New Trail added to Whistler Bike Park for 2012

Mar 5, 2012
by Tyler Maine  
The Whistler Mountain Bike Park will be opening its first lift-accessed alpine mountain bike trail to riders this summer. The alpine trail named “Top of the World” will be accessible from the Peak Chair at the summit of Whistler Mountain and will lead riders into the Garbanzo Zone of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. The opening of the new trail will increase Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s vertical by 1,091 feet bringing the total vertical to 4,946 feet. With over 60 trails and 4,946 feet of vertical Whistler Mountain Bike Park offers more trails and more vertical feet than any other bike park in North America.

Top of the World - NEW Alpine Trail

by WhistlerMountainBikePark
Views: 18,745    Faves: 155    Comments: 9


Beginning at the top of the Peak Chair on Whistler Mountain, Top of the World takes riders through one of the most visually spectacular alpine environments on the planet. A layer of soft tacky dirt covers the alpine trail as it winds its way through three climate zones including Whistler’s Alpine Tundra and Mountain Hemlock zones before finishing in a coastal rainforest. Riding in the alpine is a unique experience and Whistler’s expansive and vast mountains make it a visually spectacular setting.

“Top of the World will blow your mind,” says Whistler Mountain Bike Park Manager Brian Finestone. ”It takes the flow Whistler Mountain Bike Park is famous for and drops it on the peak of Whistler Mountain. With some of the world’s best riding set against the granite spires of the Coast Range Top of the World is the pinnacle of alpine riding.”

One hundred riders each day will be granted access to this special trail. “We want to ensure riding in such a spectacular setting is an inspiring experience,” says Finestone.

Riding the Peak Chair will require a separate lift ticket which will cost riders $15 in addition to their Bike Park pass. The Peak Zone ticket will be valid for one upload of the Peak Chair and is recommended for advanced riders.

“Top of the World is a technical downhill single-track trail and is suitable for advanced all-mountain, free-ride and downhill mountain bikers,” says Finestone.

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is scheduled to open for the 2012 bike season on May 18, with the Peak Zone likely opening in mid -July. More information on the Whistler Mountain Bike Park can be found at www.whistlerbike.com

Deals and Packages
To plan a trip to the consistently rated No. 1 Mountain Resort in North America this winter, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com or call 1-888-403-4727. Season long event and festival information is available online along with the most current weather and snow information.

About Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb, the official alpine skiing venue for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, is situated in the Resort Municipality of Whistler located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia 125 kilometres (78 miles) from Vancouver, British Columbia. North America’s premier four season mountain resort, Whistler and Blackcomb are two side-by-side mountains which combined offer over 200 marked runs, over 8,000 acres of terrain, 16 alpine bowls, three glaciers, receives on average over 1,090 centimetres (430 inches) of snow annually, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. In the summer, Whistler Blackcomb offers a variety of activities, including hiking and biking trails, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, and sightseeing on the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola.

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131 Comments

  • 107 3
 CANADA KICKS ASS!! best country on the face of this planet. i've never been to whistler but now i have even more reason to go. at least i'm in california... good place to be if you're not in BC.
  • 75 3
 Yeah im all for being patriotic and what not, but lets be honest here who wouldnt want to be canadian and live in B.C.
  • 76 1
 that's cool to see something like that come from an American! It makes me proud!
  • 53 1
 Lets face it - Canada probably has the best mountain biking scene on the planet!
  • 40 2
 good to know there's still Americans that love our country!
  • 16 114
flag TEAM-ROBOT (Mar 5, 2012 at 16:06) (Below Threshold)
 I wouldn't want to be Canadian and live in B.C.

www.hehs.d211.org/academics/socialstudies/FlagEagle.jpg
  • 10 4
 Whistler does kick ass alright. Still, I've got Moab on my list of places to ride; that's for damn sure. I'm not comparing apples to oranges mind you, just saying Moab is on my list. Yes, sir, downhill 'and' XC. Ride everything! And drink beer.

When shredding, borders don't mean a great deal.

