Crankworx Whistler | Everything You Need to Know (2019 Update)
In Whistler, the typical festivals aren’t just about electronic beats playing 24/7. Our festivals are a little more world class, a little more adrenaline-pumping, and not events you want to miss out on. If you are like us, you are after high-flying, action-packed, extraordinary humans doing extraordinary things. Even if you don’t know it, you’re looking for Crankworx.
Image: CrankworxCrankworx is the festival that brings two-wheeled magic to Whistler for almost ten days, packing in event-after-event of superhuman mountain biking talent, and a general atmosphere of all-out craziness. Crankworx is a full-scale, interactive festival for those that love all things downhill.
In August, get prepared for witness the best the world has to offer: downhill biking, stunt jumps, cross-country touring-style cycling, and total bike insanity.
It’s the adrenaline-fuelled festival you never knew you needed.
Image: Crankworx
Down to the Details: Everything You Need to Know about Crankworx Whistler 2019
From August 9-18, 2019, you and the rest of Whistler can enter the realm of the extraordinary for the 16th annual Crankworx competition. A nine-day, non-stop-action-packed festival, Crankworx brings together countless downhill mountain biking events, music, and people from all over the globe.
The vast majority of Crankworx events are FREE. VIP tickets are available for a number of the events, but if it works like the past few years, all competitions are open to the public. If you’re looking to drop a little extra cash for the full experience: Red Bull Joyride, VIP Experience from $119.
Type 2 Kind of Fun
For the VIPs in our midst, the Redbull Joyride experience gets you up-close-and-personal with all the mountain biking action. You’ll get exclusive access to the Red Bull Joyride VIP zone, tons of free food, and two glacier-fresh Kokanees.
Want something better? Crankworx Skybox at Red Bull Joyride presented by the Bearfoot Bistro
from $649
Getting your VIP tickets for Whistler Crankworx 2019 is just the first step, figuring out where you should stay is the next. Luckily, tons of Whistler’s finest lodging establishments have partnered with Crankworx to put together accommodations for just about every budget. From luxury hotels to spacious studios to family townhomes, Whistler will have you covered.
Interested? Let’s start planning your trip. For a better breakdown of what kind of biking debauchery you’ll be getting into, read on!
Whistler Crankworx Schedule | The Full Event Breakdown
Crankworx offers all kinds of opportunities for unique events, but the real meat of the festival is all about the down-hill biking. For the full Whistler Crankworx Schedule, keep checking out the Crankworx site for updates as the dates creep up on you.
Red Bull Joyride
August 17th, 2019: 4:30PM
Described as the season-defining conclusion of the Crankworx Slopestyle World Tour, this joyride is steeped in 15 years of high-risk tradition. It’s the most challenging event on the FMB circuit, and the best riders in the world bring their A-game to this invitation-only showcase to interpret a custom-built course that’s known for its unique features. Like the rest of these events, it’s totally free to watch!
Official Alpine Whip-Off Championships
August 15th 3:30 pm
The calm before Whistler Crankworx
What rules the Whip-off Championships you ask? According to Crankworx, its skillset and steeze. Gather with your friends to watch the big attitude and sideways flare in a throw-down of killer whips. This event never fails to draw one of the biggest crowds, so make sure you get there early to help determine the sovereign monarch of style.
100 % Dual Slalom Whistler
August 14th, 2019: 4PM
It’s slalom time, and you won’t want to miss out. This raw-rivalry-fueled comp pits two competitors against each other as they battle side-by-side against the clock. The loser? He’s eliminated while the winner continues. Gather your crew and head to the pits to cheer on the rider of your choice and watch as each lap around the track raises the stakes.
Cliff Speed & Style
August 16th, 2019: 6PM
According to Martin Soderstrom, this competition is about two things, and two things alone: “go fast and do tricks.” Riders race down the mountain earning top marks for top speed, but they get a head of the their compeition by adding in a few sneaky tricks on route. Crankworx calls this event the “Future of Free Style.”
