Raising the Bar: Your Definitive Crankworx Whistler Handbook

First and foremost, Crankworx Whistler would like to acknowledge the incredible privilege of being situated on the shared, unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish) Nation and Lil̓wat7úl (Lil’wat) Nation.

Brace yourself for an electrifying adventure as we welcome you to Whistler, the very birthplace of Crankworx and our beloved home for the past 20 exhilarating years.

Are you planning to join us in 2023? We are hyped to have you, and can’t wait to share all that this year’s festival has to offer!

To ensure you have the time of your life, we present your ultimate guide to all things Crankworx Whistler. So, buckle up, take notes, and prepare for non-stop adrenaline as you dive headfirst into the heart-pounding action.

What’s on the horizon?

Getting Here

Crankworx Whistler is the busiest time of the year in the resort, so plan ahead and leave extra time to make sure you don’t miss out!

Driving Directions to Whistler

Get ready for the drive of a lifetime along the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) to Whistler. It’s a short, 120 kilometre (75 mile) drive from Vancouver, and one of the most scenic routes in the world. Be prepared for driving on a mountain highway – check out current road conditions, notices, winter tire requirements and driving tips before you start.

From Vancouver turn-by-turn:

  1. From West Georgia Street, continue west through Stanley Park and onto the Lions Gate Bridge
  2. Take the exit toward West Vancouver
  3. Merge onto Marine Drive
  4. Turn right at Taylor Way
  5. Continue west on Route 1 to Exit 2
  6. Follow Highway 99-N (Sea to Sky Highway) toward Squamish/Whistler
  7. Continue through Squamish to Whistler Village

Festival Map

Locations

Crankworx Whistler racing and events take place throughout Whistler. Some key places include:

Spectator Viewing Information

KIDSWORX- B-LINE DH & ADAPTIVE DH -Spectators can walk up the Whistler Mountain Access Road. Foot traffic viewing is only permitted at the finish coral. Guests are welcome to spectate from any point along the trail as long as they have a bike and bike park pass. Parents can escort their kids up Creekside Gondola to drop them off at the top of the course even without a bike. 

ADAPTIVE DUAL SLALOM- This event is accessed from Skier’s Plaza. Walking from Skier’s Plaza up marked spectator viewing route to top of pump track, no access from the Bike Park to Pump Track.

ROCKSHOX CANADIAN OPEN DH-  Bike Park guests can go up Whistler Village gondola or Creekside Gondola and bike down to the Timing Flats. Alternatively, foot traffic can hike up to the Timing Flats via marked hiking trail (look for signage near Dusty’s Bar and BBQ).

(Sunday only) 42-seater shuttle bus will be running from Legends hotel up to the Timing Flats from 10:30am-onwards, departing every 20 minutes.

SCOR AIR DH- Spectator viewing only available through large screens in Skier’s Plaza. Those wishing to view it live will have to purchase a bike park pass and ride down to viewing area adjacent to event area on B-Line.

ULTIMATE PUMP TRACK CHALLENGE- Spectators may walk up from Skier’s Plaza through the fenced in walking path (right hand side of Mountain Road, along the red fence) and across ‘Heart of Darkness’ berms at a controlled crossing. There is no access from the Bike Park to Pump Track. The only viewing locations in the Boneyard will be from the top side of PT. You can’t access the spectator viewer zones from the Bike Park. No dogs allowed in Boneyard.

CRANKWORX WHISTLER DUAL SLALOM – Start Skiers plaza and walk up the right side of Mountain Road. One route will take you through the A-Line finish to the start of Dual Slalom/Speed & Style courses, the other spectator viewing route will take you to a spectator viewing area located in the middle of the Dual Slalom and Speed and Style tracks. Please find secure storage for your bikes in the village. No dogs allowed in the Boneyard.

OUTDOOR RESEARCH SPEED & STYLE – Start in the plaza and walk up the spectator viewing routes (located on either side of Dual Slalom and Speed & Style courses). One route will take you through the A-Line finish to the start of Dual Slalom and Speed & Style. The other spectator viewing route will take you to a spectator viewing area located in the middle of the Dual Slalom and Speed and Style tracks. No dogs allowed in the Boneyard.

Pro tip: The spectator viewing route that takes you to the middle of the Speed & Style track is our favourite viewing spot, as you will enjoy unrestricted views of two key Speed & Style features.