Cheers, Americans! Woo!
  • 3 3
 I got to ride from there with a guide, it was amazing.

www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=341065892599426&id=100000572293667&notif_t=like#!/photo.php?v=273072479388493&set=vb.100000572293667&type=2&theater
  • 5 4
 yea its sick but im still proud of where i came from
  • 20 3
 shouldnt have to buy a separate lift ticket if you have a season pass thats bs whistler blackcomb makes more then enought money already
  • 3 3
 its 15 bux.. and chances are unless you're a whistler resident, you wont be seshing the trail every day given its not going to be open long in the year probably and only 100 riders a day, so its not even a big deal
  • 23 7
 to TEAM-ROBOT KILL YOURSELF
  • 3 1
 now waiting for crankworx will be 10x harder, thanks for dropping this so early before the season:'(
  • 7 0
 I LOVE CANADA! I'm definitely moving to B.C when I'm older Big Grin
  • 6 8
 Let me get this right...$15 extra for ONE ride only? And only 100 riders a day? WTF?!
  • 17 1
 fgfdgsdfdgdfg sorry , clearing the water I just sprayed all over my keyboard from shock

An American acknowledging Canada......as.... kick ass?
*head explodes*
  • 4 0
 ^Laughed my ass off from your comment haha
  • 6 1
 i like how everyone thinks americans are such pieces of sh*t... thanks a lot jersey shore...

on another note.. those trails I'm sure will be awesome. everything in whistler is.. only bummer is i hope the "upgraded ticket" isn't too expensive.
  • 4 0
 I love the US and I love its riding, but as soon as I graduate college I'll be looking for a house right in BC! f*ck yea Canada Salute
  • 3 1
 sure Canada is sick, but it was 80 degrees these past few days and also people all over the beaches and its still winter. Canada is amazing, but ill stick with wearing my t-shirt
  • 8 0
 We're neighbors, we should get along. Wink

