Whistler Mountain Bike Trail Guide
By: Sammi Bushman | Last Updated: March 21st, 2024
Whistler sees more visitors in the summer than it does in the winter - but how can that be possible? What’s the draw for folks when the snow is gone? The answer: mountain biking. The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is legendary. Known as one of the best downhill destinations in the world, riders from all corners of the globe dream of making their pilgrimage to this dirt church. What makes Whistler so special? From the quality of the dirt to the sheer number of trails, Whistler is certainly well deserving of its reputation. One of the greatest parts about mountain biking in Whistler is the overwhelming variety. It’s not just a mountain for the pros, though there are certainly many professional mountain bikers that call it home. Whistler is also well known for playing host to Crankworx, one of the largest mountain bike festivals in the world. There are mountain bike trails for riders of all ability levels, making Whistler a wonderful destination as well as a great place to learn and progress. The huge variety of Whistler mountain bike trails can be overwhelming, so read along and we will help to break down the must-hit trails and how to take full advantage of your mountain bike trip to Whistler.
Whistler Bike Park
Whistler Village Directions | Trailforks | MTB Project
While there are great mountain bike trails all over the Whistler Valley, the scene revolves around the bike park, and it certainly does not disappoint. 5 ski lifts service the 68 total trails in the Whistler Bike Park that descend over the nearly 5,000’ of vertical drop. This may be overwhelming at first, but they make it very easy to navigate and to choose which trails to ride. The Whistler Bike Park trail difficulty ratings follow the usual Green Circle through Double Black Diamond system, and also designate each trail “freeride” or “tech.” This means that there are no surprises and you know exactly what to expect when you drop in. Freeride trails have a smooth flowy surface along with jumps and machine-built features, while tech trails are more raw and natural, filled with roots and rocks. It’s always a good idea to warm up on some easier trails at any downhill mountain bike park, but especially at Whistler. It’s worth noting that the trails here are long and physical, often harder than their difficulty level equivalent trails in other areas.
There are four main area within the Whistler Bike Park: Fitzsimmons, Garbanzo, Peak, and Creekside. Each of the trails in the Whistler Bike Park has its merits, which means the best way to explore is often just going out and riding what you stumble upon. The great signage allows you to do this without getting in over your head, too. That said, there are certainly some crowd-favorite trails, and it's easy to progress with fun at every skill level
Crank It Up
Trailforks | MTB Project
Intermediate | 2 Miles | 849' Descent
A long freeride trail located in the heart of the Whistler Bike Park, Crank It Up is a classic trail that any rider can appreciate. Filled with sweeping berms, wall rides, wide bridges, and optional jumps, you can test your skills in the air or roll over anything that comes at you too hot. Accessible from the Fitzsimmons Chair, it consists of an upper and lower section. Start at the Trail Hub above the Gondola Midstation and get ready to rip.A-Line
Trailforks | MTB Project
Advanced - Expert | 1.8 Miles | 1074' Descent
Perhaps the most well-known and visible line in the main section of Whistler Bike Park, A-Line plays host to downhill races and party laps alike. Packed with machine-made jumps and a plethora of challenges, this advanced line can push even the most seasoned rider to master new tricks.B-Line
Trailforks | MTB Project
Intermediate | 1.4 miles | 825' Descent
Dirt Merchant
Trailforks | MTB Project
Expert | 1,660 ft | 158' Decent
Not for the faint of heart, Dirt Merchant is a short and spicy jump line located off EZ-Does It in the Fiszimmons Zone. Go big or pick a different trail, enough said.Top of The World
Trailforks | MTB Project
Intermediate - Expert | 3.8 Miles | 2,357' Descent
A bucket list trail for many, Top of The World is one of the newer trails in Whistler Bike Park, accessible from the Peak Zone. Experience every type of terrain BC has to offer, from high alpine riding to switchbacks, single track, and manicured berms. While many of the tougher parts of this trail can be walked or ridden around, it is recommended that riders feel comfortable on most trails within the bike park and know how to handle chunky granite and steeper tech.
Earth Circus
Trailforks | MTB Project
Intermediate | 1.6 Miles | 914' Descent
Hop on the Creekside Gondola and head straight to Earth Circus. One of the new additions to this zone, it is a modern flow trail with fast rollers, berms, and plenty of room to test your form and speed. This trail is Designed and built by Gravity Logic.
Original Sin
MTB Project | Trailforks
Advanced | 3,874' | 616' Descent
Accessed from the Whistler Gondola, Original Sin is a scenic single-track filled with big rocks and jumps that appear as if they just fall off the earth (they don't, but your photo ops will fool people.)
Fitszimmons Skills & BMX Park
Trailforks | More Info
All Levels | 0 Miles
Whistler Valley Trails
While many folks visit to ride the chairlifts, there are some world-class MTB trails in the Whistler Valley accessed by pedal power. Ranging from huge climbs into the alpine, to quick loops close to town, trails outside the bike park are a great option for riders on trail bikes, or those who enjoy the uphill in addition to the down. Valley trails are just a good option for folks looking to avoid the crowds and want to explore all British Columbia has to offer.
