Photo Epic: The Season That Almost Wasn't - Whistler Bike Park Opening 2020

Jun 30, 2020
by Clint Trahan  



Will it or won't it open? After months of speculation, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park opened for the 2020 season on Monday, June 29, albeit with some modifications. The major one that sticks out is the extra attention to safety for guests and employees. Barriers have been put up in high traffic areas similar to those in grocery stores, bike wash isolation stations have been set up, and masks are required to be worn where barriers and social distancing were impossible.

Once up the mountain however, the riding was unbeatable as always. With all of the uncertainty hanging overhead, getting the park open was no small feat and we really appreciate the work that went into making our gravity dreams a reality once more.


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These views were sorely missed.

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Barriers have been put up in high traffic areas, similar to those in grocery stores.

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Even bike wash isolation stations have been set up.

Where barriers and social distancing were impossible, masks are required to be worn.

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The next fashion accessory?

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Shout Out to NF for hooking people up with free masks for opening.

But seriously - everyone wore masks. When you plan to come to the park, have some fun with it.

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Families doing it for the 'gram.

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While Fitz and Garbo zones opened, there were plenty of trails to feed the gravity starved.

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Kudos to the Whistler Blackcomb staff for pulling off a pretty flawless opening day.

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Something is missing... Can't quite put my finger on it.

Christina Chappetta was onsite doing her thing, watch the video here.

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For her arm extension needs, Chappetta chooses Sherwood.


Regions in Article
Whistler Mountain Bike Park

Author Info:
ClintTrahan avatar

Member since Jun 27, 2014
32 articles

120 Comments
  • 100 13
 This is in stark contrast to Trestle bike park. I went on Monday, very few masks, no attempt whatsoever from staff to enforce it. I understand there are differing views but I may skip resorts this season until this calms down.
  • 70 11
 'Merica!
  • 16 8
 It is unfortunate. I can't really blame the lifties getting paid $10/hr but there should be some stronger oversight. Sadly, I wouldn't be surprised if they don't make it through the whole season because of this.

Plus, it didn't look like Riverside Spirits was open so there goes another major reason to be there.
  • 42 38
 we all have to live with the consequences of our choices. Natural selection will do its work even if some people don’t want to accept it. Not having a thermometer won’t stop the temperature from going up and not wanting to get tested won’t stop you from getting infected.
  • 136 31
 Unfortunatly there is only a very small amount of people in your country believe in science. Personal rights must prevail over the safety of the country. If only you could kill Covid with guns
  • 35 53
flag bmied31 (Jun 30, 2020 at 13:16) (Below Threshold)
 Might have to do with the virus simply not passing in outdoor fresh areas unless someone literally coughs in your face. The reasons for the spikes arn't outdoor locations, it's summer, it's hot, and people are going into busy air conditioned areas without masks like idiots.
  • 15 6
 Aaaand that's why I've decided to skip park season this year.
  • 23 71
flag vondur (Jun 30, 2020 at 13:26) (Below Threshold)
 If you are so scared of getting the disease while being outside, I'd suggest locking yourself inside, and not going out.
  • 6 0
 @jdeuce: Well there’s some words.
  • 10 0
 watch the video they posted, EVERYONE in the background walking around the Whistler stores didn't have masks on.
(also notice people in background of last two photos of this article)
  • 66 3
 @vondur: I for one am not scared of getting this virus myself at all. What I am concerned about is unknowingly contracting it and then passing it to someone more at risk. We all have to do our part.
  • 9 0
 Same with Mt. Washington here on Vancouver Island. They've reduced the reduced chair lift load capacity, so that instead of one chair, one bike rack (populated chairs would be approx. 50ft+ apart), it is instead two chairs, one bike rack, making people on the lift approx 75ft+ apart. Sounds fair enough on paper, but when you see the major traffic jam on the lift line, you have loads of people standing for 30mins minimum, back to back. Even if these people wanted to distance, there just wasn't the space for the line, it was already extending up the hill.

