Living There
When the snow melts on Whistler Mountain, most of the skiers vanish and aren’t heard from until next season. But, a few stay, and they discover that there’s more to this mountain than ice and snow. The bicycle trails open up, and they’re amazing. Here’s how to get in on this action and rediscover your favorite ski resort.
FitzSimmons Zone
This is the first and original Whistler Mountain Bike Park. There are five different levels of difficulty within this zone, and some of the most experienced cyclists come here to play. If you’re trying this zone out, you should seriously consider staying in one of the Whistler luxury hotels nearby. You’ll need at least 3 days to get a grasp of what this is all about.
The FitzZone is suited for both beginners and experienced bike riders, and is situated on the lower slope from Whistler Village, but stretches all the way to the Olympic station some 1,000m up the mountain.
Garbanzo Zone
Garbanzo isn’t just a bean, it’s one of the most exciting zones on Whistler if you like bike riding. It was first put into service in 2004 to complement the Fitz, but it exceeded the expectations of both the staff and riders. It’s higher than Fitz – 2700 feet of new vertical, but not so high that it hits the ultra-thin air of the alpine.
The trails here are suitable for intermediate and advanced riders only. If you’re a beginner, you’ll find these trails tough, and some of them will be unridable for you.
Peak Zone
The peak zone is a mind-blowing experience for just about everyone who dares come here. It’s situated on the peak of Whistler mountain. Here, you’ll see some of the most amazing scenery known to man. Once you get to the peak, the trails will guide you through the mountain’s incredible and breathtaking environment.
Switchback corners and flowing descents will make you anxious and excited about what lies ahead. There are areas on these trails that aren’t even open during ski season, so this is your opportunity to experience a part of the mountain that few have ever seen.
Air Zone
Air Zone is where experienced bike riders hone their chops and take their riding to the next level. Here, you will find the infamous Air Dome, an 8400 square foot covered indoor bike training facility.
You can practice jump progression here inside 26’ quarter pipes. The pumptrack is great for practicing straight-line performance, pumping your bike down the trails, practicing control over momentum, and of course having fun on your bike.
If you don’t have a bike, you can rent one here. BMX, dirt jump, slopestyle, and downhill bikes are welcome in the dome.
If you’re not much of a bike rider yourself, or if you’re with people that don’t want to ride, spectators are also welcome. So, bring your friends and family and have them grade you on your bike-riding skills.
Scott Boland is an active semi-retired mechanic who enjoys outdoor sports. He has recently been getting back into mountain bike riding. He enjoys sharing his experiences online via blogging.
