Quantcast

Whistler 2011 riding trip

slam_

Chimp
Jul 4, 2007
14
0
Hi,

I'm planning a trip to whistler in 2011. I've never been there.

I'm looking for some advice from people who already did the trip.

Someone told me 2000$ (cad) is enough for a 7-9 days of ride, all expenses included (plane, lodging, etc).

I'm leaving from montreal with my bike. I expect the plane to cost me around 800$.

How much should I expect to pay for the lodging for a week?
Do you have any good website I should look into for a condo?

We are 3 to go ride there.

Any advice you might have is welcome.
Thank you,
JF
 
Last edited:

wiscodh

Monkey
Jun 21, 2007
833
121
303
alluredirect.com for your housing needs
~300 for lift tickets
~500 for lodge
~100 for a bus up and back
~800 for plane

you are at 1700 bucks before food/booze

are you bringing your bike or renting? that could be another huge money sink.


Hi,

I'm planning a trip to whistler in 2011. I've never been there.

I'm looking for some advice from people who already did the trip.

Someone told me 2000$ (cad) is enough for a 7-9 days of ride, all expenses included (plane, lodging, etc).

I'm leaving from montreal. I expect the plane to cost me around 800$.

How much should I expect to pay for the lodging for a week?
Do you have any good website I should look into for a condo?

We 3 to go ride there.

Any advice you might have is welcome.
Thank you,
JF
 

w00dy

In heaven there is no beer
Jun 18, 2004
3,417
51
that's why we drink it here
There is a good local classified rag. If you can get your hands on one of those. I'd recommend it. I found a one room place for really cheap. The summer is way less busy than the winter.

Edit: early summer is slow. Krankworks time is nuts, but you can demo bikes. That makes up for the lines.
 

slam_

Chimp
Jul 4, 2007
14
0
I'm bringing my own bike there.

Thanks for the site, I'll go take a look.

Keep them coming! :)

ps
beer > water.
 

al-irl

Turbo Monkey
Dec 9, 2004
1,086
0
A, A
you can get cheaper accommodation in whistler i got a room in a house share it was about 150 cad for 7 days in a house which was about 5 mins pedal from the lifts
 

vincent

Monkey
Aug 22, 2004
180
17
Bromont, Quebec
I did a 10 days trip at whistler this summer and flew from Montreal so my situation might relate to yours. here's what I paid:

Plane: 1000 (got screwed on this one, we bought tickets last minute)
condo: 330 each (we were 4 in a two room condo)
bus shuttle to whistler and back to Vancouver: 130
food: 200 (this depends a lot on what you want to eat and can really get expensive)
tickets: I got a deal on this one and don't know the real price

1660 cad + tickets price with an expensive plane fare so I think 2000 is totally possible for an amazing trip but it is VERY easy to spend up to 3000, whistler is made to take all the money you come with.

beer is unbelievably expensive compared to quebec, a 24 of cheap beer is 50$...
 

Raingauge

Monkey
Apr 3, 2008
692
0
Canadia
BC = Bring Cash.

2G should do it. I think there is a hostel that's pretty cheap.

Make sure you ask about bike storage wherever you inquire about staying.
 

DHJUNKIE

Monkey
Sep 27, 2001
529
0
Cromwell, CT
I did a 1week trip in 08 for about 1500 US dollars, flew outta NYC direct to vancouver on cafe pacific who take the bikes for FREE! and i think my flight was 450bucks. I stayed at a condo that was about a 5minute walk to the lift near the 7/11 store.. forgot the name.. with one friend. I ate breakfast in every day, ate out for lunch/dinner 3times and back in the condo few other times. I don't drink and was jsut plain to tired to party anyways at night, rode 5days, took the shuttle from vancouver to whistler as well. Its possible, just be smart about what you spend money on. I cannot WAIT to go back... maybe this summer for me!
 

FarkinRyan

Monkey
Dec 15, 2003
611
192
Pemberton, BC
BC = Bring Cash.

2G should do it. I think there is a hostel that's pretty cheap.

