With the winter season winding down Whistler Blackcomb crews are turning their attention back to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park with an eye on a May 16 opening, on whatever trails are clear - or can be cleared - of snow.
New additions planned this year include continued expansions into the Garbanzo Zone, including more intermediate level riding, a redesigned slopestyle in the Boneyard area, giant slalom and dual slalom courses at the base of the mountain, and new lesson and rental packages for all levels of riders.
Almost new this year are sections of Blue Velvet and Freight Train, as well as an improved No Joke trail - all three of which opened on the last weekend last season.
"They have had the winter months to compact and should be in fantastic condition when Garbanzo opens this summer," said park manager Brian Finestone.
New this year is the Bike Park 1010 daily clinic that teaches "never-evers" about downhill mountain biking with qualified guides.
Passholders can add a lesson upgrade for $5 for a half day, or $10 for a full day to fine tune their skills.
Early bird park passes are also available for $435 until June 19, when they go up to $475. To purchase passes visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/bike, drop by Whistler Blackcomb Guest Relations, or call 1-800-766-0449.