RED BULL JOYRIDE – Foot traffic can walk up the spectator viewing route to several different viewing areas within the Boneyard. Please ask a Crankworx volunteer if you are unsure about a particular viewing area. No dogs allowed in the Boneyard.

Note: There are no bikes permitted within spectator viewing areas in the Boneyard.

JOYRIDE VIP – VIP guests can walk up the spectator viewing route on the left side of the Boneyard to the gated VIP areas. No coat check available. Security check will also be in place. Guests with any of the Joyride VIP passes (Slopedeck, Skybox, general VIP) will be directed by security to their designated viewing area. No outside alcohol permitted, bag check will be in effect.

CANADIAN OPEN ENDURO: Stages to be announced Friday July 21st, with viewing areas to follow. Stay tuned for course info and spectator viewing options .

OFFICIAL WHIP-OFF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS PRESENTED BY POC-Bike Park guests can travel up the Whistler Gondola and ride down to the course to watch trailside. No foot traffic is permitted to hike down to the trail. Foot traffic looking to make the trek up to the event from Skier’s Plaza may use the Spectator Walking path located on the right side of Mountain Road and follow it all the up to the “Crabapple Hits” trail. No pets and pack in what you pack out. 

Parking

Be sure to check the RMOW parking site for the location of all parking lots in Whistler – Parking Map: Parking Map

Day Lot 2 will not be available for parking, as they will be home to the Crankworx Tech and Demo Zones. With that in mind, Lots 1, 3, 4, and 5 will be extra busy!

Parking for Red Bull Joyride: Lot 6 & 7 will offer free parking during Joyride. Whistler-Blackcomb will be running shuttles during the event. Shuttle bus will be available from Lot 6/7 only on July 29th for Joyride

Creekside Parking & Shuttles for Canadian Open DH:

Parking for the DH event will be available on a first-come first-served basis at the Whistler Creekside Parkade. The Parkade is located right across the street from Creekside Gondola, with free parking available. 

A public shuttle will be operating from Legends Whistler to the finish area (Creekside Timing Flats) of the race. A 42-seater shuttle bus will be running from Legends hotel up to the Timing Flats from 10:30am-onwards, departing every 20 minutes (SUNDAY ONLY).

Events Schedule

For details on all pro events, Kidsworx competitions, after-parties, and more, stay tuned to: https://www.crankworx.com/festival/whistler/

Tickets/Passes

Crankworx Whistler is FREE to attend! For those looking to beat the crowds on the busiest days of the festival, limited quantities of VIP passes to the RockShox Canadian Open DH and Red Bull Joyride are still available: https://www.crankworx.com/whistler/passes/

Start List and Results

Want to know who’s dropping in, and what time? Or check in to see exact times for your favourite riders? Start lists and results are available here: https://www.crankworx.com/results/start-lists/

Events, Happenings and Parties

Daily pro racing is what attracts the eyeballs of the world to Crankworx Whistler, but what makes this event the ultimate is all the happenings that enable festival-goers to truly be a part of it. Giveaways and athlete signings at booths that line the Village Stroll for the Crankworx Expo. Free workshops offered by bike and component brands. And après sessions, and a party or two (ok, a few more than two). Highlights in 2023 include the return of the Adaptive MTB Jam Session, an opportunity for riders with varying mobility to experience mountain biking, Liv A-Line Women’s Session where rad ladies throwdown on one of the world’d most famous freeride tracks, and the official Red Bull Joyride Official Afterparty at The Longhorn Saloon.

All details: https://www.crankworx.com/whistler/events-happenings-parties/

Insider tip: Check the link above daily! New events are added throughout the festival.

Crankworx Merch

Official 2023 Crankworx Whistler merchandise will be available in Mountain Square in Whistler Village, and is available for purchase online: https://ilabb.ca/collections/crankworx

Crankworx From Home

Crankworx Whistler will be live on Red Bull TV. So, if you’re not able to get into the action on site, follow along from home (and start planning your trip for next year).

Details: https://www.redbull.com/ca-en/events/crankworx-world-tour-whistler

It’s time, friends. Join us in celebrating all things mountain bike, get stoked alongside the world’s best riders, and help welcome Crankworx Whistler home.