Your Go-To-Guide to the Whistler Bike Park | Now With 2021 Updates!

Despite the snow-capped peaks and big powder days, we all know and love, Whistler is making a name as a mountain bike mecca. As soon as the snow melts, the Whistler bike park pops off in a big way during the summer months.

With 80 expertly designed trails and 4,900 vertical feet of downhill, the Whistler bike park in 2021 is the most expensive ever. Whether you are a total newbie buckling up for your first downhill or a pro who digs the technical trails—here is the low down on what’s new at the Whistler bike park in 2021.

We’ll cover everything you need to know about the whistler bike park including, lift tickets, park passes; trails and terrain; rentals and, of course, lessons. If you have questions, we’ve got the answers.

All About the Bike Park in Whistler 

The Whistler Bike Park may look daunting, but it’s not just for the pros.

This bike park has 80 expertly crafted trails that span over four distinct mountain zones. From the valley all the way up to the peak, it covers 4,900 vertical feet, all accessed by six gondolas.

In typical Whistler fashion, every skill level is encouraged to give the extreme sport a try. But you need to get a few things squared away first. 

Just like in the ski world, all trails are rated on the skill level required. Green marked trails are for total beginners, Blue for an intermediate skill set, Black Diamond for advanced riders, and Double Black Diamond for experts. Whistler even has a Red level for the pro riders.

If you’ve only cross country biked before, may we recommend a class or two (or three) before you head up the gondola? Make sure you’ve got the basic skills for mountain bike safety now to avoid accidents and injury later.

This is also the perfect time to mention that the minimum age to access the bike park is five years old, but Whistler Blackcomb highly recommends anyone under 13 ride with a guardian.

What about the types of trails and terrain? Download the bike park map before you head up to check out the four distinct areas of the bike park. 

Garbanzo

• Elevation up to 6,069 feet
• Features: Steeper, longer, rockier
• Level: Intermediate, Advanced
• Accessed via Garbanzo Express

Fitzsimmons

• Elevation up to 3,346 feet
• Features: Technical, Freeride, and Beginner
• Level: All skill levels
• Accessed via Fitzsimmons Express, Whistler Village Gondola

Creekside

• Elevation up to 4,730 feet
• Features: Singletrack area, lush forests and creeks
• Level: Intermediate, Expert
• Accessed via Garbanzo Express, Creekside Gondola

Peak

• Elevation up to 7,160 feet
• Features: Technical, Iconic 5,000-foot vertical descent
• Level: Advanced riders only
• Accessed via Whistler Village Gondola, and Peak Express

Hot local tip: if you’re looking for parking, the best value is parking at Creekside, where it’s free! It’s less than a minute from the Creekside Gondola that can take you up to the lifts and the newest area of the bike park.

What is the Whistler Bike Park Hours of Operation?

You’ll also need to know about opening times — which can vary from area to area as well as seasonally. For example, the bike park opens later than the ski hill does, but it also goes later. 

The Peak Zone wasn’t yet open at the time of writing because of pending snowmelt. Another factor? Long weekends and holidays, as the mountain often extends the hours of operation to accommodate the big crowds.

Check out Whistler Blackcomb’s updates for the most accurate opening hours.

Whistler Bike Park Opening Date 2021 (aka Whis-mas)

• Fitzsimmons: May 31st
• Garbanzo, Creekside: June 12th 
• Peak: Pending Snow melt

Whistler Bike Park Closing Date 2021:

• All Areas: October 11th

What about Whistler’s Hours of Operation?

Depending on area of the bike park and sundown, the Whistler bike park’s hours of operation vary from Spring to Fall.