What You Need for an Epic Mountain Bike Trip to Whistler, According to a Local Rider

If you’re into mountain biking, Whistler is probably high on your list of places to visit — or to get back to.

Local mountain bike coach Michael Sousa came to Whistler in 2007 for snowboarding, got hooked on biking, and never left.

“I’ve traveled a fair bit with my bike and the thing that we have that’s different is that everything’s steep,” he said. “On the outside it can look very intimidating — almost like an exclusive club — but people are always surprised that that couldn’t be further from the truth. We’ve got quite a lot of terrain here.”

Whistler is an excellent venue for hard-charging, high-octane rides, but there’s a little something for everyone. Whether you’re keen to keep it to green trails or looking to push yourself at the bike park or while navigating more technical, precise trails, Whistler is the ideal venue. We asked Sousa what to expect and help us get our kits dialed for a trip to the Pacific Northwest.

Michael Sousa

Gear Patrol Studios

Choose your adventure

Understanding the town, trail networks, and what you’re looking for will help set you up for a successful trip. If you’re unsure, or wanting to develop new skills, hire a local guide like Sousa to show you around.

Beginner riders, or those who prefer smoother green trails, should head to the Lost Lake Trail Network close to Whistler village, which has beautiful gravel trails that are easy to ride. If you’re looking for something where pedaling is not as important, check out the green trails in the bike park.

“Many people are intimidated by the downhill bike park, but the greens in the park are actually the easiest greens in all of Whistler,” said Sousa, who has taken hundreds of people down them, including some who have never mountain bikes before. “They’re purpose built with new riders in mind.”

The Whistler Mountain Bike Park has world-class terrain and 70 trails spread over four zones, including jump trails, high-speed trails, technical double-blacks, and has options for newbies and for those who are trying to play around with gravity.

“It’s hard not to have an awesome time in Whistler no matter what kind of riding you’re into,” he said. Pro tip: a fall trip to Whistler is prime time. If you can put up with a little rain you’ll get perfect temperatures and fewer crowds. “It’s what mountain bike dreams are made of.”

If you’re going to bring only one bike, make it an enduro

Whistler Bike Park might top the list of places where a proper dual-crown downhill bike is warranted. And if that’s your jam, by all means, you can ride a DH sled to your heart’s content here.

But if you’re going to bring or rent just one bike during a trip to greater Whistler, your best bet is a long-travel enduro rig.

The reasons are probably obvious: modern enduro bikes, with front and rear travel in the 150mm to 180mm range, climb well enough to access non-lift-served trails and can handle even the most aggressive downhill riding, including most of what you’ll find at the bike park.

Your pads and apparel should be just as burly as your bike

If you’ll be hitting the bike park, the first thing you’ll need is adequate protection. Start with a full face helmet like the Fox Racing Rampage, which Sousa sees all the time on the trails. Knee pads are also a must. When Sousa sees people at the park without them, it’s “like nails on a chalkboard,” he said.

Sousa often has his pads on for 13 hours a day, and has taken impacts on his knees that he thought would leave a mark. “And nope, they do their job really well,” he said. Fox Racing’s Launch Pro Guards are the ideal choice for a place like Whistler because of the full-coverage protection they offer in a breathable — and pedal-able — platform.

Fox Racing Rampage Full-Face Helmet

Fox Racing Launch Pro Knee Pads

Sousa’s reaches for flat shoes because he’s off and on the bike so frequently throughout the day. The Fox Union BOA® Flat Shoes feature the BOA adjustment system, which enables riders to quickly dial in fit and make micro adjustments for comfort.

Sousa always rides with a hip pack and fills it with his coaching essentials: first aid kit, tube, pump, and a couple of snacks. “When I’m riding with high-level riders, I’m going 25-30 mph flying through the air. That stuff needs to be snug so it’s not shining and throwing weight around,” he said.

For apparel, Sousa is a big fan of the Defend jersey and pants. The pants, he said, are the perfect blend of performance and protection. He values durability, but not at the expense of comfort and breathability, especially on the uphill. “The jersey is thick enough that I don’t have to worry about destroying it in a small crash, but it still breathes well. It’s kind of perfect.”