Crested Butte vs. Whistler?

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    • #212285

      I’m planning a mtb vacation for my 40th and can’t decide between Whistler and Crested Butte (after reading about ‘top 10’ places on Singletracks). Here is some context:

      1. traveling with wife and 4 yr old son, who will not be mountain biking during the day (so they need something to do …)

      2. the longer the ride the better, prefer climbing to lifts, i’m not into DH, jumps, riding next to 100 foot drop-offs. i’ve been riding off-and-on since about 14, and i’m more into xc / all mountain

      3. planning to travel end-June or beginning of July

      Andy advice would be greatly appreciated!

    • #212299

      Depends on which one is more important: #1 or #2. 🙂

      If #1 is more important, I say go to Whistler. If #2, Crested Butte has what you want.

      As for #3, I’d only consider Crested Butte if you can definitely go in July. Whistler will be rideable starting in May, but the high stuff in Crested Butte can still have snow even on the 4th of July.

      • #212308

        Not much to add to what Jeff said other than to say that Crested Butte Mountain Resort is currently at 151% of average snowpack, meaning they currently have 50% more snow on the ground than they usually do this time of year. Also, the snow isn’t done for the season. So expect a later than usual opening to some of the high elevation trails in Crested Butte. If you want to get up on the 401 I wouldn’t recommend going before mid-to-late July.

        (Whistler is at 107% of average)

    • #212309

      PS while there’s plenty of pedaling to be done in Whistler (so I’m told), if you’re not into riding lifts you’re really missing what Whistler is all about. Crested Butte has some lift access at the resort, but the bulk of the riding there is all about pedaling to the top.

      Also, Jeff, not sure when the last time you were to Crested Butte was, but they’ve really been working on their kid-friendly offerings at the resort. Check out all this stuff, especially the mountain adventure program: http://www.skicb.com/content/summer-childrens-programs Climbing walls, bag jumps (had to do that myself), zip lines, and more. That said, it’s still a pretty small town.

    • #212313

      I’ve never ridden in Crested Butte, but I have been to Whistler a few times. It is Disneyland for mountain bikers. The first time I went, I brought all my trail riding stuff because I too thought, “I’m not that into DH.” Well after one day in the park, I changed my tune. My trail stuff stayed in my suitcase for the rest of the trip.

      There are some fun trails around Lost Lake which is adjacent to the village, but it’s more of a pre/post work ride kind of place. The valley has shit tons of other trails too, but again, I spent most of my time there in the bike park.

      Squamish, which is on the way to Whistler has some incredible singletrack. There’s everything from flow trails to uber tech.

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