Whistler Mountain Bike Park is renowned for being one of the top mountain biking destinations in the world and for good reason. With over 80 trails spanning over 4,900 vertical feet, the park offers something for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros. And for those looking for an exhilarating ride, the Blue Velvet Trail Whistler is a must-ride experience.
Table of Contents
Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Whistler Mountain Bike Park is a world-class mountain riding destination. Located in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, the park offers over 80 trails spread across 4,900 vertical feet of terrain. The trails are designed to cater to riders of all skill levels, from beginner to expert. From May through October, the park is open. It offers many riding experiences, from flowy singletrack to gnarly downhill runs.
The Blue Velvet Trail at Whistler Mountain Bike Park
The Blue Velvet Trail is one of the most popular trails at Whistler Mountain Bike Park. It’s a blue-rated flow trail that offers riders a fun and exhilarating ride down the mountain. Before you hit the trail, here’s what you should know:
Skill Level: Intermediate
Length: 2.4 km (1.5 miles)
Vertical Descent: 269 m (883 ft)
Top Elevation: 1,586 m (5,203 ft)
Terrain: Flowy singletrack with berms, jumps, and rollers
Features: The trail includes a few technical sections, but overall it’s a smooth and flowing ride.
Why would you enjoy the Blue Velvet Trail?
You would love the Blue Velvet Trail at Whistler Mountain Bike Park for many reasons. Here are just a few:
Flowy singletrack
The Blue Velvet Trail offers a fun and flowing ride down the mountain. The trail features plenty of berms, jumps, and rollers, making it great for fast and smooth singletrack riders.
Suitable for intermediates
While the trail does include a few technical sections, it’s mostly a smooth and flowing ride. This makes it an excellent choice for intermediates riders looking to improve their skills and tackle more challenging terrain.
Incredible views
As you ride down the trail, you’ll be treated to some of the most incredible views in Whistler. The trail offers sweeping vistas of the mountains and valleys, making it a truly unforgettable ride.
Variety of terrain
The Blue Velvet Trail features a variety of terrain, including open meadows, dense forests, and rocky sections. This variety makes the trail a great option for riders looking for a little of everything.
How the Blue Velvet Trail looks
The Blue Velvet Trail at Whistler Mountain Bike Park is a fun and flowy ride down the mountain. The route begins at the top of the Garbanzo Express chairlift. It descends 269 meters (883 feet) over 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles).
The trail is rated as intermediate and features a variety of terrain, including open meadows, dense forests, and rocky sections. The trail is designed to be ridden at speed, with plenty of berms, jumps, and rollers to entertain you.
As you ride down the trail, you’ll be treated to some of the most incredible views in Whistler. The trail offers sweeping vistas of the mountains and valleys, making it a truly unforgettable ride.
The Blue Velvet Trail includes a few technical sections, but overall it’s a smooth and flowing ride—the trail suits intermediate riders looking to improve their skills and tackle more challenging terrain.
Riding Experience on the Blue Velvet Trail
Every mountain biker will be amazed by the Blue Velvet Trail because it is like nothing else out there. There is a unique mix of natural beauty and technical difficulties on this adventure, which makes it a must-ride for riders of all skill levels.
Terrain and Elevation
One thing that makes the Blue Velvet Trail unique is that it winds through a lot of different types of landscape. You’ll begin your trip on a road through trees that gradually gains elevation. As you go up, the landscape changes, showing you rocky outcrops, lush alpine fields, and even some fast descents.
The elevation gain can be different depending on where you start, and there are both steep and downhill sections that are fun to do. There will be steady climbs that test your stamina and skill, and then there will be thrilling descents that reward your hard work.
Trail Conditions
The condition of the trail is always good because of the hard work of neighborhood trail crews. The trails will be well-marked and well-kept, and there will also be natural features like roots and rocks that make the trails more difficult.
It’s important to remember that the trail can change throughout the year. In the spring and early summer, there may still be spots of snow, but by late summer, it can be drier and dustier. Fall, on the other hand, has beautiful displays of bright leaves.