It's an obvious policy with good intentions, but a negative effect.
  • 3 0
 @Yaan: perfect. Well done. I laughed out loud.
  • 8 107
flag mtboaxaca (Jun 30, 2020 at 14:32) (Below Threshold)
 Nothing to enforce, a virus can enter anyone with or without the silly mask.......the mask restricts your bodies air and lowers your immune system to help sickness enter
  • 3 0
 I went opening day and as far as the bike park and riders there thought the complete opposite. Everyone in the lift line had masks (that I could see), all the lift staff did and most people were polite and . It wasn't till I came down mid day that I notice how few of people there for other activities had masks.
  • 45 1
 @mtboaxaca: lowers your immune system? Get out of here with your misinformation. But please, continue to be selfish.
  • 3 0
 @Yaan: funny, but not. True in indeed though.
  • 5 44
flag dicky1080 (Jun 30, 2020 at 15:55) (Below Threshold)
 @nsmithbmx: read up on what a lack of oxygen does to your body. Then look at what the mask forces you breathe.

Wearing a mask all day will lower your immune system. That's why it should only be worn when around others and that time should be really limited.
  • 2 0
 I went to Highland for opening weekend and masks were worn only when checking in or in the store. No enforcement at all.
  • 2 1
 @man-wolf: Yup, explains a lot, just don't blame all of us, there are a majority here who plan to make it great again!
  • 13 7
 @Yaan: Stop with the judgey condescension, everyone where I live wears a mask and follows strick guidelines. I know your frothing at the mouth to portray the US as a bunch rednecks..
  • 4 0
 They were pretty on top of the mask enforcement at Snowmass on Saturday.
  • 2 1
 I drove to trestle from Arizona (12 hours) and when I got there I wasn’t able to ride the park because I didn’t buy my tickets 48 hours in advance because they had a cap on park occupancy. Also I wasn’t allowed to stand in line at the ticket booth without a mask which was given to me by a trestle employee. Luckily I found out about an epic trail on Mt. Elbert which saved my trip! By far one of the best rides I’ve ever done, compares with top of the world trail in whistler!
  • 2 1
 Wouldn't be surprised if Trestle doesn't make the full season, at the rate things are going we'll be going back to phase one "corn teen"
  • 7 0
 @jgainey: BC only had 2 new Covid cases yesterday for a Province the size of 2 and 1/2 US states. Think about that ... it will be some time before you can say the same. Im BC we are free to go to Whistler the city without masks Whistler the mountain is private and the masks are only required in lift lines and on lifts.
  • 3 4
 @nurseben: I guess you ain't black, because it's never been 'great for anyone of colour, dude.
  • 2 2
 @mtboaxaca: which do you think is smaller this virus, an oxygen molecule, or a CO2 molecule. If you choose the molecule then explain how a mask restricts the smaller molecules but not the larger virus.

If you choose the virus, you are incorrect.:
  • 4 11
flag ricochetrabbit (Jul 1, 2020 at 6:56) (Below Threshold)
 Maybe just maybe people have had enough. Put your big boy pants on and go live life
  • 3 13
flag ricochetrabbit (Jul 1, 2020 at 6:57) (Below Threshold)
 Spoken like a true leftist @Yaan:
  • 3 0
 @ricochetrabbit: looks like @roadstain changed his handle
  • 2 2
 Riders who are mostly young and fit, flying over jumps and rocks at high speeds, worried about the Rona. ... Just a thought
  • 14 1
 Why do people who want the economy fully reopened with no restrictions also refuse to wear masks and accept science?

Wearing a mask is no different than driving 25 mph in a school zone. Here are comparable examples to what people say;

I reduce risk by driving 100 mph through that zone because I am in it a shorter amount of time which means less time for a kid to run out in front of my car.

A 25 mph limit infringes on my freedom, I should be able to drive any speed I want!

If I hit someone with my car I will be fine, the car will protect me.

The logical fallacies are ridiculous.
  • 7 0
 @Spark24: it is not about you, it is about spreading it.
  • 3 2
 No dummy. You driving having to drive 25mph does not shut down people’s livelihoods. It doesn’t shut down economy’s. What a dumbass analogy @salespunk:
  • 4 1
 @ricochetrabbit: you have obviously never taken a critical thinking class. I was demonstrating logical fallacies. It is pretty obvious from your grasp of the english language that this discussion is beyond your comprehension.

