Harookz kills it

Pro photographer Harookz joined Big Mountain this past January in Costa Rica...here are some samples of what's to come...

I love donuts

Did you know that Big Mountain guide extraordinare Joe Schwartz is a certified Canadian ACMG ski guide in the winter? Yep, it's true. He's a guiding madman spending his winters neck-deep in powder at snow-cat and heli skiing operations across BC. I had the pleasure of ski touring from Whistler mountain to neighbouring Fissle mountain and skiing the north face with Joe. What did he have to say about the whole thing? "I love donuts" he said, then skied away. Weird. But he's got a point, donuts sure are tasty.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Spring Training Camp with Andreas Hestler in Mexico's Copper Canyon

We're excited! We've teamed up with Andreas Hestler, one of North Americas most celebrated cross-country mountain bikers, on a spring training camp in Mexicos Copper Canyon region.
During the 7-day adventure participants will pedal with the 5-time Canadian National Champion and former Olympian, who will uncover his training and riding secrets.
This is an opportunity for endurance mountain bike competitors to prepare for the season. While the BC Bike Race from June 28 to July 4, 2008, will be the particular focus of this training camp, all epic, multi-day racers can benefit greatly from this training opportunity
"Spring training camps are one of the best ways to concentrate your efforts in that last push to start the season. All cyclists can benefit from experiencing a training camp that prepares you for your upcoming season. Like the pros, getting together to build base, discuss seasonal logistics and share knowledge, training camps should be worked into every ones program," says Hestler.
The riding in this region is perfect for training with an endless network of buffed singletrack in an arid Sedona Arizona-like landscape. While getting fit with Hestler, riders will explore a constantly changing landscape and jaw-dropping views that rival the Grand Canyon while cycling amongst the indigenous Tarahumara people, some of the most primitive in North America.
Further, Hestler will be joined by local guides and riding pioneers who have an intimate knowledge of the area and its people and who can truly unlock the magic of the region.

Trip dates: Saturday, May 3 to Friday, May 9, 2008
Cost: $1975 Canadian

To book, send us an email at info@ridebig.com or call us at 1.866.894.0220

Trail of the Year

Here is a trail that Bike Magazine voted as the trail of the year for 2007. It happens to be one of the trails on our classic BC Misty Mountain Hop all-mountain trip this upcoming September 12-21, 2008.

Enjoy.

Trail of the Year
By Mitchell Scott, Bike Magazine, Dec 2007

FROM LUNG-BUSTING SWITCHBACKS CLIMBS TO EXPOSED RIDEGLINE SINGLETRACK AND ENDLESS DESCENTS, THE 20-MILE-LONG SEVEN SUMMITS TRAILS OFFERS IT ALL. HERE’S A BLOW-BY-BLOW ACCOUNT OF THE SEVEN BEST PARTS OF OUR TRAIL OF THE YEAR.

Pleasure and pain. These are two of the most critical elements in a great ride, and not trail combines them better than the Seven Summits. The trail sacks riders with 4,500 feet of climbing and more than 7,000 feet of descending on some of the most rugged and beautiful terrain in North America.
Seven Summits lies just outside the mountain hamlet of Rossland, British Columbia, and the 20 miles of point-to-point singletrack crests – you guessed it – seven mountain summits as it weaves and dips along the scenic ridges of the Rossland Range.
Conceived in 1999 as a way to increase the regions summer tourism, the trail was finally carved into earth by the Kootenay Columbia Trails Society in the summer of 2004 at a cost of $1000,000. Although technically a multi-use trails the Seven Summits was built entirely by mountain bikers, and has the flow to prove it. With astounding views, a railer of a final descent, and numerous bails-out options for those not prepared to tackle the whole ride- which can take anywhere from six to eight hours – the certified IMBA Epic is attracting riders from around the world. It is a mountain bike success story of the highest order.
“The success of the trail has far exceeded our expectations,” says Kim Dean, director of the Kootenay Columbia Trails Society. “Businesses in town are definitely noticing an increase in mountain bike tourists to Rossland. It’s become the world-class amenity we originally envisioned.” But ultimately, it’s the ride – and that addictive combination of pleasure and pain – that keeps mountain bikers coming back for more.

[1] From a kiosk just off Highway 3B at the trails northern terminus, riders immediately dive into a 1.5-mile section of fresh singletrack completed this summer. For the next 5 miles, riders huff and puff through a pine and fit forest, grinding up technical switchbacks. After nearly 2000 feet, the trees thin, yielding stunning 360-degree views of Old Glory, the highest peak in the Rossland Range.