Lord of the Squirrels
Trailhead Directions | Trailforks | MTB Project
Up to 17 Miles | Advanced | 4,800’ Climb
Lost Lake
Trailhead Directions | Trailforks | MTB Project
Just a paved bike path away from Whistler Village, the Lost Lake trail network weaves up and down around Lost Lake, which doubles as a great swim spot on a hot summer day. The trails here are mostly short and rolling, suitable for a quick morning laps or low-consequence cross country. Lost Lake is a great spot for kids and beginners, too. Go get lost in the network (it’s small in size so it’s hard to get actually lost) and ride whatever looks fun!
The West Side trails are steep with more rock slabs and less loam than the trails across the valley. The Flank trail runs the length of the valley north and south with multiple options of descents. Starting north Howler is a big climb with a long descent. For those searching for slabs, Green Monster, Rockwork Orange and Kovara Milk Bar have you covered. Further south trails like Pura Vida, Cheep Thrills, High Society and Legalize make for good options to finish Lord of the Squirrels for those looking to maximize as much descending as possible before hitting the valley floor. Or if riders are looking for a less committing ride these trails can be accessed via the Flank at either Function Junction or the Stonebridge neighborhood.
Comfortably Numb
Trailhead Directions | Trailforks | MTB Project
12 Miles | Advanced | 2,022’ Climb/Descent
A classic trail in Whistler Valley, Comfortably Numb doesn't see the traffic it once did. Surpassed in popularity by the rugged and raw descents found throughout the valley, the trail is the definition of technical cross-country as it winds through old growth. Those looking for the thrill of speed may enjoy looking elsewhere, but if cleaning tech punchy climbs and root sections to quick short descents with some slabs mixed in is your jam, this is a good option if you have a few hours and want to spin the legs. This trail is brutal, but if you can solve its various technical puzzles, the sense of accomplishment is unmatched. The trail is typically ridden from the north end, finishing in the Lost Lake trails near the Whistler Village after descending the Comfortably Numb Foreplay Descent. The climbing is challenging for even the most physically fit riders. There are a couple of bailout options - these trails just shorten the ride, but they are still very difficult. Rocks, roots, boulders, slabs, this trail has it all. For riders looking to push it and test their bike handling skills, this is the ultimate arena.
Blackcomb Trails
Trailforks | MTB Project
The Blackcomb trails have been fully adopted into the Valley Trail system in recent years, making them accessible from Whistler Villiage. Trails like Dark Crystal, Micro Climate, and Hey Bud have become destination rides after gaining recognition from their time as Enduro World Series stages for the Whistler stop during the Crankworx bike festival. Long lines of sight combined with great flow wind through massive old growth trees, making these root and rock-infested trails some of the best in all the valley.Dark Crystal
Trailhead Directions | Trailforks
1.7 Miles | Advanced | -1,742' Descent
Designed to use as much natural terrain as possible, Dark Crystal is what Coastal BC mountain biking is about. Part of the Blackcomb trail network next to Microclimate, Dark Crystal is a must for riders looking for techy riding outside the bike park. This is not a good option in wet weather due to the abundance of roots and other slippery features. The rest of the time, however, Dark Crystal is a marvel of natural singletrack.
Micro Climate
Trailhead Directions | Trailforks | MTB Project
1.3 Miles | Advanced | -1,234' Descent
Another gem, Microclimate is a super fun descending trail just outside Whistler Village on Blackcomb Mountain. Roots aplenty, Microclimate will challenge your line choice and push riders to find their way through the techy sections. Nowadays, this techy style may be called “old-school,” but the trail is a trail-building gem, giving you lines and speed to conquer the roots and rough spots. Speed is your friend, the faster you go, the more you glide over the roots, bumps, and holes. Advanced riders who want a challenge will love this ride! 
Getting to Whistler
The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is located in the Whistler Blackcomb ski area, a 90-minute drive from Vancouver and the Vancouver Airport. Since Whistler is such a popular international destination, there are plenty of transportation options to get mountain bikers to and from the bike park, even without renting a car. Since the bike park can be tough on your gear, and not everyone owns a downhill bike, renting can be a good idea. evo operates five retail locations throughout the Village, making it easy to gear up and get out on the trails. With the addition of the Creekside trails, there are now two main base areas for the chairlifts that access the bike park, Whistler Village and Creekside.
Visit evo Whistler
Weather and Riding Conditions
The Whistler Bike Park season is typically from May through October, and the surrounding pedal trails follow a similar timeline, depending on the weather. The lower trails in the Fitzsimmons zone are the first to open, followed by the upper trails as the snow melts The lifts open at 10 am every morning and run to 5 pm or 8 pm depending on the season. Trail conditions are best early and late in the season, when there is more moisture in the dirt. In the drier middle portions of the summer, the trails can get pretty dusty resulting in more braking bumps in the bike park. Whistler works constantly to maintain and rebuild trails throughout the summer and has even installed irrigation on popular trails like A Line. This means you’re almost guaranteed to have fresh trails to ride no matter when you visit.
