First-timers Guide to Heli-Biking in Whistler
There’s a first time for everything—driving a car, riding a bike, heli-skiing, and now, the ultimate adventure: heli-biking. Join us for Whistler’s only heli-biking experience. Follow this guide to get ready for your heli-biking adventure!
Step 1: Be Prepared:
Choose the right trail for your group! We offer two options for strong intermediate to expert riders: the 12km Expert Hidden Peak Trail and the 9km Advanced Middle Peak Trail. Ready for the challenge? Please note that Heli Biking is not suitable for beginners!
So, what does a strong intermediate to expert rider look like? We suggest that you be able to ride black trails regularly, as the 9km Advanced trail has features more challenging than a traditional blue trail. There are no mandatory drops, bridges, or gap jumps, but there are mandatory rock rolls and be aware a Whistler Blue trail = A Black trail elsewhere. For the more advanced-expert riders, the 12km Expert trail is the perfect choice. It has challenging rock rolls with exposure to get your heart pumping with excitement.
If you have any doubts, refer to the Ability Chart to see where you fit in. Whistler trail comparisons for the 9km Advanced Middle Peak Trail are Original Sin, Angry Pirate, Lord of the Squirrels, and Golden Boner. Similar trails for the 12km Expert Hidden Peak Trail are Top of the World, AM/PM, and Micro Climate.
Secondly, you must ensure that your stead is rolling in optimal condition. Make sure there are no loose bolts, dry chains, dead brake pads, or empty tires and suspension. A mechanical issue on the trail could ruin your day if you don’t follow a proper bike check before arriving. Do yourself a favour and thoroughly check your gear before your trip, or get your local shop to look it over.
To make sure you have everything you need once in the alpine, here is a quick and easy packing list;
Helmet (full-face or half-shell)
Bike protection: knee pads, elbow pads, gloves, etc
Granola bars, snacks, electrolytes
Goggles or sunglasses
Sunscreen
Water
Recommended bag with first aid kit, tire repair, pump, spare tube
*Please note that you cannot strap anything to your bike during the flight, including water bottles, tubes, tools, etc. You can only have a mudguard strapped with four zip ties (not Velcro).
Step 2: What to Expect:
When booking this adventure, there are a few options to choose from depending on if you’re travelling solo or as a group. You can book a private self-guided or a private guided group, or join a guided public flight to be paired with others. The most cost-effective per-person option is the private self-guided for you and four other riders, which comes to $423 + GST per person (Expert trail). That’s just good math! The public group is an excellent option for anyone travelling alone or in a pair; you’ll get to explore the trail with other riders and a certified guide to keep everyone safe.
Expert Trail Pricing:
Private Self-Guided - $2,115 + GST for 5 riders
Private Guided - $2,350 + GST for 4 riders
Public Guided - $585 + GST per rider
Advanced Trail Pricing:
Private Self-Guided - $1,875 + GST for 5 riders
Private Guided - $2,135 + GST for 4 riders
Public Guided - $530 + GST per rider
*pricing is in CAD
Here at AlpX, we take safety extremely seriously. Our priority is to ensure all riders make it off the trail safely. We have protocols in place for every group to ensure they are prepared in an emergency. Before the riders embark on their adventure, our team gives a detailed briefing with all the information they need to stay safe. Each group is provided with a radio for communication as there is limited cell service along the trail. Our team of guides and patrollers are highly trained and certified in their field, and there is always a patroller on the trail. The patrol guide is at the top of the trail to ensure the riders safely exit the helicopter and prep the group on current conditions. They are also the first point of contact for any medical emergencies. This is a backcountry adventure, and when partaking in the extraordinary activities the Sea to Sky has to offer, there is a possibility of risk. It’s up to us to ensure you feel prepared for a safe descent.
We recognize and appreciate that we are able to operate on the tenure of Crown land within the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and the Lil̓wat7úl territory.
Step 3: THE Trail
The Hidden Peak trail is arguably the best trail in Whistler (unbiased opinion, we promise). Hidden Peak is a mix of all elements that make a trail great. Ride down everything from tech, loam, jumps, flow, and most importantly, great views. Keep reading, and we’ll walk you through what to expect in each section of the trail and the anticipated conditions of the trail:
12 - 9 km Expert Trail
You start the Hidden Peak trail in the high alpine at 1920m (6300ft) elevation with 360 degrees of beautiful views. You begin descending the trail into 2km of Alpine Black Tech. You’ll encounter many rock rolls en route to the stunning alpine lakes. Pause for a moment to appreciate the breathtaking views, and take a dip if you’re feeling brave before you start your ascent up the 1km climb trail. The climb trail gradually ascents up the mountain, progressively getting steeper as you reach the top. The top of the climb trail will connect to the Middle Peak Trail just below the landing pad.
9 - 0 km Advanced Blue Trail
At the top of Middle Peak, ride off the wooden helipad to start your journey. Descend through the alpine tech as it switches back across the mountain. Flow through the rock rolls - this playful zone will keep you on your toes. Once you enter the treeline, this is where the real fun begins for you loam lovers. As the next 3km are filled with beautiful, perfect loam. Soak it in while it lasts - fresh dirt, catch berms, and small (optional) drops. Keep your eyes peeled along the trail as we have numbered signs along the way in case of emergencies and recommended rest stops to ease the arm pump. As you exit the trees, you enter into the lower cut-block section. The lowest and last section of the trail is considered bike park style. Fly through the beautiful fireweed flowers, flowing over jumps and smooth berms. Leave your buddies in the dust as you descend into the valley of the Rutherford to finish off the adventure.
Insider Insights:
The trail can be wet, dry, smooth, or chunky, depending on the time of season. Typically, around the trail's opening (mid-July), the upper sections are wetter as the last of the alpine snow melts. The alpine dries out throughout the summer, creating perfect, tacky dirt. The loam zone normally stays pristine all summer long. The cut-block section of the trail is typically drier than the other zones, as it’s south-facing and bakes in the sun in the warmer months. That’s the beautiful thing about Hidden Peak; its variety and flow make it the best trail in Whistler.
Step 4: The Decompression
Picture this: you’ve successfully finished the Hidden Peak Trail and have arrived back at Staging to pick out a nice chilled, non-alcoholic beverage to enjoy. That’s living. Our team will greet you at the end of your ride, and you can decompress as long as you need. Hang out, have a beverage, and shop from our various retail items for the perfect memorabilia. We have a small selection of shirts, hats, stickers, water bottles, bike tools, and more available!
Once you’re ready to head home, self-driven people can leave anytime. For those of you who opt for our shuttle, there are typically two trips back to the village, depending on when you’re ready to wrap up the day!