Technical Challenge and Rider Suitability
It’s possible for riders of all skill levels to use the Blue Velvet Trail. It’s known for having technical challenges like steep hills, tight switchbacks, and exposed parts that test your ability to balance and handle. These things are what bring in experienced riders looking for a thrill.
But intermediate riders don’t need to be scared off. The trail gives you chances to improve your skills, and for many mountain bikers, completing it was a big step in their journey. Middle-level skiers can push themselves if they have the right gear and are steady.
For newbies, it’s very important to be careful. Parts of the Blue Velvet Trail can be used by riders of all skill levels, but it might not be a good idea to go on the more difficult parts without enough experience. Before taking on Blue Velvet’s more difficult parts, you should work on your skills on other nearby trails.
Beautiful Scenery
The landscape around Russet Lake, which is in the middle of Whistler’s stunning scenery, is home to an amazing show of natural beauty. You will be amazed by the beautiful scenery around Russet Lake as you walk along the Blue Velvet Trail. Mountains with tall peaks and alpine meadows make for an unforgettable mountain bike trip. There are many beautiful viewpoints along the walk, and each one gives you a different view of this untouched wilderness. Prepare to take a break and enjoy the view at interesting points of view, as these are the best times to catch the beauty of the area with your camera. Whistler is a photographer’s and adventurers’ dream because it has so many beautiful sights, from the clear waters of Russet Lake to the wide views of the mountains. There is a wide range of plants and animals in this untouched forest, which makes the already beautiful scenery even more appealing.
Local Culture:
Mountain biking grows in Whistler, which has a unique and lively vibe. This famous place is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts, and the society there shows a deep love for the sport. Bike riding is more than just a hobby here; it’s a way of life. There are a lot of events, competitions, and concerts all year long that celebrate this hobby. There’s something for everyone, from downhill races that get your heart racing to endurance tasks that test riders to the limit. Every year, the Crankworx festival in Whistler is a big deal that draws riders and fans from all over the world. Everybody in town comes alive with the energy of mountain riding at that time. No matter how experienced or new to mountain biking you are, Whistler’s culture welcomes riders of all levels to enjoy the thrill and community that make this town unique.
SOP for riding the Blue Velvet Trail
When riding the Blue Velvet Trail at Whistler Mountain Bike Park, riders should follow several standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure their safety and the safety of others on the trail. Here are some of the key SOPs:
Always wear the proper protective gear: Whistler Mountain Bike Park requires all riders to wear full-face helmets, body armor, and gloves. It’s important to ensure your gear is properly fitted and in good condition before hitting the trail.
Warm up on easier trails: Before riding the Blue Velvet Trail, take some time to warm up on some of the park’s easier trails. This will assist you in aligning yourself and building confidence before taking on the more challenging terrain.
Follow the trail markers and signs: The Blue Velvet Trail is marked with signage and trail markers. Staying on the approved trail and following the posted signs and markers is critical to avoid getting lost or riding on closed trails.
Yield to other riders: Be aware of others when riding the trail. Yield to other riders when necessary, especially on blind corners or sections of the trail where visibility is limited.
Stay in control: The Blue Velvet Trail is technical and challenging, so staying in control is always important. Stay within your skill level, and always be prepared to slow down or stop if necessary.
Be aware of trail conditions: The trail conditions on the Blue Velvet Trail can change depending on weather and usage. Be aware of any changes in trail conditions, such as loose dirt or rocks, and adjust your riding accordingly.
Examine your tools: Check that your bike works well before riding the trail. Check your brakes, tires, and suspensions to ensure they function properly.
Cost for riding the Blue Velvet trail at Whistler Mountain Bike Park
The cost of riding the Blue Velvet Trail at Whistler Mountain Bike Park will depend on a few factors, such as the time of year, whether you have your equipment, and whether you need to purchase a lift ticket. The following is a breakdown of the possible costs:
Lift Tickets
To access the Blue Velvet Trail, purchase a Whistler Mountain Bike Park lift ticket. Prices vary based on the time of the year and the length of your stay. For example, as of 2021, a single-day lift ticket during peak season (July-August) costs around CAD 85 for adults, while a three-day ticket costs around CAD 229.
