail conditions. If you want to stay on a blues, Blue Velvet is a blast and has a bit of everything.

Creekside Zone: This newish area offers a mix of intermediate and advanced trails, with options like Earth Circus and Southpark that are a bit quieter than those in the main park. The Creekside Zone starts off of the Garbo zone with the Midgard trail. This is a challenging blue tech that will set you up to tackle the black tech such as Odessa. If you want to jump right into the black trails, take Miss Fire into more black or double black tech. Trails are longer, providing sustained descents through dense forest, and they have a more remote, backcountry feel. Make sure your hands are well rested for this descent!

Peak Zone: AKA Top of the World. Open during peak summer months with an extra ticket, the Peak Zone offers high-alpine riding with amazing views and rugged terrain. A true bucket list trail, Top of the World starts above the treeline with sharp rock sections, technical turns, and some of the best alpine scenery in Whistler. While some of the more challenging sections can be bypassed or walked, riders should be comfortable on advanced trails in the bike park and prepared to handle technical granite features and steep, rugged descents.

Lost Lake

The Lost Lake trail system is one of Whistler’s most accessible networks, located just minutes from Whistler Village off the bike path. These trails are ideal for a more relaxed, cross-country experience and are a great option for families, beginners, and those wanting to explore Whistler’s beautiful forests and lakeside views. While less intense than the Whistler Bike Park trails, Lost Lake offers a variety of routes with some flowy singletrack, gentle climbs, tech, and even some rock slabs if you look for them.

For a well-rounded experience of the Lost Lake trail system, the Zappa Trails Loop is a good choice. Named after musician Frank Zappa, this network of trails flows seamlessly, offering a mix of green and blue singletrack that showcases the best of Lost Lake’s terrain.

Route Overview

• Distance: Approximately 6-7 km (around 4 miles)
• Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
• Duration: 1-2 hours, depending on pace
• Starting Point: Begin at the Lost Lake Park entrance, which is easily accessible from Whistler Village.

Route Highlights

1. Peaches en Regalia and Dinah Moe Humm (Blue)
   • Description: Start with Peaches en Regalia and Dinah Moe Humm. These trails include some wooden features and tech climbs that are on the easier side.
2. Grand Wazoo (Blue)
   • Description: Transition to Grand Wazoo, which offers a slightly more technical experience with small roots, rocks, and a few narrow turns. This trail is ideal for riders ready to step up from the green trails but not yet ready for intense terrain.
3. Disco Boy (Blue)
   • Description: After Grand Wazoo, head onto Disco Boy for some fun, flowy singletrack with moderate rollers and small berms. This trail offers some of the best flow in the Zappa network, making it a highlight of the loop.
4. Tin Pants (Green)
   • Description: For a smooth ride back toward the lake, take Tin Pants, which connects with other trails in the area and brings you through more forested sections. This trail is wide and flat, ideal for a relaxed cool-down.
5. Fountain of Love/Pinocchio’s Furniture/Dwarf Nebula/Zoot Allures/Toads/Gee/Son of Mr. Green (Blues)
   • Description: This route will provide a lot of fun challenges, wooden features and short tech sections.
6. Jelly Roll Gumdrop (Blue)
   • Description: If you’re up for a little more, finish with Jelly Roll Gumdrop, a trail that combines gentle elevation changes with fun turns, all leading back toward the starting point near Lost Lake.

Westside Trails

The West Side trails are known for their steep, rocky terrain, with more exposed rock slabs and less loamy soil than the trails across the valley. This zone is not known for being flowy! The Flank Trail serves as the backbone of this area, running the length of the valley from north to south and connecting multiple descent options.

Starting at the north end, Howler is a challenging climb that rewards riders with a long, thrilling descent. There are also some trails over here that you will not find on Trailforks but are also not technically illegal. Ask around to find Slayberrtooth Kitten (pictured below). For those chasing rock slabs, trails like Green Monster, AC/DC deliver plenty of technical features and rock faces.

Further south, trails such as Chipmunk Rebellion, Pura Vida, Cheap Thrills, High Society, and Legalize It provide great options to cap off a ride from Lord of the Squirrels. These routes maximize descent opportunities and bring riders right down to the valley floor.

For a less committing ride, many of these trails are accessible via the Flank Trail, which can be reached from Function Junction or the Stonebridge neighborhood, allowing for shorter, scenic loops without tackling the full descent.

Cheakamus Trails

The Cheakamus trails, located south of Whistler Village, offer a unique experience away from the crowds of the bike park and Westside trails. Known for their scenic views, flowing singletrack, and varied terrain, these trails are ideal for riders seeking a mix of cross-country riding with technical sections and beautiful natural surroundings. The trails are also e-bike-friendly. Park at the Cheakamus River parking lot just off the highway.

Check out AM/PM, Farside, and It’s Business Time.

Blackcomb

The trails on Blackcomb Mountain are more natural and rugged than some of the smoother, sculpted lines found in the main Whistler Bike Park. Many of the trails here are designed for experienced riders, with steeper descents, root-laden paths, and technical rock features. Blackcomb trails are less crowded than those in the main park, making them a great choice for riders looking for a quieter, backcountry feel with a mix of flow and technical sections.

Micro Climate

• Difficulty: Advanced
• Features: Micro Climate is one of Blackcomb’s most popular trails, known for its technical rooty sections and flowy lines. This singletrack trail weaves through dense forest with steep, rocky descents, challenging riders’ control and balance. It’s a must-ride for advanced riders eeking technical terrain with a backcountry feel.