I live in Whistler full time, yet I still want to travel to places in the states to ride. Just came back last week from Arizona. It's good to realize that any developments in mtn biking are good for all of us.
  • 7 0
 We do get along.....dont we? (except for the 13 year olds who dont know their ass from a hat anyways) I have nothing but heaps of respect for our Canadian brothers. So much so, that the countdown has begun for my family moving to BC. (its still over a year out, but who cares.... countdown on!) Wife is going to get her masters degree at Emily Carr and Im going to do.....something. We have the entire world to choose a place to live and in the end, it has come down to BC.
  • 1 8
flag TEAM-ROBOT (Mar 6, 2012 at 8:47) (Below Threshold)
 www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HGPh8Hjyg8
  • 7 0
 If that says anything.. It says that we'll kick your ass if you talk shit about us
  • 4 0
 My battle beaver and war moose thirst for American blood Razz
  • 3 0
 I can break your leg with a beer tab, dont ask me how but ill find a way
  • 2 0
 I got to ride there last summer. Blue Velvet to Freight Train is just a dream to ride!
  • 1 0
 Trust me, It only gets better the further you go into BC hooly Next time try out Sunpeaks, Silverstar and the Kamloops bike ranch , you won't be disappointed
  • 1 0
 Yeah I'm heading back over for a gap year in 2013 once im done with school. So keen!
  • 1 0
 Yeah it is nice to be able to wear Summer clothes all year... But winter is nice playing around in 4x4's and snowboarding... Winter has it upsides
  • 2 0
 Emack...your comment made me laugh. Thank you!
  • 1 0
 17 days till opening!!!!! AHH YEEAAAHHH!
  • 28 3
 I actually really like the idea of booking a time and being one of only a few on the trail at a time, well worth the inconvenience.
  • 3 2
 Agreed, it's a great idea. Salute
  • 11 20
flag rubbermeetsmud (Mar 5, 2012 at 14:44) (Below Threshold)
 great idea, but also prob going to cost you a great amount of $$$$
  • 13 4
 it says $15 in the article, seems like a decent price to me
  • 8 4
 If you were to actually read the article it says it will cost $15 dollars for a single use ticket, which im sure some people will complain about but after some peoples $1000 trips to get there an extra $15 for a once in a lifeime ride wouldnt seem like so much.
  • 3 0
 so from top to village maybe under an hour? I'm in!!!
  • 5 1
 I would spend the $15 no problem.
  • 2 0
 I'll happily pay. Sounds awesome!
  • 3 0
 my bad didnt see that sorry no need to hate, i will agree 15$ is a very good deal
  • 2 1
 Interesting username....is that in the cycling context or the drunken sailor in a gay bar context???
  • 2 0
 I've actually ridden off the back of the peak and round the mountain into the park (as a special, with a Bike Park guide) in the past and think it's great that it's being opened up and having some trails built. I also like the idea of keeping it to small numbers. I'll be on it on my next trip! Smile
  • 1 0
 This reminds me of riding off the peak pre-Garbo zone in 2002 or so. It was wicked - we had a guided tour with a DH Pro. Four of us descended together on what was then just cat tracks. We spun out our gears and had a blast. When we got back to the village she turned to us and asked "Do you guys want to go back up again? Usually it takes all morning for my groups to make it down from the summit. But.. uh, you guys clearly can handle it." So we got an extra lap! Sure, there were no built trails, but virtually no one else rode up there. It was rad. Good ol' days....
  • 16 3
 if only i lived in canada...
  • 14 2
 if only i lived in b.c.
  • 22 1
 if only it was summer
  • 3 2
 if only i could stay in whistler for the summer as well as this winter season. . .
  • 1 0
 even tho i live in N Van, BC ...
  • 2 0
 If only I lived in b.c. and had money
  • 7 1
 I always liked that you had to hike up there to play back there. It keeps those who might wreck the trails out of the equation and makes it feel more local or exclusive, and quieter. I'm all for the new trail though! Maintaining bike parks and trails is expensive, and so is running another chair, so it makes sense to charge.
  • 7 1
 Probably get neg propped for this but it just seems like a tourist gimmick to me! The park needs to step up its expansion of the blue runs if it wants more tourists to enjoy the bike park experience, spoken to tons of vistiors and they get overwhelmed and out of their depth on some of the single and double blacks. Decent blues are few and far between. Just my 2cents........
  • 1 0
 Good point!
  • 1 0
 whats the grading system in whistler ? iv always wondered.
  • 2 0
 Green, Blue, Black, 2 X Black. Relative to other parks, it's more like Blue, Black, 2 X Black, 3 X Black.
  • 1 0
 cool in europe its green, blue, red, black, and then they kinda just start making things up. in the uk we have a wight dots on an orange background sometime aswel...
  • 8 3
 I'm sure it'll be great... but its not the only place that trals like this are available. Don't get me wrong, if I went to whistler again, I am sure it would be my favourite trail of the lot (it seemed to me to be exactly what was missing from the whistler set-up - long natural alpine trails, as opposed to obviously and gargantuan man-made ones) but, go to Zermatt - epic scenery, epic length natural alpine trails, and even fewer riders (though a good lot of hikers to negotiate on the better known routes). It may be one of its kind in Canada, but I doubt it will beat several other, much lesser known locations.
  • 2 2
 I have to agree.
  • 2 1
 hear hear.
  • 3 0
 Old School riding at Whistler in 1988 www.pinkbike.com/video/230889
  • 1 0
 thanks for posting that old school good times
  • 4 0
 It's a marketing video... Of course they have to say it's the best in the world. Smile But yeah, reminds me of Switzerland riding a lot. Smile
  • 6 2
 Before anyone bitches about the extra $15 lift fee let me just say this. Would you rather have the option, and have to pay for it; or not have the option at all? Wink

