Imagine, stretched out before you, hundreds of miles of single- and doubletrack paved trails, the fresh, open air, nothing but you, your bike and an epic adventure waiting to happen. Whether you are an enthusiastic beginner or a gnarly chute-junkie, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada is your premiere destination for high-speed fun. Set to host the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Whistler is bursting with exhilarating activities, rich culture, diverse cuisine and loads of shopping. Mountain bikers from all over the world gather in this magnificent village to experience the best and most exciting rides of their lives.

Why Whistler?
Located just two hours north of Vancouver International Airport, Whistler, British Columbia, Canada is the perfect blend of gorgeous natural scenery and modern luxury and convenience. Known for its ideal skiing and snowboarding conditions, the area also attracts a wide variety of summer-sports enthusiasts. Established in 1999, Whistler Mountain Bike Park is host to the most epic trails for any experience level. Vacationers from all over the globe travel to Whistler for biking, hiking, swimming, fishing, golf and just about any outdoor or indoor sport you may dabble in. The breathtaking scenery and rugged conditions can turn anyone into the “outdoorsy” type and make a nature lover for life. The history of the area consists of a nomadic lifestyle of hunting, fishing and trading. In fact some of the trails blazed by the Nation’s first people, still exist today.

Biking in Whistler
Home to the world-famous Whistler Mountain Bike Park, The village of Whistler Blackcomb has established itself as one of the premiere vacation spots for biking buffs. Even the most novice rider will find everything they need to launch a newfound hobby. Dozens of equipment rental and sale shops employ trained salespeople to help you gear up for the trails. Whether you pre-book your rentals beforehand or simply wait until you arrive so you can peruse everything yourself, whatever you need for the most stellar mountain-biking experience is right at your fingertips.
Mountain bikes and equipment are available at the following Rental Locations:

• Mountain Adventure Center Fairmont
• Mountain Adventure Center Westin
• Four Seasons Mtn. Products
• CanSki Village
• CanSki Blackcomb
• CanSki Creekside
• Salomon Pan Pacific
• Blackcomb Daylodge Rental

image Courtesy of Tyler Garnham/www.coastphoto.com

Whistler is also host to the most elite biking and bike equipment stores:

• Summit Sports
• The Bike Co.
• Whistler Village Sports
• Fanatyk Co.
• Fineline Ride Shop
• Snow Covers
• Whistler Blackcomb

With its rugged terrain and unique landscape Whislter has made a name for itself in the world of Mountain Biking. With more than 160 Km/100 miles of singletrack trails and 80 Km/49 miles of double track trails, the city can boast a wide variety of exciting bike riding at little to no cost. The whole family will love Valley Trail, a 30 km/18.6 mile bicycle and pedestrian track. In close proximity to Whistler Village, this route is surrounded by parks, beaches, shops and playgrounds. It is the perfect backdrop for any vacation, no matter what pace you prefer.

Whistler is host to some of the best beginner-, intermediate- and advanced-level bike trails. Some of the top-rated trails include:

• Riverside
• Cut Yer Bars
• Zappa Trails
• Kill Me, Thrill Me
• Trash
• Train Wreck

Ridden and rated by some of the best mountain bikers around, these trails provide a wide variety of thrills and spills for the courageous types and the not-so-bravers, as well.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Whistler Mountain Bike Park provides an ideal venue for racers, riders, tricksters and coasters alike. Laden with over 1,931 Km/1,200 miles, of mountain biking landscape this park attracts avid bikers from all over the world. Forget pushing pedals up steep slopes, Whistler Mountain Bike Park is equipped with full-service lifts to make the uphill grinders as thrilling as the downhill nirvana. For the avid learner, the park offers tours, private lessons, clinics and professionally taught camps in its three on-site skills centers. Visitors can defy gravity in the parks legendary Air Dome, an indoor training facility with amazing wooden ramps and a massive foam pit to catch those endos.
Other Whistler Mountain Bike Park Attractions:

• Joyride Jump Park
• Joyride Drop-off Park
• Kona Jump Farm
• Boneyard Slopestyle Park

Whistler, British Columbia, Canada plays host to many exciting biking events and conventions every year. These happenings center around Whistler sports, culture and fun.

• Harvest Huckfest is an annual bike competition for all experience levels in Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
• Crankworx is perhaps the pinnacle in mountain-bike festivals. Attendees can learn from the pros, enter contests and rock out during 4 days of what its webpage boasts as “the sickest riding on the planet.”
• Whistler’s Wine and Food Celebration is held in November. It’s a 4-day celebration of fine wine, excellent cuisine and top-notch entertainment.
• Whistler Film Festival, usually held in December features over 90 cutting-edge movies, and an insider’s glimpse into film making.

2010 Winter Olympics
Whistler Blackomb is also set to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. Events including the men’s and women’s slalom, giant slalom, bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton events will all take place in Whistler. This historic event will take place from February 12-28 2008.

Whistler After-Hours
If you think a day on the trails ends with a hot bath and an early bed time, you haven’t experienced Whistler’s night life. Live music, dancing, charming pubs, cigar and wine bars, whatever helps you unwind, is available at its best. With over 90 eclectic restaurants and more than 200 shops and stores, even those of us who are strictly pedestrian can enjoy a vacation to remember.

If you are looking for the supreme mountain-biking retreat, look no further than Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. Mountain biking in Whistler is the ultimate paradise for experienced riders and can make a lifelong fan out of any newcomer.