Regarding your point of shutting down economies (not economy's), creative destruction is part of a free market (which is another fallacy in the US, but that is a different discussion) and necessary for continued growth. Otherwise low value workers and zombie companies pull income and profitability away from high value workers and strong companies. Look at how well the US did after the 2008 meltdown as an example. This was overdue by a long way in the US and it was just a matter of what was going to tip it over.
  • 4 0
 @dicky1080: I work all winter as a lift operator wearing a mask over my face because it is about -7 Celsius outside at 9000ft. (low oxygen) and am willing to bet I am healthier than 90% of people in general. Imagine being so misinformed and then telling other people to go read up. Haha.
  • 1 1
 In Thunder Mtn last weekend & I was one of the very very few People wearing a mask in the lift line ....... therefore not going back for a while. Pity - as the trails are in great shape.
  • 3 3
 Good. More room and faster lines for the rest of us. See ya @duggied:
  • 7 0
 @ricochetrabbit: ???????????? someone with Trump 2020 on their profile ???????????? ... what a shocker! No worries, Darwin has a well proven theory about you guys .....
  • 1 0
 Sounds good. See ya! @duggied:
  • 1 1
 @GBeard: mis informed by a world famous human biologist with research projects in 5 different countries?
  • 1 0
 @dicky1080: Yes. You are dumb.
  • 59 5
 shout outs to the lift operators out there in the heat wearing masks...#youdarealMVPs
  • 19 2
 They were so nice and friendly yesterday, even in a heat wave and sweating in a facemask all day long.
  • 1 0
 @christinachappetta: Even the sanitiser girl ? My wee sis ! That cracked me up so hard to see that thanks team
  • 20 1
 Lol it still is for us in Washington, that border is closed hard.
  • 78 5
 i feel for you and hope you can make a trip up here and rip park, but judging by how things are going in the states I also hope the border stays closed for a bit!
  • 53 3
 We're boned. Can't say as I blame ya, though, Canada.
  • 9 61
flag taskmgr (Jun 30, 2020 at 11:49) (Below Threshold)
 Just say you are going to Alaska like everyone else from the states who are up here to right now. There are loads of u.s. plates up here right now. Its like the border isn't even closed..
  • 18 4
 @makripper: It ain't worth the 7k fine.
  • 6 14
flag onlyDH (Jun 30, 2020 at 11:55) (Below Threshold)
 @makripper: shhhh, it’s a secret
  • 5 4
 @onlyDH: lol right. Tell that to half the people in nelson right now
  • 19 1
 Really bummed to miss Whistler this summer - it is a family tradition. Hopefully we see things turn around and the border open this summer - not holding my breath though. We are having a bit of a struggle here with leadership here in the states.
  • 15 1
 @jimeg: ya I do to. But if Americans don't take this seriously we will have another outbreak, lock down and the boarder will just stay closed
  • 11 10
 No offence, but I hope it stays that way.
  • 5 29
flag jwdenver (Jun 30, 2020 at 14:28) (Below Threshold)
 @platnum: Canada is America's hat. We'll take it out of the closet and where it again someday soon.
  • 13 1
 @platnum: I honestly can't blame you for feeling that way with the way we are dealing with covid and "other" things. I really just miss Tim Hortons
  • 15 3
 @jwdenver: @jwdenver: we burned your white house down once, we'll do it again if you make us.
  • 5 2
 @skiffer: or getting your tires slashed. Been hearing a few accounts of that happening to American tourists too.
  • 5 0
 @deepstrut: Can we schedule that for like, Thursday or something? Just take the guy in there with you.
  • 1 0
 @pdxjeremy: Tell the protestors!
  • 2 0
 @jimeg: I work hard all year and live for my week in the summer riding the park. Was suppose to celebrate my best friend's 50th birthday and 25th/20th wedding anniversaries.. canceled
  • 3 0
 @Beez177: Yeah tough deal for us in the US. Certainly some bigger issues going on in the world right now, but the Whistler Bike Park this summer would've helped feel some normal again. We booked a week at Silver Mountain in Idaho. Really looking forward to checking out Kellogg and their mountain. Plus super reasonable rates for lodging and lift tickets. New experience good experience.
  • 1 0
 @jimeg: Top to bottom runs at Silver will not disappoint. It’s a pretty cool place.
  • 16 0
 Bike washes actually look so much better now.
  • 14 0
 Not gunna get sprayed by schmucks anymore.
  • 11 0
 Before this turns into a "who's country sucks and who's doesn't over things like pandemic's....I'll add this....
"When I see a bunch of weirdos dressed in toga's stabbing a guy in the park, I shoot the bastard. That's my policy." ..."That was a Shakespeare in the Park production of Julius Ceasar you moron. You killed five actors. Good ones." The Naked Gun.
  • 11 1
 I want to see an opening day bike check!
  • 29 1
 It's coming!
  • 9 1
 Minimize risk, maximize fun!
  • 8 0
 Based on the news, I'd stay away from Del Boca Vista.
  • 2 0
 Are you trying to keep us out of Del Boca Vista?
  • 4 0
 Awesome shots Clint! What an awesome place! Thanks for capturing the happy times
  • 6 2
 Common sense and early adoption of masks and we get rewarded with Whismas you gotta love it #Canada
  • 1 0
 Blue Mountain BP has been open for weeks. They have a sanitization station next to the lift line. They make sure everyone has a mask in line or else you get a warning. They have staggered the chairs as well thus causing a longer line. Nothing about making people stand in line longer makes sense to me. They have been managing it well. Wondering how that will transition to ski season when there are a gizzilion people from all over the northeast here.
  • 2 1
 Is this how a civilized society is supposed to look? People wearing their masks, actually complying with rules to help keep everyone safe....I wonder what living in a place like that would be like
  • 2 0
 You guys should have given the Sherwood to the Banshee Scream rider, then he could build up a little time capsule.
  • 4 2
 In the 3rd or 4th photo it looks like someone is trying to grab that womans boobs...
  • 1 3
 My what large hands he has
  • 3 0
 3rd picture down: 112 views