I'm excited, I hike up there all the time.
  • 4 1
 Good attitude to have. Smile
  • 5 1
 Damn now that looks super amazing , def worth 15 bucks and if your going to bitch about it then you shouldn't be on a bike ...
  • 5 1
 Someone recently made a comment about whether Whistler could ever be caught or surpassed as mtb mecca. Well, the bar has just been raised.
  • 2 0
 By a thousand feet in fact
  • 5 4
 I'm sure I'll do this a time or two. My only beef is it'll funnel some traffic to other trails that normally see fewer riders during the season. I can see a bunch of tourists getting in over their heads and/or lost if they do venture down those. On that note, does WBP intend on doing maintenance on those going forward or will WORCA have to clean up after the added traffic?
  • 2 0
 I was think the exact same thing.
  • 1 0
 FYI WMBP has invested over $12K on those in the last three years as and will continue to do so in support of WORCA and local riders.
  • 2 0
 Im guessing its going to be the same people that maintain it... Theres also only going to be 100 people coming from up there a day! Not too many. Also the amount of people who walk down that trail will be the same amount that walk down A-Line each day. They know what their doing, their not going to let tourists walk down bike trails where people on 40 lbs chunks of metal are coming up from behind them at 50/60 kmh... I think Whistlers got this one.
  • 2 0
 The Peak trail was built, and will be maintained, by Trail Crew. If you're talking about side-country trails then they will not be directly accessed from Top of the World, but if you choose to deviate you do so at your own risk beyond the Patrol boundry. Clear up and increased maintenance however is a point in discussion but we already have a few volunteers to take the work on if WORCA don't.
  • 1 0
 @paulclarke, I'm not referring to the Peak Trail - which will, undoubtedly, be biker only. WBP has enough sense not to mix biking/hikers on the same trails. @Hwulex, yes, that was what I was referring to....Brian already addressed it as well. Thanks.
  • 3 1
 OMG is right. This is amazing. Whistler is even BETTER now? I think this will be THE trail for all mountain on the planet. The best views, only 100 people per day, then you get to do freight train to the village....
  • 2 0
 I know right! Whistler is like a dream with in a dream with in a dream. Inception?
  • 4 0
 Taking a trip to whistler this summer.... this makes me even more stoked!!!!
  • 1 0
 At what point in the summer will that trail be free of snow? Will it even be rideable before...August? Cause that's when I'm going to the bike park. For the fourth year in the row. Because Canada kicks @$$ you heard it from this Seattle guy. Only thing is that you can't buy cold beer in the liquor store, wassupwidat? Cheers.
  • 2 0
 You just gotta go to the right liquor store. Wink I believe the plan is usually to get Peak running by end of July and our snow-base is about 1m down on last year at this point so could be earlier.
  • 1 0
 I'm talking about that store right in the 'Village Square' near where they hold concerts. Liquor and warm beer only. Great liquor selection though! Getting drunk at Whistler is no problem so I'm splitting hairs. Love Canada.
  • 1 0
 Last year was exceptional and the trails weren't clear till August. Usually by mid July the alpine is rideable
  • 2 1
 Whistler is MECCA for riding mountain bikes! Good to see that they are finally getting into the high alpine!!! Want to ride this trail and a bunch of other epics in neighboring Pemberton, Squamish, North Vancouver and the Chilcotins?? Come join us on our Sea to Sky trip this summer!! ridebig.com/trip_canada_seatosky.php
  • 1 0
 That pretty awesome going to the top finally. Expect to see alot of tire tracks heading down the back of the mountain and end up at the creek. There some interesting terrain up there I remember from ski season to the right of the peak chair as you looking up the mountain. Now people are going to be hiking to all those little peaks on top of whistler.
  • 1 0
 book a time to ride??? Did he say Book a time to ride??? And pay more money....... I just want to be clear, I have to book a time to ride AND pay more money to do so. Gonna go out on a limb here and say I probably will not be attending. I may however ride the trail from the start of "no reservation necessary" trailhead.
  • 1 0
 I would have thought opening the Creekside gondola would be a better use of space. If they opened Creekside for riding as well it would decrease the lineups in the village a bit, and help the businesses in Creekside during the summer. The only downside to the Creekside area is how steep it is. The other chair I would consider being more of an asset to open would be the Emerald chair. The amount of trails that could be crammed into that area would greatly benefit easing the traffic in the lower bike park. The trails that could be built through that area could be a wide variety from green to black as it is quite a mellow slope. Also the trails from that area could easily be connected to the lower bike park from there via Olympic run. Thoughts anyone?
  • 1 0
 Emerald chair cannot, and will never, be opened for summer use as it is strictly bear territory. Basically anything skiers-right of the Garbo lift-line and above Oly chair is a no-no. TC have tried to look at building lines directly off the top of Garbo down through International trees but the entire area is bedrock with mere inches of dirt on top so is not that feasible or sustainable. Lower down will happen though once Bl[ue/ack] Velvet is connected to Crank It Up.