CamelBak Canadian Open Enduro
August 11, 2019: 8AM
This four-stage Enduro action-packed track is the ultimate riding experience. Anyone can register for The Canadian Open Challenger Enduro event, and it gives riders the opportunity to experience a more relaxed, fun format without having to bite into the full deal right out of the riding gate.
Ride clean and ride fast – that’s the only way you’ll survive this Enduro track. This trail is selected for the multi-stage rooty, coastal rainforest terrain, peppered through the steps of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. This free event is a heart-pumping race you need to see to believe.
Dirt Diaries
August 14, 2019: 8 PM
This event is one of the few ticketed events at Whistler Crankworx 2019, but it’s worth every penny. You’ll witness a slew of four-to-six-minute videos that show off mountain biking culture, passion, and skill. Dirt Diaries teams are focused on the Whistler Valley and Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and they work to produce films that are engaging, interesting, and unique! They also happen to bring wicked storylines. Celebrate the creative spirit of the sport and a storytelling culture unlike any other.
- Wednesday, August 14, VIP Experience starts at 8:00 p.m. and event at 8:30 p.m
- Dirt Diaries VIP Experience: $10.00
Here is the winning entry from 2018 Dirt Diaries, Mother Earth by FASTFOKUS, staring British Columbia’s First Nations Alex and Daniel Wells. Member of Lil’wat First Nation.
Is your Crankworx Whistler 2019 calendar still not full enough? Check out other events during the Crankworx Whistler 2019:
- August 15th, 2019 8PM: RockShox Ultimate Pumptrack Challenge
- August 9th, 2019 8AM: Kidsworx Enduro
- August 9th, 2019 5PM: Garbanzo Downhill
- August 10th, 2019 8AM: Bell Helmets EWS80
- Auguist 11th, 2019 9AM: A-Line Women’s Only Session
Après Activities: The Real After-Party
You’ll get the action you’re after during the Crankworx festival, but what about the after-party activities? You’ll need a list of fun things to do, places to gather to share your epic wipeout stories, and plenty of food and drink. Check out our list of must-sees, must-dos, and must-drinks.
Forged Axe
The best after-competition in town
We’re definitely not biased when we say this, but axe throwing is the perfect after-the-festivities activity for you and your adrenaline-loving friends. Join us over at Forged Axe for the best-of-the-best ax-throwing fun and games. There is a reason why we are number one on Trip Advisor for Whistler Fun and Games (Whistler Bike Park is only number two!). Whether it’s just you or a group of friends looking to release your inner lumberjacks, we’ve got you covered.
Whistler Village Eats
If you’re looking for a spot to eat, drink, and be merry with your crew after a long day of downhill wipeouts, look no further than the many options available to you in Whistler Village. Luckily, we’ve got a whole list of dining spots available for you. Check out hotspots like 21 Step for incredible food and a great atmosphere. Looking for a place where you don’t need to change out of your biking gear? We recommend Amsterdam Café and Pub. There are even a Whistler Tasting Tours available to those indecisive foodies.
Whistler Village Drinks & Party Spots
Get ready for one wild ride at Maxx Fish
There’s really no end to the list of places to drink and party in Whistler, but we’ll do our best to name a few. Want the ultimate list? Check out our article about Whistler Nightlife. Otherwise, we tend to hit up places like Tommy Africa’s club – they host an 80s night every single Monday (you’ll definitely want to see it). Other hotspots include:
- Buffalo Bills
- Maxx Fish
- Of course, there are tons of Crankworx specific parties, too.
Check out this list from last year’s Crankworx and check back for updates on the 2019 schedule. Last year’s features included a Bourbon and Bluegrass Party, Mountain Bikers’ Ball, a Silent Disco, and a Joyride Brunch Party.
Crankworx Whistler 2019: Don’t Miss the Party
When it comes down to it, the Crankworx Festival isn’t for the faint of heart. If you’re after a wild day fueled by Red Bull and adrenaline, then you’ll love the ten-day festival that graces Whistler this August. Keep checking back on the Crankworx site for VIP details, updates to the schedule, and musical additions. You won’t want to miss out!