Video: It Takes an Army to Open Whistler Mountain Bike Park

May 11, 2014 at 22:30
by WhistlerMountain BikePark  
Dig. Pack. Shape. Repeat

by WhistlerMountainBikePark
Views: 41,492    Faves: 255    Comments: 8


Whistler Mountain Bike Park Manager, Brian Finestone has put his army to work in preparation for opening day. The troops were rallied and reported for duty. The battle against the elements to perfect the trails has begun. Watch the video as the war on winter unfolds and creates the jumps, berms and trails of Whistler Mountain Bike Park.

On Friday May 16 Whistler Mountain Bike Park will open for the season thanks to the hard work of the trail crew army. Trail crew battled snow, weather, drainage, and other obstacles to dig, pack and shape the berms, jumps, and trails. This work will allow for the opening of the majority of the Fitz Zone on Friday, including popular trails A-Line, B-Line, Crank It Up among others. The official trail list to open on May 16 is still to be confirmed. Make sure you check the park updates on Whistler Mountain Bike Park website for full details.

bigquotesConditions are shaping up to be excellent for our opening day with tacky, hero dirt expected all weekend long. - Brian Finestone, Whistler Mountain Bike Park manager.

May 10 2014 - Filming for opening Video of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park Photo Mark Mackay
It takes an army to open Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Here is what makes up the real army of Whistler Mountain Bike Park trail crew:
• 12 trail crew members
• 520 man hours
• 2 snowcats
• Two heavy equipment operators
• 4 light equipment operators
• 6 chainsaws, 1 tree faller
• 6 brooms, rakes, shovels, and pick axes
• 3 mini excavators

May 10 2014 - Filming for opening Video of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park Photo Mark Mackay
Trev Berg shining light on A-Line for the first time this season

May 10 2014 - Filming for opening Video of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park Photo Mark Mackay
Lula Darquier looking pinned on A-Line

May 10 2014 - Filming for opening Video of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park Photo Mark Mackay
Filming with Goldstein Productions just 6 days before opening day. Rider: James McSkimming

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Video by Goldstein Productions
Photos by Mark Mackay Photography - all riding shots taken on May 10, 2014.
Riders: Whistler Mountain Bike Team
Army: Lieutenant General Brian Finestone and his trail crew sergeants Pete Matthews & Trevor Berg
Music: Factor Eight
Kids:Finn Finestone and Ryder Iatan
Thanks to our partners: Giant, SRAM, Rock Shox, Avid, Truvativ, Kokanee, Power Bar, Go Pro, Maxxis, Kali, Monster, Dakine & iXS.

