Updated May, 2024
Whistler Creekside was the original base for ski access to Whistler Mountain and is a great place to upload when the snow falls but during the summer months, the area has flown under the radar for many. All that changed with the opening of the Creekside Gondola to access the Creekside Zone, a momentous occasion for those of us who love to ride the ‘big bikes’ in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
The Park’s freshest and purest singletrack area boasts more than 30 kilometres of lush forest riding alongside cascading creeks. Here are the top reasons why uploading from Creekside rocks.
1. Straight to the Good Stuff
The Creekside Gondola provides access to the Fitz and Garbanzo Zones via Expressway, Lower Freight Train and No Joke. That’s one lift to get into the good stuff (aka Garbo gnar). You’re recommended to be at least a decent intermediate or advanced rider to get in this way, as there are no green trails down to the Village or Creekside (and it’s a loooong way down). Take a look at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park trail map to get an idea of what the zone offers.
2. Lush Trails to Ride
From the Raven’s Nest turn onto No Joke, hang a left after the rock spines and you’re into the Creekside Zone. The trail crews created Dusty’s Downhill to get you back to Creekside, which carves across the open ski runs with a bunch of berms and steeper sections for a rollercoaster-like ride.
There’s a second run on offer called BC’s Trail which drops through the trees under the gondola providing a technical treat of roots, rock slabs and loam. BC’s is not a new trail but has been gently ushered into the Bike Park fold with some care and maintenance.
3. More New Trails to Ride
The 1199 trail opened just last year and is where they’re hosting the Canadian Open Downhill Race that’s part of Crankworx in July. There will be more new trails opening in the Creekside Zone…stay tuned for the loamy goodness!
4. Upload and Download
Until the gondola stops running (check the mountain hours of operation before you ride) you can upload and download. The standard mountain culture mantra of “death-before-download” still applies here but being able to scoot down from mid-Garbo is a luxury indeed.
5. Après and Eats
After a couple of hours in the park, I’m usually thirsty and ravenous. Creekside has a bunch of options for dealing with this dangerous situation all within a two-minute pedal of the lift. Dusty’s is right at the gondola base with beers, BBQ and epic afternoon sun.
Heading out from there you can hit Samurai Bowl, Rockit Cafe (great coffee and bites), Southside Diner (get the bacon-and-egger for a fast pre-ride breakfast), Creekbread (mad pizza and salads with bacon), Roland’s Pub and the Cure lakeside patio at Nita Lake Lodge.
INSIDER TIP: If your significant other isn’t as enthused about biking as you are and you need to strike a deal to ride, book into Red Door, The Den at Nita Lake Lodge or the Rimrock Café for an extra-special date night. You’ll probably want to ditch the sweaty bike armour first or even head to The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge for pre-dinner pampering.
6. Close Proximity to Lakes
The lake dip is an integral part of a summer’s day in the mountains, and after pinning it in the Bike Park all day leaping into cool water feels extra fine. Creekside has the shortest distance between a lake and a lift in town with docks at Alpha and Nita lakes less than two minutes away. And there are no hills on that route either so it’s DH rig friendly.
7. Plenty of Free, Underground Parking
No dust, no hot car. Drive in, suit up, go straight to the lift. Just watch the roof-mounted bikes!! We’ve heard Northshore and similar vertical racks mounted on high vehicles (e.g. trucks) are also a clearance issue. Go slow, amigo, and if in doubt the overheight parking is on the top level.
8. Everything You Need, Nothing You Don’t
If you’re planning to stay in town and ride for a couple of days, Creekside’s a brilliant place to stay with a genuinely chilled-out vibe. Get your bike park tickets and rentals ahead of time online and save, but there’s also a Whistler Blackcomb Guest Services right at the base, as well as Can-Ski and Coast Culture Sports for your bike needs.
Then there are all the other essentials – a service station, full grocery store, liquor store, multiple places to eat and drink, TWO lakes and a park with a rad playground plus a dog park (for whichever family members you bring).
There’s even pedal access to a bunch of XC trails if you feel the need to switch it up (the Westside and Cheakamus trails are close to you). The accommodation options are super close to the lift and have spacious options for families and groups.
9. Close to the Action, Far Enough Away
If you want to head into Whistler Village to check out the Farmers’ Markets, concerts or shops it’s a mere five minutes in a car or taxi and there are also two bus routes heading to the Village multiple times an hour during peak times.
The Valley Trail provides a car-free route for cyclists and walkers with stunning views across Nita Lake, Alta Lake and the Whistler Golf Course on the way. Creekside is close to all the fun of the Village but allows you to retreat to a little lakeside haven at the end of the day.
The Creekside Gondola is currently recommended for intermediate and advanced riders. Hit up Whistler.com for all your DH/bike holiday needs. See you at Dusty’s.