After opening a new chapter in the history books last summer by adding access via the Creekside Gondola, Whistler Blackcomb has unveiled new plans to add more than 50km of new mountain biking trails in Creekside Zone–effectively doubling the size of the current park.
The timing of the Creekside expansion is subject to the attainment of various approvals and consultations as required for the implementation of the Whistler Blackcomb Renaissance project.
CREEKSIDE EXPANSION – FIVE YEAR PLAN
In anticipation of the project moving forward the Bike Park team, in consultation with Gravity Logic and Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners, have developed an initial Five Year Build Plan. The plan envisions a network of singletrack and machine-built trails meandering through the most impressive old-growth forest on Whistler mountain. Trails have been designed to consider access from the Creekside Gondola, Garbanzo/Upper Whistler Village Gondola as well as the Peak Chair. While the terrain is generally steep, the plan proposes a mix of 5-10% beginner, 60-70% intermediate and 20-35% expert terrain.
The two trails that currently exist in the Creekside Zone are Dusty’s DH and BC’s Trail, which can be accessed from Crossroads, underneath the top of the Creekside Gondola. The top of Dusty’s DH is unhighlighted in the above map and both trails will be open from June 18 – September 18 this season.
WHAT WILL THE NEW TRAILS BE LIKE?
For year 1, the Creekside expansion will focus on building trails that are accessible directly from the Creekside Gondola and from Garbanzo/Upper Whistler Village Gondola. Five trails covering over 15km are envisioned consisting of: advanced intermediate (blue) and advanced (black) technical and freeride type trails:
1 Light Blue Machine Built Freeride Trail
1 Blue Machine Built Freeride Trail
2 Dark Blue Technical Trails
1 Black Technical
This mix of trail types will give the zone more diversity, allowing a larger range of riders to be able to access the zone while maintaining the personality and atmosphere that makes Creekside so special.
Trail 1:
Description: Advanced blue machine built singletrack
Total length: 2771 m
Average grade: 11.5°
Trail 2:
Description: Black technical hand built singletrack
Total length: 1118 m
Average grade: 14°
Trail 3:
Description: Blue machine built singletrack
Total length: 2261 m
Average grade: 8.4°
Trail 4:
Description: Blue machine built singletrack
Total length: 2500m
Average grade: 8.4°
Trail 5:
Description: Dark blue excavated singletrack
Total length: 2773 m
Average grade: 10.2°
THE DREAM BUILD TEAM
In order to make a project of this magnitude come together successfully and make the most of mind-blowing trails Creekside has to offer, we plan on tapping into the amazing trail building expertise in the Sea to Sky Corridor in addition to our own renowned Bike Park crew.
With Creekside’s convenience, parking and infrastructure, we are excited to see the summer experience in this zone transform and be vibrant year round. Stay tuned for updates as they develop.
For more information about Whistler Blackcomb Renaissance, visit the site here – whistlerblackcomb.com/renaissance
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