Whistler's Top of the World Run -A Rider's Account

I have been hearing a lot of buzz around Whistler's newly opened mountain bike run from the peak of the mountain, called Top of the World. The peak zone encompasses approximately 1100 vertical feet, and coupled with the mid level Garbanzo zone and lower Fitzsimmons zone will put a rider through their paces with almost a 5000 vertical drop from top to bottom of mountain. Right now it is the only run from the top, but I hear there are plans for further development of trails in the future. Riders need to purchase a $15 ticket upgrade to reach this run, and this run is limited to only 100 riders per day. I spoke today with a rider who completed this run and heard his account:

Mod Coast: Describe your level of riding.
Rider: Experienced but conservative

Mod Coast: Can you describe the Top of the World Run?
Rider: It's in the alpine so it's mostly loose rocks with few trees. You start off going down a wide hiking trail which leads you to the start of the run, which by the way is a double black diamond despite what  the run map shows.  This section is very steep, with loads of loose rocks, tight switchback turns and is of course, single track. It's a pretty steep descent for most of it. There are a couple of sections which level out and even some slight uphill, but of course most is downhill. It's a long way down.

Mod Coast: What were the challenges?
Rider: Obviously the length of the run in total, going right from the top is just that much further. The loose rock makes it tricky coupled with the steep slope. It's testing all your skill levels. And then just when you finish the peak zone, it spits you out into the Garbanzo level right into more super challenging runs, so no rest for the weary. It definitely challenges you. It's difficult and also remote up there, so if you hurt yourself it's a long way down. I know someone who yesterday blew their tire near the top of the run and had to walk the whole way down the mountain, as where the run spits you out is nowhere near the lifts. And if you got hurt, well, pretend you are in the middle of nowhere.

Mod Coast: So why do the run?
Rider: For the challenge of going from the top, wanted to see what it was like, how I could do it. I ski here all the time in the winter, so I wanted to check it out in summer. Also, as you see from the pictures, the view is great. I'm glad I did it.... once .

Let's check out the pictures. Note: Obviously our rider was concentrating hard on the descent and not able to take pictures of all the steep slopes, but here is an idea of what the run visually looks like in parts.

On the way up the peak chair- it has hooks to hang your bike

View down the mountain 

Bare rocks at the top

Note hikers and tourists still take the chair up too

Double Black Diamond? What have I got myself into...

Caution: Even the Pros were hesitating before the first drop 

And they're off ! 

Spectacular Views 

Descending 

Nearing the end 

 Do you dare to try?

Whistler Mountain Bike Park Snapshots

I thought I would give a peak into some of the other mountain bike runs on Whistler. Since I am still at a beginner stage and progressing on the green runs, I obtained more photos from my fellow rider who is at a more advanced level than I. Most of the runs on Whistler are of a blue/intermediate level or black diamond/expert level. It's still fun for me to look at what those runs are like, so I can live vicariously through others braver than me!

Here is just a sample:

For pros only-yes that moss clearing is the actual run!

Tight Berms on Unsanctioned in Garbonzo Zone (Black Diamond)

Skinny Boardwalks on Devils Claw (Blue level) 

Devil's Claw-pray you make the turn!

Speeding down Blue Velvet in the Garbonzo Zone 

Downhill Mountain Biking-A Beginner's Try

I am in Whistler, which is bustling with bikers of all kinds this week, due to the huge Crankworx festival. Crankworx celebrates all things mountain bike, with loads of downhill races for both pros and amateurs as well as freeride mountain bike events. Inspired by all the riders that make it look easy, I decide to try my hand at mountain biking again.

map of bottom Fitzsimmons Zone 

Whistler now has three zones on which to ride. A new peak zone just opened this summer, where expert riders can ride up the chair to the top of the mountain and take a new trail, Top of the World, dropping almost 5000 feet from top of mountain to bottom.  The middle Garbanzo section is also for intermediate/experts with the bottom Fitzsimmons zone having a mix of beginner, intermediate and expert. It is this bottom zone that I will try, still no small thing, as this zone drops 1200 feet in elevation.

map of Whistler bike zones 

I take the green run of "EZ does it", a winding steady trail with enough challenge for a beginner to practice on.

Start of trail 

Wide berms to practice turns

 The downhill keeps you at a steady speed so not much peddling needed. Just watch for rocks and dips that may throw you off balance. The path is also wide enough to give you room to maneuver if you need a bit of extra space, as you get the hang of it.

Wide Bridge to cross 

There are a few narrower sections and some boardwalk bridges to cross. Also watch for a few spots where other trails merge, with some more advanced riders speeding  by you. Just keep to the side, and no problem. I found the more trickier part was where there was loose gravel near the finish, but just go slow and steady. There are some fun parts too, especially the rolling hills or "whoops" where you can feel the bike's suspension. All the bumps are small enough to get the feel, but not lose control. The berms are fun too.

Nearing the end 

Final Turns 

 The end brings you back to some more loose gravel on the final slope past the GLC pub, and then the bottom where everyone finishes.

Give it a try! Downhill mountain biking at Whistler is fun, even if you are not an expert.

Whistler- Fun in the Sun on the Valley Trail

I have travelled to mainland B.C. this week and am in Whistler for the big mountain bike festival, Crankworx. There will be lots to report on with much action going on.

Whistler, a busy ski resort in winter, is still crawling with people in summer, with downhill mountain bikers heading up the lifts for the great trails on the mountain and tourists hanging out in the cafes and pubs that line the village stroll. One thing you do want to be aware of, especially biking on the mountain or area trails, are black bears. It's their prime time in the summers and they are found foraging for food on the mountain, a lot of times in the meadows of the ski runs. But sometimes they do wander into the village, with this young guy strolling past my hotel.


























Rule number one: Do not follow the bear, especially as it crosses the street into some bushes as , to my surprise, these tourists did. Not too bright!

It was right in front of them and they wanted to take pictures and watch it. Luckily the bear was not in a grumpy mood and paid no attention to them. A conservation officer soon came and chased the bear away, unharmed back up the mountain, with the crowd of people watching soon dispersing.  I have seen bears on the mountain bike trails on occasion when biking here before, but they are usually just busy eating berries and don't bother you if you don't bother them. Just be aware they may be around.

Wanting to explore more of Whistler on this hot day, I went for a ride on the Valley Trail. This trail crosses most of the Whistler area and is an easy route for getting around and exploring, with most of it paved and fairly flat. I started over in Creekside and biked past one of Whistler's many scenic lakes.

Nita Lake

Following the trail around Alta Lake, I came to Rainbow Park, a great place for a picnic or swim, with great views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.

Rainbow Park 

Heading north on the trail, I passed by the River of Golden Dreams, a popular lazy river to paddle on between Alta and Green Lake.

River of Golden Dreams

Cycling onwards, the trail led across the highway to Green Lake, a large lake on the north side of town, where float planes frequently fly into.

Green Lake

From here, you can veer back along the Valley Trail to the village, but I wanted to explore more, so I headed on the gravel trail towards Lost Lake park. After a bit of a hill climb on the unpaved trail, I came upon the park. What a hidden gem! Beautiful and looks great for a swim, although I'm sure that glacier water is a bit chilly.

Lost Lake 

Continuing along the lake, I came to the main park and beach for Lost Lake. It looked great for families and friends to lounge, definitely worth checking out.

Lost Lake Park 

I headed back on the trail to Whistler Village. Just follow the signs, it is well marked.
Have fun!