[2] From this prominent ridge top, the trail continues to climb. After 6.5 miles it reaches it’s highest point, 7230 feet. But the climbing is far from over. The next 1.5 miles are some of the most spectacular as the trail sweeps west of Mt. Plewman, overlooking the mighty Columbia River to the east. What follows is a short jaunt across one of the trails’s most expensive sections, a 200-yard-long stretch the crosses the steep east face of Unnecessary Peak and cost $8000 dollars to build. From there, riders can drop the Plewman trail if they wish, a 2,500-foot bomber descent back to the highway.

[3] For the next 5 miles the trail follows a broad ridgeline busting with alpine flowers. A long, fast, technical descent ends with a lengthy, steep, side-hill climb to a saddle between Mt. Kirkup and Grey Mountain before continuing up to the southwest shoulder of Grey. Now comes the first spoonful of pleasure, seven ripping switchbacks descending to Red Mountain Resort.

[4] Pain quickly returns. Twelve miles in, the granny gear comes calling as the trail climbs Red Mountain’s Lone Squaw ski run. Red Mountain’s mangers played a crucial role in developing the Seven Summits by helping the trails society work through its environmental-impact assessment, as well as allowing the trails to travel through the resort itself.

[5] After leaving the resort, the trail spirals up White Wolf Ridge, testing riders with 12 steep switchbacks. It continues through steep alpine ridges, working toward Record Notch, elevation 6,460 feet. From there, two rocky switchbacks lead to the seventh and final summit. At 15 miles in, it’s a good point to take a break, soak in the incredible views and fuel the furnace. There’s still a long way to go.

[6] Finally, a hard-earned, long-awaited descent. Tight switchbacks roar down the west side of Record Ridge, leading to a long traverse through open trees and clearings. Speed increases as the trail rips through vast meadows and drops back into forest. A few short, technical climbs remain, but the trail really begins to flow here. A few more switchbacks dive through grassy meadows guarded by old-growth pines before the trail transitions onto patches of bedrock – these are the smoothest sections of the entire ride. Twenty miles from the start, riders reach the finish line at Old Cascade Highway. But, for those who left some gas in the tank, there’s on final kicker.

[7] The Seven Summits conveniently ends where another Rossland classic, the Dewdney trail, begins. The 100-year-old route offers 3 miles of wide-open descending and has been adopted by Rosslands’s downhill set. It is perfect end to a day of pleasure and pain hammering over seven summits.

7000 feet

Just up the road from Whistler lies this big daunting wall of a mountain called Mount Currie and every few years the weather and conditions come together and we get a helicopter to drop us on the top of it. Well, this was one of those weekends and let me tell you it was over the top. The crew was all-time with PK, Smitty, Will, JD, Gray and myself and the snow was knee-deep to the valley floor 7000 feet from turn 1. Does it get any better?

Watch the line from PK's point of view...

The Dirt Merchant: Morocco

People often ask me what my favorite Big Mountain destination is. This is a tough question to answer as each place has it's features; ridiculous buffed singletrack (Switzerland), unforgettable sights and sounds (Southern Africa) or sweet tropical air (Costa Rica). These are just a few examples. One trip that does stand out in my mind is mountain biking in Morocco. It's one of the most memorable mountain bike trips I've ever been on. Why? Adventure: roll into remote Berber towns that are only accessable by 2-day walk and feel like you are living the pages of National Geographic. Great riding: the Atlas Mountains are true all-mountain with great climbs and equal descents. Morocco is a world like no other and the word on the street is that it's changing quickly and becoming Westernized at a fast pace. We are running a trip out of Marrakech next November, why don't you gather a few friends and join us?

The Dirt Merchant: Moroccan Mountain Biking Trip - Sunday, November 2 to Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Check out this video that we did a few years ago...

A few spots left: Copper Canyon MEX, March 1-9

Dreaming about somewhere hot and dry these days? Dreaming about riding your bike and getting a little head start on the riding season? Come to Copper Canyon Mexico with us from March 1-9. You will not be disappointed!

Not convinced? Read Mike Levy from Pinkbike.com's take on our trip there in November 2007.

