British Columbia’s mountain bike season is almost here. From the legendary terrain of Whistler to the powder-day-turned-bike-day gems of Revelstoke and Fernie, BC is home to some of the best lift-accessed mountain biking on the planet. Here’s everything you need to know about when each resort opens for the 2026 bike park season — plus what to expect when you arrive.
BC Bike Park Opening Dates at a Glance
| Resort | Opening Day | Region |
|---|---|---|
| Whistler Blackcomb | May 15 | Sea to Sky |
| Revelstoke Mountain Resort | June 5 | Columbia Mountains |
| Panorama Mountain Resort | June 12 | Kootenay Rockies |
| Grouse Mountain | June 12* | Metro Vancouver |
| Sun Peaks Resort | June 13 | Thompson Okanagan |
| Kicking Horse Mountain Resort | June 19 | Columbia Mountains |
| SilverStar Mountain Resort | June 19 | Thompson Okanagan |
| Red Mountain Resort | June 20 | Kootenays |
| Fernie Alpine Resort | June 25 | Kootenays |
| Mount Washington Alpine Resort | June 26 | Vancouver Island |
| Big White Ski Resort | July 1 | Thompson Okanagan |
*Estimate only — confirm with resort before travelling.
Resort-by-Resort Breakdown
Whistler Blackcomb Bike Park — Opens May 15
Region: Sea to Sky, BC | Nearest City: Whistler, BC
Whistler Bike Park is the benchmark for lift-accessed mountain biking worldwide. With over 80 trails spanning more than 4,900 vertical feet, it’s the first major BC bike park to open each season — typically mid-May — giving dedicated riders a solid head start before the summer crowds arrive.
Whistler’s trail network covers everything from beginner-friendly green flow trails to some of the most technically demanding black and double-black lines in the sport. The A-Line, Dirt Merchant, and Top of the World trail are staples for any visit. The resort also hosts Crankworx Whistler, the world’s largest mountain bike festival, each August.
Plan your trip: Accommodation in Whistler books out fast for summer — reserve early if you’re planning around opening weekend.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort — Opens June 5
Region: Columbia Mountains, BC | Nearest City: Revelstoke, BC
Revelstoke is best known for its extraordinary vertical — the longest in North America for skiing — and that same geography makes for exceptional lift-accessed biking. The bike park here is on the smaller side compared to Whistler, but what it lacks in trail volume it more than compensates for in character and scenery. Expect raw, high-alpine terrain with stunning views across the Monashees and Selkirks.
Revelstoke is also a great base for shuttle and backcountry biking in the surrounding mountains, making it a natural stop on a wider Columbia Mountains road trip.
Panorama Mountain Resort — Opens June 12
Region: Kootenay Rockies, BC | Nearest City: Invermere, BC
Tucked into the Purcell Mountains above the Columbia Valley, Panorama is a hidden gem for summer mountain biking. The bike park features lift-accessed trails for all ability levels, with the dramatic Kootenay Rockies as a backdrop. Panorama is a notably quieter alternative to the larger BC resorts — ideal for families or riders who prefer uncrowded trails and a more laid-back vibe.
The resort village is self-contained, with good on-site accommodation and dining, making it an easy two- or three-day destination.
Grouse Mountain — Opens June 12 (Estimate)
Region: Metro Vancouver, BC | Nearest City: North Vancouver, BC
Grouse Mountain is the most accessible lift-accessed riding in BC, sitting directly above North Vancouver and visible from downtown Vancouver. While the bike park is smaller in scale, its convenience makes it a go-to for lower Mainland riders looking to get laps in after work or on a weekend without the drive to Whistler.
Note that the June 12 opening is an estimate only — confirm directly with Grouse Mountain before planning your trip.
Sun Peaks Resort — Opens June 13
Region: Thompson Okanagan, BC | Nearest City: Kamloops, BC
Sun Peaks is Canada’s second-largest ski resort by skiable terrain, and its bike park reflects that scale. The network spans three mountains — Mount Morrisey, Tod Mountain, and Sundance — with over 40 trails covering nearly 2,000 vertical feet of lift-accessed descending. Trails range from wide, flowing beginner runs to technical advanced lines through the pine forests.
