Crankworx
Everything you need to know.
Crankworx is the world’s largest mountain biking festival - a multi-stop series bringing the world of MTB together. Crankworx was born in Whistler circa 2004 - we’d argue that it is the best stop on tour. It brings together the best mountain biking, elite-level competitions in a variety of disciplines, as well as hosting races for amateurs, Kidswork contests for young riders, participatory events and celebrations of mountain bike culture, all while showcasing Whistler.
For many, Whistler is the ultimate playground for mountain biking. From late spring through fall, the riding in the valley offers endless opportunities to take on the famed single track, alpine ascents, and technical descents—experience Whistler like no other during Crankworx with unique events you won’t want to miss - here are our favourites;
Redbull Joyride
Location: The Boneyard, Base of Whistler Bike Park
2023 Date: 4:30 pm - 7:00 pm, Saturday, July 29th
Redbull Joyride is the largest event that is invite-only based on qualification through the FMBA rules and regulations, with 14 total riders + 2 alternatives. The 2022 10th anniversary of Red Bull Joyride saw 30,000 fans flock to one of the world’s top mountain biking destinations for Crankworx Whistler. Staged in the “Boneyard,” the dirt stadium at the base of the Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Red Bull Joyride offers the best Slopestyle mountain bikers on the planet two runs – that’s two chances for glory, two opportunities to throw down high-scoring tricks and move up the leader board, and two moments in time to leave their mark on the history of the sport.
Relive 2022
Whip-off
Location: Crabapple Hits, Whistler Bike Park
2023 Date: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Thursday, July 27th
Style and skill reign supreme at the Official Whip-Off World Championships in Whistler, a jam-style event that six-time champion Casey Brown has called “Christmas” for the bike-minded. The premise? Simple (but far from easy). Hit the Whistler Bike Park’s most infamous jump line, go big, and throw your bike as sideways as possible, then bring it back underneath for a smooth landing. Developed by Sven Martin, the Grand Poo-Bah of mountain bike photography, the invitational event brings out one of the biggest crowds of the year, drawn to Crabapple Hits by the promise of big style and great vibes as a mix of the best riders in the world battles it out for the coveted championship belt and the title of sovereign of style.
Dual Slalom
Location: The Boneyard, Base of Whistler Bike Park
2023 Date: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Thursday, July 27th
Raw rivalry is the name of the game in Dual Slalom. This old-school race format pits two competitors against one another in a side-by-side battle against the clock’s cruel hand, battling to avoid elimination. Dual Slalom is unique in that it brings together racers from all backgrounds. Enduro experts, downhill champions, freeride legends, and masters of style – they all line up at the Slalom start gate to see who can bring together the most explosive run through tight turns, jumps and rhythm sections. Riders take one run down each side of the course, with the fastest combined time taking the win.
Pump Track
Location: The Boneyard, Base of Whistler Bike Park
2023 Date: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm, Wednesday, July 26th
The Pump Track sees two riders line up head-to-head and drop into a maze of berms and rollers, each racing to cross the finish line first. The catch? No pedalling allowed. Chains off. Game on. Strength, momentum and skill are the name of the game in this arena where pedal-less power reigns supreme, and a single mistake can cost the victory.
Speed & Style.
Location: The Boneyard, Base of Whistler Bike Park
2023 Date: 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, Wednesday, July 28th
In words of past winner Martin Soderstrom, the name of the game in Speed & Style is: “go fast and do tricks.” Easier said than done.
Combining elements of Dual Slalom and Slopestyle, Speed & Style challenges athletes to out-race and out-trick their opponent in this head-to-head format.
Two riders race against each other and try to make it to the finish as quickly as possible while performing the most stylish run. The winner is calculated based on their speed, with additional points awarded for style.
Deep Summer
Location: The Great Lawn, Whistler Olympic Plaza
2023 Date: 8:30 pm - 10:00 pm, Tuesday, July 25th
Five photographers. One wildcard contestant. Three days in the epicentre of the Crankworx World Tour: Whistler, British Columbia. This iconic photo showdown is an annual night to remember. When Deep Summer lights up during Crankworx, it leaves even the most seasoned Whistlerites looking at mountain biking’s West Coast haven with fresh eyes.
Competitors spend three days shooting for their lives under the hot August heat of the first Crankworx weekend. When it all comes together on the big screen under the stars, the audience will be treated to six slideshows set to music, each telling their story of riding in mountain bike mecca.
See the FULL schedule here.
Hikes & Bikes.
The Sundial Hotel is the perfect base to explore the mountains this Summer, and we have the perfect package to help you make the most of it. The package includes a 4-pack of Sundial’s signature craft beer, performance socks, and complimentary parking.
Code: SUNDIALSUMMER
Travel Dates: Now – September 30, 2023 - Offer expires: August 31, 2023
Terms and conditions apply.
Credit: Tourism Whistler/Justa Jeskova