Author Info:
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98 Comments
  • 155 3
 Looks like I have 4 days to quit the job, cash out the 401k, sell the house, divorce the wife, buy a motorhome and start the trek North.
  • 23 1
 You better get moving! That's a lot of stuff to do in 5 days.
  • 10 1
 At least he has The bike already ... That makes it a Lot easier.
  • 5 1
 Solid plan. Independent of Whistler.
  • 21 1
 Was not emotionally ready for this given that I can't be out this summer! I'm just ready for 2015.
  • 2 1
 Me too
  • 5 1
 heal up fast bro!
  • 14 2
 Here is what makes up the real army of Whistler Mountain Bike Park trail crew:
• 12 trail crew members
• 520 man hours
• 12 trail crew members
• 520 man hours
  • 32 2
 520 hours is only a week's work. Guess it isn't that much effort after all.
  • 11 2
 I guess I wasn't the only one that thought the numbers were unimpressive.
  • 11 1
 Ha it really isnt that much work at all.
  • 5 0
 The numbers are dismal considering how fast ticket prices and season passes have risen along with ridership and big events. All the numbers seem to be up year in year out except the trail crew numbers. They do gods work and get the park in a rideable state, and we thank them for that.
  • 3 0
 It probably took them longer to make this video than to actually do the work!
  • 1 3
 @Matt-W Your maths are all wrong. A weeks work is 168 hours. 520 hours is almost 3 weeks. But still, doesn't seem that long for the whole bike park unless its 520 hours per the 12 workers.
  • 4 0
 He is referring to all 12 workers. If you are going to quote manhours it is always the cumulative number of hours.
  • 1 1
 Clearly none of you have maintained trails before if you think there isn't much work that goes into it.
  • 3 0
 Well done on missing the point that was being made entirely.
  • 1 0
 Well you're right, I totally did. That is what you get for trying to be on Pinkbike while your boss is over your shoulder.
  • 18 7
 Forget enduro, forget xc, forget all mountain and trail, forget downhill, slope style and free ride. I'm just going to start calling it all "mountain biking" again.
  • 12 1
 ok, why not call it ' Mountain Rollin' '
  • 9 6
 Or just stick to downhill?
  • 5 2
 Everybody rides differant trails/conditions and a downhill bike can be overkill in some areas. Why limit yourself to only downhill or force everybody into one category, when there are so many differant and fun trails to be had. Just because you cant do shuttle runs or ride a chair lift up, doesnt mean it isnt a hella good time.
  • 12 1
 How is this related to whistler opening again? This gets argued on every goddam article
  • 4 3
 I agree, feel free to neg prop me, i couldnt help myself tho. This website covers all disciplines not just one.
  • 3 0
 Dunno if id call any trails at the bike park anything but downhill since you get the lift up.... you can ride any bike on the trails though!
  • 1 0
 Comment on the article bro
  • 1 1
 Mountaianrollers, mine and your intial response to mountainollers comment had nothing to do with this article...
  • 1 0
 I have never stopped calling it that for the last 25 years. All the labels are for different kinds of bikes and competition disciplines.
  • 1 0
 woops wrong article. ha
  • 5 1
 I hope everyone realises how good the park looks considering the riding for this was all filmed in the last few days? Did you see Ninja Cougar?! Last year we had an amazing opening but due to a low-snow winter this year could be even better, especially with the sunny forecast! The three years before last year, we were riding everything on opening day through a channel of snow, some with 6-ft high snow-walls either side.

From 2011
B Line: fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/t1.0-9/248132_1761870362397_2654466_n.jpg
Schleyer: fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/t1.0-9/247910_10150207126773184_7380451_n.jpg
  • 1 2
 im fairly sure that was not filmed in the last few days, the snow bit yes but the riding I doubt it. there's still quiet a lot of snow up here
  • 3 0
 Hey matttie, all of the army scenes were filmed on May 8 and 9 with all riding shots on May 10th...There isn't much snow at all right now except on the ski runs. We're getting some warm weather this week so opening day should be really good. We're basically expecting almost all trails to open except a few. We'll have more info on the exact number of trails for opening on Wednesday.
  • 1 0
 that's great news then, the melt really must have got going over the last couple of weeks. this might mean its time to retire the snowboard for summer.
  • 5 0
 Now do i go to whistler opening weekend? Or aggys reunion in kamloops? Hmm decisions desisions
  • 6 0
 aggys reunion for sure! thats going to be the raddest most bad ass event!
  • 2 0
 Hahaha yea those jumps are massive
  • 5 0
 that poor snow man, how brutal!
  • 3 1
 mercy kill
  • 2 0
 Damn I love living in Whistler!!! This time of year can't come fast enough, long dusty days in the park, then beers down the lake after. This is living at it's finest!!!
  • 6 6
 Kudos for the attempt at creativity, but I couldn't watch it, just too awkward....IMO, HERE'S the vid if you want to get stoked about Opening Day at Whistler...it was shot last year at Opening Day Weekend...the best (riding) parts are the beginning to 1:45 and 11:00 to the end, and of course, Tippie is his wonderful self throughout. Soundtrack by BC/DC

