Helmet Camera
Embedded above is a compilation of helmet camera footage we captured at Whiteface. It shows most of what the place has to offer feature wise. Helmet cameras can be deceptive in showing scale, difficulty, and trail details so take it with a grain of salt.

Whiteface gondola (click to enlarge)

Website: Whiteface Mountain Bike Park – Whiteface Mountain

Gallery: Whiteface Mountain Bike Park

Location:

Whiteface Mountain
5021 NYS Route 86
Wilmington, NY 12997

Riding:

• trail map

Whiteface Mountain Bike Park has a diverse array of riding options ranging from hardcore expert downhill trails to cross country trails with just about every variation in between. Many of the trails have been ridden for numerous years making them well bedded. In all there are 27 trails with the most vertical in the eastern United States at 2,476 feet.

The upper trail to hit is 27 (on the trail map).  It is the one they run the 5k race on and really lets you take in the steepness and speed that Whiteface has to offer.  Once you get into the woods, there are tight areas and tricky corners that really help out riders who are familiar with the terrain.  The first time down can be a bit frustrating as each corner has a different key to maintaining speed and flow.

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The lower section of the park is accessible via the High Peaks Cyclery shuttle. The lower section of the mountain is tailored to less experienced riders. The pump track, XC trails, and moderate DH trails are all a short distance from the shuttle drop off point. We suggest hitting up the newly created trail 2, as well as 12 and 13 for those interested in some DH runs without much difficulty but lots of fun. They feature less technical terrain with easier obstacles and more flow.

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The Cloudsplitter gondola services the top portion of the mountain. The lift takes about 15-20 minutes to reach the top. All of the trails at the top of the mountain are advanced downhill trails with lots of drops, roots, rocks, and steep sections. With names like Face Shot and Idiot’s Delight you know you’ll be in for some fast and furious DH runs. Runs from the top typically take 25+ minutes to complete without much stopping.

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Whiteface drains decently well due to its steep terrain. Even in the wettest of conditions traction can be found easily.  The soil is fairly soft with some fun loam that will have your tires rejoicing.  Whiteface also has some rockiness to it as well as some moss growth that makes traversing rocks a bit more technical.

The trail map is highly detailed with easy color coding to navigate your way down the mountain. All trails feature well marked entrances so you don’t get lost. The staff of the park are very helpful in explaining the types of trails and obstacles you’ll find on the mountain. Simply ask them about features you’d liked to find and ride as well as suggestions on trails you should ride for your skill level.

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Other notable destination info:

Whiteface is located in the Adirondacks very close to Lake Placid which offers a plethora of recreation opportunities. Many other downhill destinations are also within reasonable driving distances. Killington, Sugarbush, and Mt. Snow are all about 3 hours away in Vermont with Bromont in Quebec to the north located the same distance.

lodge (click to enlarge)

If you don’t have a bike or didn’t bring one with you on your trip Whiteface offers Giant Bicycles rentals in various packages. The packages come with a bike, helmet, and armor. Packages for downhill, all mountain, and hardtails are available. Check their website for more details.

Whiteface holds various events through out the year. Below are a few examples of what they have to offer.

• Pumptrack Challenge – June 21, July 25, August 31, September 20 & October 18, 2009

• Ladies Day – On the 1st of each month all women will receive free lift tickets for the day with a coupon found on the Whiteface website

• Thursday Race Series – 3 mini race series for 2009 (DH, DS, XC).

• Whiteface 5k DH/DS – August 29-30, 2009 – Downhill course in excess of 7 minutes for the top pro’s.

There are various places to find lodging and camping around Whiteface Mountain. Both Lake Placid and Wilmington are both close destinations with plenty of options. A popular option is to take advantage of the Bike and Stay packages available. These packages offer lodging and lift pass combined. Check the Whiteface site for participating motels.

For more information on east coast courses check out our e.thirteen East Coast Chronicles.