Thinking of this in the future and would like to plan ahead: costs, booking, decent companies etc so if anyone has any experience it would be much appreciated!
Give us a shout. we can answer all your questions.
I have been there last 3 years. All 3 were with Bearback but on different holidays. 1st was self catering in their black bear chalet. Was really cheap as a load of Scottish guys booked the Chalet for the whole of June but then a couple dropped out. They advertised on DW for more people so me and mate went.
2nd and 3rd time were again with Bearback but on their package hols which included breakfast and evening meal + guides. Bit more expensive but worth it as food was amazing.
If riding the bike park then you don't really need guides however I would recommend it. we had Jammie guiding us 2nd and 3rd year however didn't really feel like he was guiding in the way you think of someone doing a job. Was more just an experienced mate riding with us showing us all the different lines and tracks. I would say myself and mates are experienced riders as been doing it for donkey's years now. Even though been to Whistler 3 times, when I go back next year we will use the guides again. If you are riding XC then will def need guides to get the most out of it.
Price wise, flights are not cheap about £530 with Canadian Affair. Then you have to pay £50 to put bikes on plane. Insurance for mountain biking is approx £80 with snowcard or dogtag (you def need this). Have to eat out a couple of nights which can be cheep or expensive depending where you go. The Keg or Earls does the best steaks and ribs in the world ($25 - $35). Beer isn't cheap. We were paying $4 - $7 per pint (Irish bar is expensive and not brilliant so wouldn't bother).
Overall its prob the best biking destination in the world. I'm gutted not going back this year but will be going for a couple of weeks in 2011 for sure.
If you want to know anything else or have any specific Q's then just give me a shout.
Very helpful thanks Limy, going to be riding the freeride/downhill courses so is a guide necessary? What's the extra cost for that? BearBack how should I get hold of you, give you an email or something?
Its not necessary no but its free with Bearback anyway if you want to use them. As said before I have been 3 times now and hit all the official trails on the mountain and yet when I go again next year we will ride with the guides again. Really sound guys who can help with skills etc if you need it or just show you different lines that you may not see or think of. As said once you get into it it feels like you are just riding with experienced mates so its good fun.
All communication I have with Bearback when organising / booking is via email.
What time of year are you going?
1st year I went was first 2 weeks of June and due to snowfall the upper half of the mountain wasn't open. (isn't usually open until July).
2nd and 3rd time was first couple of weeks in Sept. All the mountain is open and its quieter. Extended play is finished by then however but if getting to lifts for 10am then by 5pm you are wrecked anyway.
2nd year we had amazing weather with not a cloud in the sky for whole 2 weeks but 3 year had a few days of rain. Tracks are well designed though so drain well and we still rode all day everyday (just put waterproofs on).
Another option is www.ticket2ridebc.com, I first went with them in 2006 and have been back every year. Whistler spoils you, once you go you'll never want to go anywhere else ;o)
All holidays are based around the 'Basic Big Mountain'package ;- http://www.ticket2ridebc.com/summer/holidays.php?id=89 you can then add extras on to this depending upon your hearts desire. It's not just the bike park - you need to get out into the rest of BC - Pemberton, Squamish, North Shore... some of the best trails are a shuttle ride away. T2R can organise trips to all of these places and actively participate in the trail repair / renewal scheme to make sure they stay open.
Flight wise only cheap option now is Can Affair or Air Transat, that use the same Thomas Cook planes, but they can be purchased cheaper than stated above if you've got some 'bottle' and leave it to last minute when they reduce the prices ~ 4 weeks before to fill the planes. My mate does it every year but I never want to take the chance.
Also food wise you can eat cheaper by doing some self catering from the big supermarkets and also visit Merlins for the $5 burger night. Beer wise go for the 4 pint pitchers of local brews rather than bottles. If you like real ale then try the 'Brew House', a bit expensive, but very tasty.
Cheaper time of year May / June but only the lower slopes of the bike park are open then whilst the snow is still melting up top. If you are into snow sports, you can also still ski / board up until the end of July if you fancy a 2 activity holiday.
I've been with both Tickettoride and Bearback. Both excellent. If I was going again I'd probably pick Bearback for their guiding and skills courses (included in the price).
Make sure you take it very, very easy for the first few days as the park improves your confidence and pushes your limits.
I recommend going in winter
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do it, best holiday I've ever had
£2-3k for 2 weeks, including flights, car hire, accommodation, food, booze, spares, repairs, etc. (and a few days up in Sun Peaks)
Sorry to slightly hijack the thread but next year I was thinking of doing a week in Whistler then hiring a car and going over to Kamloops for a change. Was it expensive to hire a car and drive there?
Beware of hiring cars, as with everything in north America and Canada, the price you see is never the price you pay. There is so much small print insurance BS that it can end up costing you an arm and a leg. You can actually legally hire a car without any insurance, they tell you its your risk! I dred to think how many people take the risky cheap option!
Beware of hiring cars, as with everything in north America and Canada, the price you see is never the price you pay. There is so much small print insurance BS that it can end up costing you an arm and a leg
Not strictly true Tim. If you hire from most of the 'main players' in the UK, then the rates are generally all-inclusive (though there are some other add-ons which they always try to flog to you when you get off the plane jet-lagged).
I now live in BC so my BC car insurance covers me should I rent a car in Canada or the US, as does my credit card if I pay for the rental car on the card. It may well be worth checking your credit card insurance to see whether they offer this as that will reduce the cost quite a lot. So, if you can avoid having to pay the insurance element, car hire costs are actually fairly cheap.
Having said all of that, I wouldn't bother going to Kamloops for the riding unless you are confident you can hook up with a knowledgeable local. There are very few legal (and mapped) trails in the Loops and a great deal of the existing trails are on private land and subject to closure. [I'd suggest Kelowna and Silverstar Bike Park over Kamloops]
.....or even carry on up the road for a few miles and do Sunn Peaks instead that has full lift assisted trails.
I hired a big pick up truck, Chevy Silverado, one year that cost me just under £20 / day fully Incl. Pre booked it in the uk through Hertz, picked up and dropped off at the airport, doddle. Even returned it with a full pot on my left arm after breaking my wrist - they didn't even ask or mention it!!!
I've sent you a quick email.
Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.
Ya you need to know the locals in kam as they own the land with all the best trails and famous jumps on. They are a nice bunch though but best bet is sivlerstar
Another thumbs up from me for the [url= http://www.bearbackbiking.com/ ]BearBackBiking.com[/url] guys. I had a great trip with them a few years ago now and thoroughly recommend them.
If your budget can stretch to helibiking, I recommend it!