Wintertime

Living in Vancouver is pretty cool if you're into riding your bike and skiing. A few weeks ago I went a on killer Shore ride with Andreas and Wade and three days later I was railing 2000-foot lines not far away on my skis. Talk about good times! The ride was ridiculously fun - we started at Wade's in Lynn Valley then traversed on linked trails over to Seymour and rode a tech XC/all-mountain loop. I was so pumped to be out! The skiing was a little more ridiculous as we hopped into a heli in downtown Van and flew up to a remote lodge and helied with our friends at TLH for three days. The skiing was incredible.

Adidas photo shoot in CR

As we speak Big Mountain is working in Costa Rica with Adidas freeride athletes Ben Boyco, Alex Reveles, Pierre Ferry, Niki Leitner and Richie Schley. The photographer on the scene is none other than Harookz from Vancouver.

Here's a little behind the scenes look at a big hipper that they build. Watch the mags for Adidas ads showing Costa Rica and Big Mountain.

Viva la Remedy!

"Geologic eccentricities dot the area with fingers of igneous rock reaching toward the sky, each with a perfect lip and tranny to bust on."

READ MORE of Tyler Moore's reflections on the Trek Remedy bike launch in Copper Canyon Mexico.

A little comic relief with Ali-G

Ali-G interviews David Beckham and Posh Spice...

Pinkbike.com writes about the Trek Remedy in Mexico

Are you getting tired of riding wet trails on cold days? Fear not friends. Get inspired. Read about a warm place with sunshine, great friends and a sick new ride.

Want to do something about it? You can. We're running a winter-getaway trip to Copper Canyon Mexico from March 1-9. Learn about our guided Mexico Mountain Biking Trip here.

Happy wintertime eh.

Mitchell Scott's Swiss Bliss story, July 2004

MITCHELL SCOTT uncovers mountain biking 'perfection' in the Swiss Alps, plunging down ancient trails by day and dining on raclette and fine wine in chalets by night

