Whistler Bike Park With Kids

Consider Guides or Lessons

The Bike Park is an intimidating place for first time riders. Its also a dangerous place if proper bike park etiquette is not followed. With loads of options for introduction, Whistler Bike Park can create positive experiences for both kids and adults. I would recommend for parents not comfortable riding and navigating the park to look to DFX camps and lessons or private guides to insure the kids have a fun and safe time in the park.

Bike Rentals

A MTB instructor and guide myself, our introduction to the park was rentals/lift tickets and me on point for guiding and laying down the park rules for the boys. Whistler has a great rental program with Full Suspension 20’s and 24’s for hire. It is best to organize the rentals in advance as the bikes are limited in numbers and are very popular. You get set-up with the bike, armour and full face at a discount if you book in advance.

Set some Ground Rules

What I have learned over the years is pacing is key. You set the speed by leading. Left to their own, kids will pin it the whole way down and roll anything. It’s a good idea to ride your trail bike with young and first time kids as there is no need for a downhill bike at their pace and terrain. Also, make hard rules like: no passing, keep distance between riders, one of us stops we all stop (off trail) and no hitting/rolling unknown obstacles blind. Trails like EZ does it, B-Line, Heart of Darkness and Crank it up should be selected with the least experienced rider in mind. If there are two adults, even better, one can take up the tail position. Lastly, know when to call it. At any hint of fatigue or crankiness, its time to stop. No sense in pushing out another lap when things start to unwind, that’s when crashes happen.

Enjoy the time

In sum, if you are not comfortable with riding the park yourself, let the professional instructors and guides at Whistler Bike Park take care of your kids. Heck, let them take care of you as well by taking an adult lesson and intro to the park. If you are going to venture into the park with the kids, know their limits and lay down the law for rules in the park. I have to admit, blasting the jumps on B-line with my 6 year old was one of the best times I have ever had on a bike!