XFONDO Whistler is an adventure cycling event designed to test riders on challenging, mixed terrain. The route takes riders on a loop from Spruce Grove in Whistler, around Green Lake and north towards Pemberton, before turning around and finishing back at the start. It offers stunning scenery, flowing trails and challenging climbs.
For me, the ride was about trying something new and doing something that intimidated me. I’d previously completed the road-based GranFondo Whistler, organized by the same team (you can read about that experience on my blog, Cycling the Sea to Sky). XFONDO offered a different kind of challenge that combined distance with technical riding and a bit of uncertainty. I wasn’t chasing a fast finish when I signed up, I wanted to push my limits and see how far I could go. So I chose the longest distance.
XFONDO Whistler offers three distance choices: Shorter (43 kilometres with 1,000 metres of elevation), Longer (60 kilometres with 1,300 metres of elevation), and Further (73 kilometres with 1,770 metres of elevation). As somebody who typically hovers happily around the back of the pack in most endurance challenges, I had two goals in mind when I opted for the Further route: finish the ride and have fun somewhere along the way.
View this post on Instagram
The Appeal of Gravel
Gravel biking is a newer style of riding that sits somewhere between mountain and road cycling, combining the distance and speed of road riding with the adventure and versatility of off-road trails. But XFONDO Whistler isn’t purely gravel — it incorporates sections of singletrack, paved trail and everything in between.
The tagline of the event is ride everything, and it certainly provides riders with the very best combination of Whistler’s gravel, flowing singletrack and a fun, fast road segment. It’s a supported adventure ride with stocked rest stops (where the snacks are excellent), wilderness medics, support crew and a satisfying post-ride meal at the finish line.
Gravel vs. Mountain Bike
While most participants opt for a gravel bike (a mash-up of a road bike and a mountain bike), I did see a few mountain bikes in the mix. Although I was envious of them on some of the more technical sections, over a long course like this, the extra weight and suspension of a mountain bike can add up, especially on the smoother, speedier road stretches.
Personally, I’m a fan of drop handlebars over long distances as they give you different options for hand positioning as your wrists and arms fatigue over time.
Pre-Ride
The evening before the event, we picked up our race plates and swag bags. I was stoked on the swag — a standout for me was a pair of XFONDO-branded slide sandals, perfect for slipping on after a long ride. But my favourite swag item came at the end of the day (more on that later!)
As I rode home and attached the race plate to my handlebars, I felt very nervous for the next day. I hadn’t ridden the full route in advance, but I had trained on several sections, and some of the climbs had been a challenge. I had found myself dismounting more often than I’d liked over loose dirt or tight switchbacks, and wished I’d had the opportunity to practice more over some of the trickier sections.
View this post on Instagram
Because the event takes place early in the summer season, most of my training has been indoors. I’d followed a 12-week program on the Zwift indoor training platform called Gravel Grinder, which was designed to build endurance and strength for mixed-surface riding. Although I was able to do some outdoor rides toward the end of my training, I wished it had been more, as riding indoors couldn’t fully replicate the unpredictable terrain and technical elements I’d face on the XFONDO course.
When I arrived at the start the next morning, my nerves intensified. All of the other riders looked dialled and relaxed, and I wondered if I had made a mistake signing up for the longest distance.
The Ride
The route began with a couple of laps around the Lost Lake trails. Even with my nerves, I couldn’t deny how much fun I was having on these smooth, flowy trails, quickly accomplishing one of my goals for the day.
I’d ridden these trails plenty of times on my mountain bike, but this time I realized how well-suited they are to gravel bikes. While the mountain bike smooths everything out, making it ideal for technical terrain, the gravel bike brings out the character of smoother singletrack trails. Feeling every dip, rock, and root through the rigid frame made the familiar trails feel more engaging.
Trail marshals were stationed around the area, helping guide the way and providing enthusiastic encouragement. After the Lost Lake laps, we headed north and made our way towards Pemberton. Climbing above Green Lake, the views were incredible, but I couldn’t fully enjoy them as I was so focused on the upcoming sections that I was dreading.
But on race day, I rode them all, even passing a few people who’d dismounted. That moment shifted my mindset, as I realized I wasn’t alone in finding the course challenging, and that I was more capable than I had expected.
The Sea to Sky Trail
Much of the XFONDO Whistler course overlaps with the Sea to Sky Trail, one of the region’s standout routes for gravel biking. Spanning 180 kilometres from Squamish to D’Arcy, this non-motorized, multi-use trail winds through Whistler and Pemberton, passing through the traditional territories of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. The trail has deep cultural roots and now includes tri-lingual signage that shares some of the stories of the land.
It’s also part of the national Trans Canada Trail network, and recent investment is expanding its reach, with plans to eventually connect Horseshoe Bay to Lillooet. It’s a beautiful and ambitious project, and riding just a portion of it during XFONDO Whistler made me want to explore more.
The route took us almost to Pemberton before turning back towards Whistler. I was impressed by how well it was designed — there was never two-way traffic along the singletrack sections, making it easier to enjoy without having to squeeze past other riders. I did pass some of the front-of-the-pack riders during the road section, and that bit of camaraderie gave me a boost just as exhaustion started to set in; the top riders took the time to give an encouraging wave.
Coming Full Circle
Looking back, what I loved most about the experience was how it stitched together rides I’ve done in the region, from the GranFondo, which took me from Vancouver to Whistler, to this new challenge that continued north toward Pemberton. And while I can now say I’ve basically ridden the Sea to Sky in its entirety, my time pedalling in this region feels far from finished.
The distance pushed me, but I made it, and I had fun, which meant I accomplished both of my goals for the day. At the finish, I was rewarded with an incredible burger, fresh salad and a cold beer. But the real highlight was the medal: an XFONDO-branded spork clipped to a lanyard — ready to wear proudly, or in my case, quickly detach and put straight to use. A spoon, a fork, a bottle opener, and even a can opener in one — this fitting prize was built to handle a bit of everything.
Get your pedal on! XFONDO is happening on June 14, 2025, and registration is open.
Spring offers great value with savings of up to 25% on lodging. Stretch your stay into midweek for even more savings and a quieter village. For every third night you book between March 1 - April 30, 2025, receive a free $75 CAD Whistler Après Voucher.
For summer, book ahead and save up to 30% on lodging. Plus, you'll receive a free $150 CAD Activity Voucher on stays of 3 or more nights.
Insider Tip: BC or Washington resident? Sign up for Whistler Rewards to access additional savings and exclusive perks.
