Schools on Dirt
Like Schools on Snow, only on dirt! Bring your school or youth group to experience all The Whistler Mountain Bike Park has to offer. Schools on Dirt is a development program that can cater to level and abilities. Contact us for more details.
Whistler Blackcomb invites you to bring your students to experience our world-renowned Bike Park through our Schools on Dirt Program. Students of all ability levels will spend a day with us discovering the adventure of mountain biking, riding with our passionate Bike Coaches who will guide them down some of our famous bike park trails.
A Day In The Whistler Blackcomb Bike Park
When your students arrive, they will be split into groups by ability and experience. Our coaches will continue to assess the participants' skill level and tailor the day accordingly.
All students will start at the ORIENTATION CENTRE with an introduction to familiarize themselves with the Bike Park, trail etiquette and trail safety, and will continue with some basic downhill skills and riding techniques. The groups will then start descending trails appropriate to their ability.
Safety is our highest priority, and our coaches will focus on their rider’s skill progression so that they are ready for the trails and will only move onto a new trail or feature when the participant is ready.
Schools on Dirt Program
The Schools on Dirt program follows the same principles as our successful Schools On Snow program and is aimed at elementary (ages 8-12) and secondary school aged students of all ability levels, who live in Vancouver and the surrounding region. Our experienced certified mountain bike guides can take everyone from the first-time mountain biker to the experienced racer and guide them around North America's largest mountain bike park in a safe and fun environment. Unlike our Schools On Snow program, you and any other trip organizer can participate in the bike program alongside the students!
Schools on Dirt Details
Dates and Pricing
Schools on Dirt is available during term time: May 19 - June 27 and September 2 - October 13. Lift, lesson, Rental packages available. Please contact us for a price breakdown.
ORGANIZER INCENTIVE: For the trip organizer, we will provide one complimentary Bike Park Lift ticket or sight see ticket for every trip you bring. You'll also receive great rates on our Full Suspension Mountain Bikes, and because we want you to develop your skills along with your students, we encourage you to take part in the class at no additional charge.
Guides
All of our Schools on Dirt packages include guides from 10:00am - 2:00pm who will tailor the day's content according to the group's abilities and preferences. All riders will be grouped according to ability and speed with a ratio of 7:1 riders to coach.
Bike Rentals
For first time mountain bikers or for those who wish to try a dual suspension mountain bike, we have a large fleet of top downhill bikes that have been customized to our specifications. These bikes are perfect for all kinds of terrain and for all ability levels, from the first time mountain biker to the experienced biker. Our fleet of downhill bikes are maintained and serviced daily.
Schools On Dirt Packages include downhill rentals and protective gear from 10:00am - 2:00pm.
What to Bring
Bring a small, comfortable day-pack which will fit your belongings and lunch, this can be left at the CLC - this will need to carried down the trail at the end of the day.
- Recommended clothing: Dress in layers as the weather can change quickly, long shorts or athletic pants (no jeans), light top, long sleeve top, waterproof jacket and pants. If bringing your own bike gloves, bring a spare pair if the day looks wet.
- Hydration pack or water bottle and sunscreen.
Protective Gear
Is mandatory for all participants. All students and chaperones must wear a Full face helmet, bike gloves, arm and leg amour. All protective gear is included with the rental.
Lunch on the Mountain
Participants will need to provide a bagged lunch. These can be stored and eaten at the Children's Learning Centre (CLC) located on the mountain. This area provides shelter from the weather, bathrooms and access to water.
Safety
Safety is our number one priority for our guests and staff. Students will need to listen and follow the directions laid out by the coach at all times. Students will only progress to new trails and features when the coach deems all students ready.
If an injury does occur all bike guides are first aid trained but will call patrol for assistance. Our patrollers are first aid professionals. The Bike School emergency dispatch line will keep the trip organizer updated on the situation.
If a student incurs an injury requiring a visit to the clinic, the student will be transported there by Whistler Blackcomb staff. A chaperone needs to be available to meet any injured party at the clinic. The Whistler Clinic is located at 201-4380 Lorimer Road. Tel: 604-932-3977. Please drive a separate vehicle to Whistler on the day of your trip in case you need to stay behind with an injured student.
Cancellation Policy
Whistler Blackcomb reserves the right to change, alter or substitute any portion of our Mountain Bike Programs itineraries due to trail conditions, rider's ability or weather.
Want to Know More?
Schools on Snow: WBSchoolsOnSnow@vailresorts.com