All the over pictures: 50 views

Hehe
  • 1 1
 How does the guy in the DH wheelchair get on the lift? Is he in line for the gondola? I've never been and my search came up with mention of the gondola but that doesn't seem to go very far up the hill. Thanks
  • 2 0
 They stop the lift, the rider (Stacy Kohut) gets on the chair. Then they load the quad bike up and over the chair so the rear wheels hook onto the back rest
  • 1 0
 @R0wsdower: Thanks I appreciate that. I probably could have figured that out but lack of sleep and slow at work my brain is turning to mush.
  • 3 1
 Looks normal, even the lines - except for masks.
  • 2 0
 Big bikes are the best bikes.
  • 2 0
 Perfect! You must stay at least, one hockey stick away.
  • 3 5
 @Beez177: The irony if you look at the pictures in the article is that people are not social distancing and it seems to be okay to have people sit on the lift together less than 6 ft apart. I think someone said the video shows people not wearing masks, etc at shops.

Why is it that people always think it's okay for them to make lame comments about the US? Why would I read this article about Whistler and have the natural response to want to say something negative about Canada or any other country for that matter? Just plain weird to me.

If "Yaan" is worried about spreading/getting Covid, then stay at home, don't go to any bike park because your putting yourself and others at risk. But more importantly, "Yaan" would be a hypocrite.

"Yaan" where are the POC?
  • 1 0
 Miss that place! When i am all better my wife and i are going there.
  • 3 1
 This makes me HAPPY!
  • 1 0
 Best part about Whistler opening, less donks where I live.
  • 1 0
 Summit be like nahhhhhhhhhh
  • 1 0
 Jealous!
  • 3 6
 I like how half that masks aren't masks, and are more about fashion than being useful.
  • 1 0
 At least they are wearing some... here people are totally ignorant, and numbers are spiking again...
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