Dark Crystal

• Difficulty: Advanced
• Features: Dark Crystal is a technical masterpiece that tests riders’ handling skills with tight, twisty corners, steep drops, and natural rock gardens. It’s a popular choice for those looking to push their limits and tackle challenging features. The trail’s rugged terrain and dense forest setting makes the ride feel wild and remote.

Hey Bud

• Difficulty: Expert
• Features: Known for its gnarly sections, Hey Bud is designed for expert riders who are comfortable with steep, technical terrain. This trail features tricky root networks, tight switchbacks, and rocky outcrops. Hey Bud demands focus, strength, and finesse, making it one of Blackcomb’s more challenging trails.

Golden Boner/Roam in the Loam

• Difficulty: Intermediate/Advanced
• Features: A more approachable option for intermediate riders, Golden Boner offers a fun mix of flow and technical challenges. With moderate descents, a few rocky sections, and smooth turns, this trail provides a great way to experience Blackcomb’s terrain without the intensity of more advanced trails.

Crazy Train

• Difficulty: Advanced
• Features: Crazy Train is known for its steep descents and sharp, technical sections. The trail incorporates natural terrain with drops, roots, and rocky areas, offering a fast-paced ride that’s best suited for experienced bikers. The trail ends with a thrilling descent that rewards riders with a satisfying challenge.

Whistler Bike Shops and Rentals

Don’t have your own bike? No problem! Whistler has MANY bike shops that offer a range of high-quality mountain bikes. Some of the top options include:

Most rental shops also provide maps and advice on the best trails to suit your skill level and preferences. Here’s three we recommend.

Whistler Camping

Camping offers a budget-friendly way to experience Whistler’s mountain biking culture. Here are some camping options:

Riverside Resort: Located near Lost Lake, Riverside Resort provides both tent camping and RV hookups. This well-maintained campground includes showers, laundry, and even a café, giving campers easy access to Lost Lake trails. The best part of this campground is you can ride the bike path to Lost Lake, the Village and the bike park.

Whistler RV Park & Campground is located about 20 min south of Whistler Village. The campground caters to RV campers as well as tent campers, and its facilities make it suitable for families or groups looking for convenience and easy access to Whistler’s attractions.

Cal-Cheak Recreation Site: About a 15-minute drive south of Whistler, this scenic camping area offers tent and RV sites near the Cheakamus River. Sites are basic, with no showers, but the setting is serene, surrounded by old-growth forest.

Whistler Lodging

Here are some of the top accommodations for mountain bikers:

• Whistler Village Hotels: Staying in Whistler Village offers proximity to the Bike Park, dining, and nightlife. Hotels like Aava Hotel , the Pangea Pod Hotel and The Westin provide convenient access, comfortable rooms, and bike-friendly amenities, including secure bike storage and wash.
• Creekside Accommodations: For a quieter experience, Creekside Village is an excellent option, especially for those riding in the Creekside Bike Park zone. Legends Whistler and Evolution Whistler are popular for their peaceful atmosphere and easy access to Creekside lifts.
• Vacation Rentals: If you’re traveling with a group, consider renting a condo or cabin. Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo offer numerous options, including bike-friendly rentals with storage and repair stations.

Whistler Non-Bike Activities

Whistler isn’t just about mountain biking—there are plenty of other activities to explore, whether you want to unwind or try something new.

Spa: After long days of riding, treat yourself to a spa day at Scandinave Spa. This serene, Nordic-inspired spa features hot baths, cold plunges, and massages to help your muscles recover. The spa is located right above Riverside Resort and they often have coupons at the desk. Also try showing up without a reservation as you’ll get the best deal.

Hiking and Sightseeing: Take a break from biking and explore scenic hikes like the Whistler Train Wreck Trail, for its graffiti-covered boxcars and river views.

For panoramic alpine views, the Peak 2 Peak Gondola ride is a must if you’re not afraid of heights.

Ziplining and Bungee Jumping: For thrill-seekers, Whistler offers a range of adventure sports, including ziplining with Ziptrek Ecotours and bungee jumping with Whistler Bungee.

Lake Activities: Whistler has several beautiful lakes, including Alta Lake and Lost Lake, ideal for paddleboarding, swimming, or just relaxing on the shore. Check out the food truck (Park Eats) schedule in the summer as they visit each of the lakes.

Golfing/Tennis: If you’re looking to switch gears, Whistler has four championship golf courses and there is also a tennis club where our son did a few camps and lessons.

Whistler Restaurants

Whistler offers a wide range of dining options to refuel after a day on the trails.

Pizza: Creekbread is great for a nicer evening out and great pies. Be sure to make a reservation. For a post-ride slice, Handlebar is a must.

Casual Eats: Splitz Grill serves up some of the best burgers in Whistler and is a local favorite among riders. Provisions has amazing sandwiches and pastries! Samurai Sushi is a locals go to for fresh yet affordable Asian food.

Quick Bites: If you’re looking for a quick bite, Purebread offers delicious pastries and snacks, perfect for taking on the trail.

Grocery Stores: While expensive The Fresh Market is a great place to pick up healthy groceries and prepared foods. They also have a lot of local produce in the summer. Nesters is your best bet for anything else.

Have you been to Whistler? What’s your favorite trail?