Make sure you ask about bike storage wherever you inquire about staying.
The HI hostel is relatively cheap and very nice for a hostel since it relocated but, now that it has relocated it's nowhere near anything. It's as far away from Whistler as it can be while still technically being in Whistler.
 

tuumbaq

Monkey
Jul 5, 2006
725
0
Squamish BC
damn I love living here
So do I :thumb: . . .

2g's seems a bit low to me but I guess it'd be feasible if you are only concern about riding and nothing else . . .That is of course, if you don't have any major mechanicals.A slashed tire, ripped off derailleur or a busted rim are commons things to the park and it adds up rEEEEEAAAAlly quick.
 

DHJUNKIE

Monkey
Sep 27, 2001
529
0
Cromwell, CT
if you can ride whistler for a week or 10days you will do more riding in that time then you will all summer long no matter how many series and races you chased haha
 

AlmostHeaven

Turbo Monkey
Jun 8, 2005
1,164
0
VIRGINIA
^ if you only count lift-access, maybe haha

The money I'd worry about most would be for parts and labor once I'm there. :D This summer, it's my only goal. May have to skip every race and ride there is...but....
my buddy and I managed to ride 4 days in the Park this summer without a single mechanical. unbelievable! especially considering both of our track records of (no) luck with that department.
 

roel_koel

Monkey
Mar 26, 2003
278
1
London,England
I've spent 3 vacations in Whistler on 3 different years and thoroughly enjoyed the riding



what I learned?

take any spares that are unique to your bike:

-derailleur hanger or dropout (don't count on getting one in-resort)

-proprietary spokes (i.e. Mavic Deemax)

-if you have less common parts on your bike like Formula or Hope disc brakes then take a pair (or two) of disc pads

-basic toolset with chain breaker, allen keys, etc.

-zip ties, spare chain, spoke key, tire levers, pump

-a spare tire and tubes if you have the weight allowance on your flight (you can always sell the tire to a rider if you don't use it)

-a spare rear derailleur

-a spare disc brake rotor (best if it fits both ends of your bike ie. 203mm)

-spare gloves

-spare goggles or sunglasses

-a good lock (if you have weight allowance) both for locking bikes inside accomodation (don't just rely on accomodation 'security') or in the village if going for food


its easy to burn money in Whistler, if you eat out every lunch and evening meal

- if you are in self catering you will save alot of money shopping in the supermarkets and cooking yourself, also buying beer in the supermarket

during the day, whilst riding in WBP we started buying tasty pastries from the bakery near Fantayk bikes instead of a full burger and fries lunch, much cheaper and you don't feel so stuffed when riding

or buying granola bars from the supermarket instead

stocking up on energy drinks / hydration drinks from the supermarket rather than buying next to bike park at high prices

also, check out the big supermarket at the bottom of the village, its way cheaper than the fancy health store in the village square, as we found out on the last day of our first trip to Whistler ;)


p.s. check out the Airdome its awesome fun and money well spent!

 
Last edited:

TankerX

Monkey
Aug 20, 2003
729
0
The best place Fo Sho
For lodging check alluradirect.com. I stayed at Bear Lodge and Deer Lodge which they allow bikes in the room which is a plus. Me and buddy 2yrs ago stayed in a condo in town for a total $300 US for 5days. The room had 1bedroom and 2 more bed/futon in living room. I recommend buying groceries on the drive up if you're flying into Vancouver since the town supermarket is highway 99 robbery!
 

Tetreault

Monkey
Nov 23, 2005
877
0
SoMeWhErE NoWhErE
roel_koel pretty well locked it down. ANYTHING that is unique to your bike, bring sprares. Spokes, hangers, deraulliers, tubes, cables, basically what ever you can that your know how to fix or replace. I usually break something new every day or every second day of riding in whistler so its good to be prepared. Other then that its like going on any holiday, you just need to be smart, i can go to hawaii for less then 2 grand too if i wanted, it could also cost 10.

Find a decent cheap place to stay, without much looking you should be able to find someplace thats less then $100 a night with a bed and a futon. cook for yourself, bring snacks in your pack, limit your drinking. Last time i was there for 10 days it cost me $2400 but that did include booze and needing to buy a new stem.
 

Kntr

Turbo Monkey
Jan 25, 2003
7,526
21
Montana
I get these. :)

You left out the advice part....:p
And this guy gets nothing. ;):)

damn I love living here
I was going to add to the thread, but got side tracked.

