Biking & Hiking in Whistler & Blackcomb

Biking & Hiking

The 28-km (45-mi) paved, car-free Valley Trail links the village to lakeside beaches and scenic picnic spots. For more challenging routes, ski lifts whisk hikers and bikers up to the alpine, where marked trails are graded by difficulty. The Peak Chair operates in summer to take hikers to the top of 7,160-foot-high Whistler. The newest addition to the high alpine trail network is the High Note Trail, an intermediate, five-mi route with an elevation change of 1,132 feet and fabulous coastal mountain views. Trails are clearly marked -- you take the lift up and choose whichever way you want to come down, just as if you were skiing. Free trail maps are available from Tourism Whistler and the Whistler Activity and Information Center.

Fanatyk Co. Ski and Cycle. This outfit rents bikes, arranges for repairs, and books bike tours. 6-4433 Sundial Pl. 604/938-9452.

Whistler Gondola Base. Rent a bike, pick up a free trail map, sign up for mountain-bike lessons or a sightseeing, hiking, or walking adventure; the options are aplenty here. 3434 Blackcomb Way. 604/905-2252.

Whistler Outdoor Experience. On the shores of Green Lake, the friendly guides at this company lead hikes and mountain-bike tours. Edgewater Outdoor Centre, 8841 Hwy. 99. 604/932-3389 or 877/386-1888. www.whistleroutdoor.com.