Sun Peaks village is one of the most polished resort communities in BC, with a pedestrian-friendly layout, strong dining options, and good accommodation for families.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort — Opens June 19
Region: Columbia Mountains, BC | Nearest City: Golden, BC
Kicking Horse delivers some of the most serious lift-accessed terrain in BC. The resort sits above the town of Golden at the confluence of the Kicking Horse and Columbia Rivers — one of BC’s most underrated mountain towns — and the bike park leans toward advanced and expert riders. High alpine exposure, rowdy natural terrain, and big views define the experience here.
If you’re road tripping between Banff and the BC interior, Golden and Kicking Horse make for an essential stop.
SilverStar Mountain Resort — Opens June 19
Region: Thompson Okanagan, BC | Nearest City: Vernon, BC
SilverStar is one of the Okanagan’s best mountain bike destinations, with a well-developed trail network suited to a wide range of ability levels. The resort is known for its colourful village, strong community vibe, and trails that blend lift-accessed descents with cross-country loops through the surrounding forest.
SilverStar is also a Crankworx destination — Crankworx SilverStar typically takes place in late summer, making it a great anchor for planning a late-season trip.
Red Mountain Resort — Opens June 20
Region: Kootenays, BC | Nearest City: Rossland, BC
Red Mountain and the town of Rossland are quietly becoming one of BC’s best mountain bike destinations. The resort bike park is complemented by Rossland’s extensive trail network — one of the finest trail systems in the province — meaning a trip here offers far more than just lift-accessed laps.
Rossland’s trail network spans everything from mellow cross-country riding to steep, technical enduro-style trails. Red Mountain itself adds lift access for descents you couldn’t otherwise reach on pedal power alone.
Fernie Alpine Resort — Opens June 25
Region: Kootenays, BC | Nearest City: Fernie, BC
Fernie is a bucket-list destination for BC mountain bikers. The bike park features lift-accessed trails through old-growth cedar forests, with a mix of flow trails, technical descents, and big-mountain lines that reward more experienced riders. The Elk Valley setting — surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks — is among the most scenic of any BC resort.
Like Rossland, Fernie has an excellent independent trail network in and around town, so a visit here can easily stretch to several days of varied riding.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort — Opens June 26
Region: Vancouver Island, BC | Nearest City: Courtenay, BC
Mount Washington is Vancouver Island’s only lift-accessed bike park, and it’s become a genuine destination in its own right. The park offers trails for all abilities, with the relaxed pace and Island vibe setting it apart from the mainland resorts. For riders already planning a trip to Vancouver Island — whether for camping, surf, or trails in the Cumberland area — adding a day or two at Mount Washington is an easy decision.
Big White Ski Resort — Opens July 1
Region: Thompson Okanagan, BC | Nearest City: Kelowna, BC
Big White rounds out the BC summer season with a July 1 opening, making it one of the last resorts to fire up the lifts for biking. The bike park suits all levels, with a mix of lift-accessed flow trails and natural descents through the Okanagan Highlands. Big White’s self-contained village — fully walkable, with accommodation right at the base — makes it a convenient option for families.
Kelowna is a short drive away, making Big White an easy add-on to an Okanagan road trip.
Planning Your BC Bike Park Season
Early season (May–June): Trail conditions can vary significantly. Higher alpine resorts may still have snow on upper trails in May and early June. Check individual resort trail reports before heading out.
Peak season (July–August): Most resorts are running full operations. Whistler in particular sees peak crowds during Crankworx in August — book accommodation and bike rentals well in advance.
Late season (September): Shoulder season brings quieter trails, cooler temperatures, and often excellent conditions. Many resorts run reduced operations, so confirm lift schedules before visiting.
Multi-resort road trips: BC’s geography lends itself to epic mountain bike road trips. Classic routes include the Sea to Sky corridor (Whistler), the Columbia Valley loop (Revelstoke–Kicking Horse–Panorama), and the Kootenay circuit (Fernie–Red Mountain–Nelson area trails).
Stay Updated
Opening dates can shift due to snowpack, weather, and conditions. Always verify directly with the resort before travelling. Most BC resorts post live trail reports and status updates on their websites and social channels.
MTN Guide covers BC’s mountain resort destinations year-round. Explore resort guides, trail conditions, and trip planning tools at mtnguide.co.
Last updated: April 2026. Opening dates sourced from resort announcements — subject to change. Grouse Mountain opening date is an estimate only.