Anyway, check into the Deer Lodge. Sometimes they have cheap rooms that will hold a lot of people. Get some guys together if you can and the cost of the rooms goes way down. The last couple years we got 8-10 guys to go. We are at a number now that we could rent a house.

Bring spare parts if you have the room. Some years Ive gone through 3-4 derailers and other years not a single one. Put brand new tires on before you go. Run a soft front tire and a hard compound rear tire. Soft tires in the rear wear real fast. Make sure your bike is in tip top shape before you go. You dont want any mechanicals while you are there. Everything is expensive.

Be prepared for any weather no matter when you go. It can get real cold and rainy real quick. Bring rain gear. Carry tools to fix your bike and a spare tube and pump. It sucks walking down Garbonzo. Some guys dont wear packs, but its up to you. Stay hydrated and eat often or you get weak and wreck.

Take it slow the first day especially. Ive seen guys go all out the first day and get hurt. You will have plenty of time to be hitting stuff. Relax and ride. We always like to be the first ones on the lift. Then take a long lunch from 2-4 and then close the park on extended play days. The best riding is right before they close.

Have fun. Its a blast. I plan on going every year until I cant ride anymore. You might post when you are going and see if anyone else will be there when you are there. Ive met a ton of life long friends here on RM and we go to Whistler every year. Our group ranged in age from 23yo to 48yo. We all love to ride so its a good time.
 

FlipFantasia

Turbo Monkey
Oct 4, 2001
1,659
492
Sea to Sky BC
do you guys really break that much sh!t? I dunno, I ride 40-50 days a season in the park and hardly go through anything, maybe try not riding like a hack?! ;)
 

DHJUNKIE

Monkey
Sep 27, 2001
529
0
Cromwell, CT
yeah i haven't had bad luck at all while there, been there 3times for 10days a piece now and worst thing that happened was i snaped my fork arch on the last day of the last run down.... other than that.. good to go!
 

John P.

Turbo Monkey
Sep 24, 2001
1,170
0
Golden, CO
Quick advice: Run the hardest compound tire you can get your hands on. Maxxis 60 duro's will last about 12-14 days up there before they're pretty shredded. The Super Tacky's are good for about +/- 6 days.

--JP
 

FlipFantasia

Turbo Monkey
Oct 4, 2001
1,659
492
Sea to Sky BC
Quick advice: Run the hardest compound tire you can get your hands on. Maxxis 60 duro's will last about 12-14 days up there before they're pretty shredded. The Super Tacky's are good for about +/- 6 days.

--JP
do you guys skid everywhere? I run 3c's and can get a couple months out of them riding the park 3-4 days a week....maybe use them a bit longer than I should, but still....14 days out of 60duro? wow.
 

Kntr

Turbo Monkey
Jan 25, 2003
7,526
21
Montana
do you guys skid everywhere? I run 3c's and can get a couple months out of them riding the park 3-4 days a week....maybe use them a bit longer than I should, but still....14 days out of 60duro? wow.
I agree... sort of. The first few years I went to Whistler I went trough tires fast and I broke a lot of parts. Trails were narrower and there were a lot of derailer and spoke breakers. The trails have gotten wider over the years and Whistler has improved on trail maintenance. I remember the year they opened Garbonzo. The trails were fresh and narrow with lots of sticks. The last few years my 3Cs have lasted a long time and I havent had any mechanicals to speak of. I think there is just a learning curve and it also depends on how many laps you do.
 

Steve M

Turbo Monkey
Mar 3, 2007
1,991
45
Whistler
do you guys really break that much sh!t? I dunno, I ride 40-50 days a season in the park and hardly go through anything, maybe try not riding like a hack?! ;)
How many runs are you actually doing a day though? Most people who live there are doing 5-6 runs a day in my experience, holidaymakers are usually doing double that because they're trying to cram in as much riding as possible.

Anyway as said before, take all spares that are unique to your bike. The bike shops there are well stocked but if you need a hanger for a Foes or something, you're out of luck. Most importantly though, just check your bike over every day. 5 mins a day spent checking everything is tight will save you a lot of money.

