by Meria Paidu

Created on: July 21, 2008   Last Updated: July 31, 2008

It's a long way down but Whistler, British Columbia, has mountain biking down to an art. As winter changes to summer and ski suits are abandoned by the wayside, out comes the cycling gear and out come the cross country 'connoisseurs'. Just 75 miles north of Vancouver, Whistler Village, the heart of Whistler Resort is the target of thousands of bikers looking to combine the adrenaline rush of the terrain with the breathtaking beauty of the Coast Mountains.

Voted the best ski resort in the world year on year, Whistler offers world class skiing, biking, shopping and dining along with equipment rental shops which offer online as well as in-store service. Experienced guides can help novices and first time visitors find the best fit for their age and abilities.

For beginners, Whistler's 30 km paved Valley Trail is the perfect place to start. For the more experienced, the smooth flowing myriad of trails in Lost Lake and the variety of long descents of the surrounding mountains should prove ample exercise. And for those adverse to pedaling, two express chairlifts are available in summer as in winter. To make matters easier, trails are graded by color in the model of ski runs, starting from green to double black diamond. Keep to the lighter shades for a basic ride or complicate your way to the obstacle courses of varying difficulty that lead up into the black trails.

For the after-cycling, Whistler Village counts nearly a hundred restaurants and bars, providing anything from a good old steak to a gourmet top class dining experience. And if that's not enough to recharge your batteries, the two hundred retail shops, a twelve screen cinema, climbing wall and sports center will surely be more than enough to keep you entertained.

With its 100 miles of singletrack and 50 miles of doubletrack trails, all absolutely free, Whistler park is a fantastic hub for mountain riding aficionados. Whether looking to build skills or progress with your riding within your own boundaries, a day spent on the steep mountain slopes will not be wasted. If you know how to ride a bike, Whistler is your playground.

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