www.pinkbike.com/video/313270
  • 1 0
 QUESTION: are things like Aline and crabapple flattened at the end of bike season and rebuilt at the start and wod features removed or are they just left as is?????
  • 3 0
 Any idea on how many trails will be open on the 16th?
  • 6 19
flag OS141121 (May 12, 2014 at 8:19) (Below Threshold)
 Not enough to warrant going
  • 4 0
 I'll take any trail at this point.
  • 2 0
 Everything except angry pirate
  • 3 1
 How do you know?
  • 4 13
flag OS141121 (May 12, 2014 at 9:25) (Below Threshold)
 I went last year opening day. Long lines and not many trails were open
  • 9 0
 I was also there. Not long lines and all train were open.
  • 2 0
 Not many trails open last year OS121121?! It was the most-open opening day ever with, as said by BikingBC, everything in Fitz-zone open except for Angry Pirate due to the creek keeping the temps lower and snow thicker in the area.
  • 3 0
 This OS kid has no idea what he is talking about. Literally everything was open last year save a couple trails and the lines were Far from bad, as they are every opening weekend. Personally, Waiting 5 minutes in line on opening weekend doesn't bug me, chance to see familiar faces and talk about new kit, and obviously high 5s in every direction. Plus, i don't know about you, but ill do anything i can to ride aline while there is no braking bumps and its all hero dirt.
  • 4 0
 He knows what he's doing, he wants shorter lift lines.
  • 1 3
 Alright, you guys have a great time, I'm going mid summer
  • 1 0
 Right on, Pete! Thanks for buffing my trails for me. I'll see you this weekend, bra. Throwing m' new V10 into The Grey Hornet and I'm hitting the road on Friday. Yee-doggie!
  • 1 0
 i'm so sick of being injured and of the destroyed woods in our country.. this kind of vids amp me up to ride and then i'm just even more frustrated Big Grin
  • 1 0
 Damnit whistler mountain bike park! Quit making such epic videos and asking me come back, my job and money don't like that haha
  • 3 1
 They have better painted Glory's every year. Loving the colour scheme!
  • 2 0
 Out-fucking-standing corporal!......carry on
  • 2 0
 Great Job boys! We will be seeing you there on opening weekend!
  • 2 0
 Bike and ski the same day!
  • 2 0
 The pilgrimage is about to begin.
  • 1 0
 I'm getting a hard on just thinking about the time I will spend at whistler this year.
  • 3 0
 FATALITY!
  • 2 0
 Should be dig, pack, drink, repeat.
  • 2 0
 Flights are booked, hotel set. Whistler June 8th!!
  • 2 0
 I hate booking so far in advanced, but it has to be done sometimes. Then all you can do is hope for the best in terms of weather. Good luck and lucky you.
  • 2 0
 I feel a Squamish/Whistler weekend coming on!
  • 1 0
 Don't forget the coast gravity park
  • 2 0
 You are wise. Good plan!
  • 2 0
 "conditions are shaping up!'' .............pppuuuuunnnnnnnnn
  • 1 0
 Nice work boys can wait to shred in 4 days 2 hours and 6 minutes!!!
  • 1 0
 Up the Giant Reign going taking on what the downhillers tracks! love it
  • 1 0
 That hero dirt sounds pretty nice
  • 1 0
 Trip booked for early June!!
  • 1 0
 Yep, camp in June for me ... counting the days.
  • 2 0
 WE ARE READY !
  • 2 2
 If I hadn't looked at the title picture I would've thought they were shouting: Dig/ Pack / Shit / Repeat lol.
  • 1 0
 cant wait, im so there opening weekend.!!
  • 1 0
 that was a great vid wish I could be part of that army
  • 1 0
 the kid with the blue helmet has a pretty sick helmet
  • 1 0
 Now I know who destroyed my snowman!
  • 1 0
 i just wish that one day i can ride those trails...
  • 1 0
 really need to get over there
  • 1 0
 "Walk your bikes!" I always liked that ending - lol
  • 1 0
 This place is on my bike bucket list. Must ride it before I die.
  • 1 0
 Trestle is so much better eh? Take that CANADIANS!
  • 2 0
 You made a terrible mistake my. Friend
  • 1 0
 niiiice!
  • 1 0
 Sic as Real.
  • 1 0
 I'd like to enlist
  • 1 2
 See you guys there July 21st
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