ZERMATT, SWITZERLAND -- In the Valais region of southwestern Switzerland, where gondolas, trains and chairlifts bridge the gaps between river and ridge with uncommon frequency, I stop my mountain bike because I have to. My forearms are pumped from braking, but this isn't the only reason I must pause: The trail ahead of me contours downward through mountains carpeted by tall evergreen forest, providing yet another stunning view.
The path beneath our tires is ancient,and right now, on a bike, it is delivering otherworldly joy. Slightly more than a metre wide, it has been worn by the traffic of civilizations coming and going.
Ten mountain bikers from British Columbia have gathered here to ride "perfection" -- at least that's what we've been told.
With Whistler native Chris Winter and Valais local François Pançhard as guides, our crew will cover 25,000 vertical metres of single track over eight days, dine on raclette and fine wine in Alpine chalets at night, and stop for cappuccinos and pain au chocolat halfway down 2,600-metre descents just because we can.
We are some of the first foreigners to experience Switzerland like this -- the first to blend the modernity of lifts, the technology of full-suspension bikes and the country's historic trails.
Three years ago, Winter, an entrepreneur and avid cyclist, started researching the possibility of guiding downhill bike tours in the Swiss Alps, where he had spent a portion of his childhood skiing. His research fuelled the formation of his tour company, Big Mountain Bike Adventures, and eventually led him to Pançhard.
The son of a mountain climber, Pançhard's green eyes and conniving grin belie a certain imbalance. He is not following the footsteps of his thirty-something peers, taking high-profile jobs in New York and Paris, making heaps of cash in Geneva playing with oil baron cash, driving BMWs and wearing fancy watches.
Instead, Pançhard runs his own CD-ROM trail-mapping business, spending day after day documenting the labyrinth of single track that drapes Switzerland like a giant gill net.
He lives high in the mountains in a tiny little cabin with his beautiful Hungarian wife, and almost every day during the summer explores his homeland by bike.
"The Swiss mountain biker rides up the gravel road and down the gravel road," explains Pançhard. "They don't ride single track and they think lifts are for wimps."
But Pançhard has gone against the traditionalist ways of the Swiss and swallowed his pride. He rides lifts with his bike all the time. Almost all Swiss lifts -- of which there are hundreds -- allow bikes, some on platforms, some on little hooks, and some on which you have to hold them yourself. From the top of each spreads a weave of hiking trail, cow paths and double track that meander through some of the world's most spectacular mountains. Some traverse, some go up, but once you've won an elevation of 2,400 to 3,000 metres, most go down -- for a long, long way.
Worn smooth since the Dark Ages by a perfectionist people confined to a relatively small, rugged land, much of the 67,000-kilometre-long lacework of walking paths links farms, churches, villages and peaks. And just like everything else Swiss, they are of superb quality. This is a country obsessed with time, so it makes sense that everything is built with a timeless quality -- local villages even hire unemployed residents to rake and manicure their proximate trail networks. As a result, they are naturally contoured with drinking fountains and benches in the farthest reaches of every valley.
On one particularly perfect afternoon we find ourselves high above the glitz of Verbier, with the 4,807-metre Mont Blanc massif -- Western Europe's highest peak -- in view just across the Rhône Valley.
Earlier that day we traversed narrow, derailleur-claiming cow paths through Alpine meadows hued by an August dawn, and descended to a decommissioned road through winding, dipping single track as it ran beside a medieval aqueduct. Wandering across a steep forested slope, we then climbed 1,000 metres on gravel roads to a steep path that tops out somewhere near 2,700 metres. Here we sit, with the starting point of our ride -- a quaint stone-and-log lodge near the top of a ski gondola -- barely visible across the valley. We snack on cheese, sausage and chocolate, marvelling at the vertiginous relief leading to the Rhône.
It seems like days go by until we stop again. Steep single track melds into wider trails through sub-Alpine meadows with ground cover that is brick red, mustard and rust. There is a collective tingle when we notice that the patterned vineyards, orchards and roads along the Rhône's banks are still tiny details in the vista before us. We speed into forest, where the trail widens even more, and banked corners and jumps emerge with regularity. With cramped fingers and rattling biceps, the thrilling speed and blurred forest rush in upon me in a wave of sensation.
After 20 kilometres of uninterrupted descent, we whiz through vineyards to a village where we buy beer, cappuccinos and sandwiches. We load our bikes into the trailer, crowd into our van and drive an hour up the mountain-walled Rhône Valley to another little gondola that takes us, two at a time, up to a mountainside village. We spin through narrow streets past stilted houses from the 1300s to a store, where our backpack is stuffed with wine and cheese and more sausage and bottles of weak European beer.
Then it's off to another gondola that carries us up to a modern little hostel tucked above the lift. On a sun-draped deck we sip Löwenbräus and savour views of glaciers, ragged peaks and lush green valleys. We drink and eat and try to recall the thousands of spectacular intricacies of the day, afraid we'll forget because there are so many. Over the course of eight days we ride an average of 40 kilometres a day on our bikes, routinely climbing 600 metres and descending 3,000.
In Zermatt, a picture-perfect ski village in the Upper Valais, we ride the apogee of Swiss ingenuity: The train up to Gornergrat, a lookout at 3,130 metres where a four-star hotel offers views of Europe's highest peaks. The sun begins to set and the hikers and trains have all gone and we ride a path that is more a living, pulsing vein than a trail. We are cells coursing to a preset destination. We travel in unison and only need to react to the subtle turns, dips and switchbacks of hard-packed earth.
We spend the night in another immaculate chalet, this one high above the shimmering opulence of Zermatt. Through a window the Matterhorn fades into dusk, and someone says he feels like a king. Not kings, but raiders that have finally landed on a legendary shore. In Switzerland, or the Land of Perfect Single Track, the trail goes on and on . . . and then on some more.

xmas vid starring your favorite guides!

This is some funny shit! Sent to us from our favorite San Fran ripper, Miss Chantal. I had no idea Joe danced so well. Thanks Chantal...you rock!

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year

Turkey taking over...a few too many glasses of red wine. Life's good.

Thanks to all for riding with us in '07, welcome to the family. Here's to a fantastic year ahead!

When in doubt, ride big. Peace. From your friends Big Mountain.

smells like more monkeys

Part two of Mr. Smith's adventures in the land of junglee descents, cervezas and summer-time heat. Enjoy.

smells like monkey

Dave Smith went on our Costa Rica DH trip, Pura Vida, in February. Read about his experiences here.

the best part

really what it all comes down to are the people that you meet and the connections that you forge when you are riding your bike. while partying with Jonny, Wade and Jaimie last Sat night we decided to meet at Wade's on the Shore the next day for a ride. I was thinking that it'd be a mellow spin and it turns out that about 10 or so other friends and friends of friends show up and we climbed up to the snow line and then rode this new loamy secret trail. By the time we rolled back into civilization it was completely dark out. It was so much fun we were all hollering like kids.

just released: new type of trip!

Big Mountain is launching a new trip in the Alps...winged base jumping! You think you're ballsy? Check this out.

tasty helmet cam clip

check it out.