If you're there for more than a week or two, spend a day with a guide doing some of the trails outside the bike park - the bike park is amazing but the stuff outside it is even better.
 

toodles

ridiculously corgi proportioned
Aug 24, 2004
5,479
4,719
Australia
Misty Mountain Pizza is the best value lunch in the village. Stuff Longhorns or GLC unless you're dying for a beer. Have some spare money set aside for a random breakage, especially if you've travelled a long way to get there. I broke a Boxxer stantion and then got ripped off by a jerk mechanic named Socket. If you ride the luge at Blackcomb watch out for 10 year olds who stop their sled around blind corners.
 

FlipFantasia

Turbo Monkey
Oct 4, 2001
1,659
492
Sea to Sky BC
How many runs are you actually doing a day though? Most people who live there are doing 5-6 runs a day in my experience, holidaymakers are usually doing double that because they're trying to cram in as much riding as possible.

Anyway as said before, take all spares that are unique to your bike. The bike shops there are well stocked but if you need a hanger for a Foes or something, you're out of luck. Most importantly though, just check your bike over every day. 5 mins a day spent checking everything is tight will save you a lot of money.

If you're there for more than a week or two, spend a day with a guide doing some of the trails outside the bike park - the bike park is amazing but the stuff outside it is even better.
I definitely don't ride open to close, but 5-6 garbs to valley on a weekend day is pretty standard fair, with a rds to finish it off....I dunno, guess it kind of makes sense, I don't do ridiculous amounts of laps, but we certainly don't slouch either, and the laps we do do (haha, do do) aren't half assed by any stretch! guess knowing where to pin it, where to brake, riding off the main chunder lines, etc definitely helps keep the bikes a bit happier.....but still, 60a tires should never get chewed that fast! :)
 

Steve M

Turbo Monkey
Mar 3, 2007
1,991
45
Whistler
I definitely don't ride open to close, but 5-6 garbs to valley on a weekend day is pretty standard fair, with a rds to finish it off....I dunno, guess it kind of makes sense, I don't do ridiculous amounts of laps, but we certainly don't slouch either, and the laps we do do (haha, do do) aren't half assed by any stretch! guess knowing where to pin it, where to brake, riding off the main chunder lines, etc definitely helps keep the bikes a bit happier.....but still, 60a tires should never get chewed that fast! :)
Makes sense. I just skid in corners because that's what everyone else does.
 

Raingauge

Monkey
Apr 3, 2008
692
0
Canadia
Makes sense. I just skid in corners because that's what everyone else does.
I only skid when there is a camera in the corner and I can spray dirt on it. I also only stick my foot out in corners when there is a camera and I want to look like I'm going as fast as Sam Hill.

I've had a few mechanicals in Whistler; the best luck I've had with a shop is Evolution. They seem pretty knowledgeable and get sh!t done so you can get back to riding.
 

slam_

Chimp
Jul 4, 2007
14
0
Thanks everyone for your advices. I hear them.

Keep them coming if you think of anything else.

:)
 

FarkinRyan

Monkey
Dec 15, 2003
611
192
Pemberton, BC
How about best way to occupy your wife and 5 & 7 year old girls for 3 days?
There's heaps of other stuff out there to entertain the non-bike park crowds, literally way too much to list. A million and one different safe-but-thrilling eco-adventure type things, alpine hiking, the peak-to-peak gondola, shopping, spas, lakes. It really depends on their tastes and your budget, but you shouldn't have trouble finding stuff for them to do.
 

yellowdogx

Chimp
Dec 21, 2003
39
0
Langley BC
How about best way to occupy your wife
PICS? :rofl:

My son is 7 and rode the park for the first time last year, just easy does it, but it was still cool to see him ride it. Does your oldest ride? There is also lots of fun easy kid friendly trails up by lost lake.

There is also ziptrecking and monkido on cougar mountain which is fun for the kids.

There is a movie theater in town, every july there is the whislter childrens art festival.

There is the park for the kids at the base of blackcomb (base 2) with rock climibing, bouncey castles, go carts etc for kids.

A picnic by lost lake is alwys fun.

I cant wait for July... 17 nights in whistler riding with my wife and boy :)