Looking to explore the Whistler Mountain Bike Park this summer? Go ahead, but make sure to limit your exploring to open terrain.
That's the safety message Whistler Blackcomb issued to downhill bikers in an Instagram post on Tuesday afternoon, July 25. The warning was prompted by "an uptick in riders poaching closed trails and getting into unsafe situations" bike patrollers say they've noticed as of late.
The resort reminded guests to only enter trails marked as "open," and to abstain from hiking bikes through unmarked terrain between trails. "We’ve had some close calls with riders coming down closed routes and nearly crashing into construction equipment, trail crew members, and patrollers," resort staff explained in the post. "Trails closures are in place for various reasons and are implemented to keep you safe."
Riders who disobey marked trail closures will have their passes revoked.
Some trails in the bike park have been closed or re-directed this summer to accommodate ongoing construction on the Fitzsimmons Express chairlift replacement, while weather and Crankworx operations can also impact trail availability.
On Tuesday, trail closures in the Fitzsimmons Zone include black runs like Aline, Upper and Lower sections of the Canadian Open Course, Cat's Meow, Lower Joyride, Monkey Hands, POLP Fiction and Tatiana, as well as blue runs Upper Crank it Up, Fantastic, Funshine Rolly Drops, Hornet, Joy Cross, Naughty Hands and Out of Sight.
Riders looking to plan out their daily route options can visit the trail status page on Whistler Blackcomb's website for a list of up-to-date closures.
"Thanks for your patience and understanding as we work through this exciting and busy time at the bike park," Whistler Blackcomb's safety message concluded. "Remember—pre-ride, re-ride, freeride!"