Creekside, however, I entirely agree with and I think is the likely expansion plan, but there is obviously a lot of work to do before that can happen.
  • 4 1
 Could you make it any better? Seriously, this is close to mountain biking heaven.
  • 3 0
 holy fuck stick I cannot like this enough. Definitely hitting up whistler this summer!
  • 4 1
 Taking the best and making it better! Thats how its done
  • 3 1
 i'll definitely give the top of the world a try this summer - gotta love Whistler
  • 3 1
 Sweet, who would have known? I will glad pay a little extra for this. The experience alone would be so awesome!!!!
  • 4 2
 New found expense for my tax return! who cares if they charge alot, just means low traffic and higher intensity of gnarl!
  • 2 1
 I sure hope that its true Alpine single track... raw, narrow, flowy and fun. Nothing better than riding natural alpine trails..
  • 3 0
 race from the peak to base? challenge accepted
  • 1 1
 Canada's PM is the leader of the free world right now. You guys have a lot to proud of... great mountain biking and a Leader with moral clarity and love of freedom. I'd trade our President for your PM in a NY second!
  • 2 0
 I think you should do a little research into the bills Stephen Harper is trying to pass before saying he's for moral clarity and freedom but, yes i would definitely rather have him than your president.
  • 2 0
 Whoa, wait a minute, trolling perhaps? you can have Harper, no trades necessary.
  • 1 0
 Might be ok for that side of the Atlantic. 2300 m of continuous descent in Les Deux Alpes will do me fine this summer though. Razz
  • 1 0
 I agree. Surely the best place on Earth to experience high alpine terrain is the High Alps? Shivering at 3600m knowing you've got a mile and a half vertical to ride is special. Venosc with a vertical mile on your arms is special.
  • 1 0
 For local its suck , we've been hiking those trails for years ...Now we gonna have to pay 15$ and wait in line.............wtf
  • 3 1
 this is one more reason that whistler is one of BC's highlights!
  • 4 1
 i love BC Smile !!!
  • 3 1
 Hopefully they get the trail open before mid July, I'm there the 1st week.
  • 3 1
 Soo stoked I'm Going to COC. This just adds another level!
  • 1 0
 Hey do you think they charge extra for COC campers? I'm goin too and I really want to ride this trail!
  • 1 0
 no idea. ask them!
  • 1 0
 Commencing email...
  • 3 1
 damn, now I gotta go check this out, oh well back to whistler for me...
  • 1 0
 Parts of that footage remind me of Martha Creek. Come on, Summer, goddamn it! Yee-doggie!
  • 3 0
 Can't wait for this!!
  • 2 0
 just when it couldn't be any better....
  • 2 0
 Any idea what this means for season pass holders?
  • 1 0
 0:36 i saw a sick posible line on the dirty part on the middle of the snowy cliff
  • 1 1
 going on how good the peak was today, im in no rush to ride a bike up there
  • 1 0
 give it a couple days till its icy again
  • 1 0
 I want to ride down this trail listening to the carpenters
  • 1 0
 poor me....i am half way of the earth from whistler :-p
  • 1 0
 That park is awesome...I go every summer!
  • 2 1
 Could be the end of Kybers as we know it...
  • 1 0
 sooo stokked
  • 1 0
 Nice work Whistler
  • 1 1
 awesome! just hope it passes near khybers and RDS.....that'd be amazing!
  • 3 6
 awesome idea! i have a feeling they're going to charge a lot for it, and there's going to be a long waiting list, but it will be worth it.
  • 4 1
 haha solid reading comprehension skills dude
  • 2 0
 wow lol. I didn't read it before, just watched the vid, sorry about that
  • 2 5
 Don't worry if you don't get your ticket. Stick your bike in a bag like they did in Chamonix. Just say you're going on peak to peak. They'll be none the wiser.
  • 1 0
 you obviously have never been to whistler...that would never work
  • 1 3
 MAN, THAT IS THE MENTALITY THAT BIKE PARK SHOULD HAVE IN THE UNTIED STATES, OR AT LEAST THE ONES IN CALIFORNIA.
  • 1 2
 stash!
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