Bike Rentals
If you need to get your mountain bike, you’ll need to rent one from the bike park. Prices vary depending on the type of bike and the length of your rental, but as of 2021, a full-suspension downhill bike rental for a single day costs around CAD 170.
Protective Gear
Whistler Mountain Bike Park requires all riders to wear full-face helmets, body armor, and gloves. You can rent your protective gear from the bike park if you don’t have your protective gear. As of 2021, renting full-face helmets, body armor, and gloves for a single day is around CAD 55.
Overall, the cost of riding the Blue Velvet Trail at Whistler Mountain Bike Park can add up quickly, especially if you need to rent equipment and purchase lift tickets. However, the experience is worth the cost for any mountain biking enthusiast looking for a thrilling and unforgettable ride.
Summary – Blue velvet trail whistler
One of the best mountain bike trails in the world is the Blue Velvet Trail in Whistler. Mountain bikers should ride this trail for many reasons, but there are two that really make it stand out. There is no doubt that the Blue Velvet Trail goes through a stunningly beautiful landscape. There are beautiful views and interesting vantage points along the road that let riders connect with the untouched natural world around them. It’s a trip through thick woods, next to clear streams, and under the shade of tall trees. People who love the outdoors and photography are drawn to this place because of how grand it is. Furthermore, the Blue Velvet Trail is even more appealing because Whistler is a top biking location with a lot of trails, a friendly community, and a rich mountain biking culture. Mountain bikers can enjoy the beauty of nature and the thrill of the sport together in this place. So, the Blue Velvet Trail is a must-ride for mountain bikers because of both the trail itself and Whistler’s popularity as a riding spot. So, if you haven’t already, you should start this adventure right away. This is a must-have for your mountain bike trip.
FAQS
What is the Blue Velvet Trail at Whistler Bike Park?
The Blue Velvet Trail is a technical trail at Whistler Bike Park that offers a unique and challenging riding experience for mountain bikers. The trail is approximately 1.5 kilometers long and is rated as a black diamond trail.
What is the Whistler Bike Park?
The Whistler Bike Park is a world-renowned destination for downhill mountain biking. It offers a variety of trails for all skill levels and has a range of facilities to accommodate riders.
What is the cost of riding at Whistler Bike Park?
The cost of riding at Whistler Bike Park will depend on the lift ticket option you choose. Single-day lift tickets start at $66 CAD, while multi-day lift tickets and season passes offer discounted rates. Bike rentals and gear can also add to the cost.
What safety gear should I wear when riding the Blue Velvet Trail?
It is recommended to wear appropriate safety gear, including a helmet, knee pads, and elbow pads when riding the Blue Velvet Trail or any other trail at Whistler Bike Park.
Can beginners ride the Blue Velvet Trail?
The Blue Velvet Trail is a technical trail that requires a high level of skill and confidence to ride. It is recommended that beginners warm up on some of the easier trails in the park before attempting the Blue Velvet Trail.
What is the best time of year to ride at Whistler Bike Park?
Whistler Bike Park is open from May to October. The summer months offer the best riding conditions, with warm temperatures and dry trails.
Is it necessary to ride with a guide when riding at Whistler Bike Park?
While it is not necessary to ride with a guide when riding at Whistler Bike Park, it is recommended, especially for riders who are not familiar with the trail system. Riding with a guide can ensure that you are riding safely and that you do not get lost on the trails.
The articles you may like
The Insider’s Guide to Whistler Trail Maps for 2023
Best Outdoor Activities in Whistler this Summer
Guide to Experiencing Vallea Lumina Whistler
The Ultimate Guide to the Top 4 Whistler Hot Springs
Whistler’s Top 10 Breakfast Spots