Whistler Mountain Bike Park in Whistler, BC, Canada, is a world-renowned destination for mountain bikers. Spanning over 4,900 vertical feet of lift-serviced terrain, the park is thoughtfully divided into four distinct zones, each offering a unique riding experience tailored to different skill levels and preferences. To truly appreciate the scale and variety, plan for more than just a weekend visit.
Fitzsimmons Zone: The Heart of the Park
Often referred to as the original and still a favorite, the Fitzsimmons Zone is accessed from the Fitzsimmons Lift, delivering riders right back to Whistler Village’s Skier’s Plaza. This zone is incredibly diverse, catering to every level of rider from absolute beginners to seasoned professionals. Fitzsimmons boasts five dedicated skills centers and iconic trails like the legendary A-Line, the flowy B-Line, the jump-filled Dirt Merchant, and the challenging Crabapple Hits. Notably, the Fitzsimmons Zone is also home to the Boneyard, a slopestyle course rebuilt annually for the prestigious Red Bull Joyride event during Crankworx Whistler. Whether you’re just starting out or pushing your limits, the Fitz Zone is where countless mountain biking journeys begin and continue.
Garbanzo Zone: Stepping Up the Challenge
For intermediate to advanced riders seeking a more demanding experience, the Garbanzo Zone, accessed via the Garbanzo Lift, elevates the riding to another level. Climbing 2,700 vertical feet above the Fitzsimmons Zone, Garbanzo is often called ‘the big brother of Fitz’ due to its steeper, more technical terrain. This zone challenges riders with a mix of trail styles, from the progressive jumps and flow of Blue Velvet to the rooty, rocky technicality of Goat’s Gully, and the high-speed jump trail Freight Train. Garbanzo’s demanding yet rewarding trails keep experienced riders returning year after year in search of progression and thrills.
Creek Zone: Advanced and Expert Terrain
The Creek Zone, accessed from Creekside Village via the Creekside Gondola, provides a gateway to advanced and expert trails. Riders can connect into the main bike park at Raven’s Nest, with trail options that loop back down to Creekside Village – known locally as ‘The Creek’ – offering convenient laps and après-ride options at Dusty’s. The Creekside Gondola also efficiently links riders to the Fitzsimmons and Garbanzo Zones via trails like Expressway, Lower Freight Train, and No Joke. The Creek Zone gained recent prominence as the location of the new 1199 trail, which was featured in the Canadian Open DH race during Crankworx Whistler, further solidifying its status as a top-tier riding area.
Peak Zone: Alpine Mountain Biking at its Finest
For an unparalleled alpine riding experience, the Peak Zone sits at the summit of Whistler Mountain. Access requires a Peak Zone ticket and an additional lift ride, but the reward is breathtaking. Here, the signature Whistler Bike Park flow is elevated – quite literally – to the mountain’s peak, set against the stunning backdrop of the Coast Range’s granite spires. The signature trail, Top of the World, is meticulously crafted through the delicate alpine environment, offering world-class riding with panoramic views. Due to environmental sensitivity and weather conditions, rider numbers are limited daily, and access is dependent on snow melt and seasonal openings. Riding in the Peak Zone is a must-do for advanced riders, promising a long descent with some of the most spectacular vistas imaginable.
