The biggest mountain biking celebration is back!
From July 24 to August 2, Crankworx Whistler returns to Whistler Mountain Bike Park for 10 days of world-class competition, community events, athlete appearances, expo experiences, and nonstop bike culture. Born in Whistler in 2004, Crankworx has grown into a global festival series, but every summer it brings the mountain bike world home to where it all began.
Whether you’re visiting to ride, watch the world’s best athletes compete, or simply soak up the atmosphere in the Village and Bike Park, here’s everything you need to know before you go.
What is Crankworx?
Known as the crown jewel of the Crankworx World Tour, Crankworx Whistler brings together elite athletes, amateur racers, adaptive riders, youth competitors, industry leaders, and mountain bike fans from around the globe. The festival celebrates every aspect of mountain biking, from racing and slopestyle to photography, film, community events, and rider progression.
Throughout the festival, guests can enjoy:
- Pro and amateur competitions
- Kidsworx programming
- Adaptive racing categories
- Community events and parties
- Bike expo activations
What’s New for 2026?
Crankworx Whistler returns for its 21st edition and continues to evolve with new competition formats and expanded festival programming.
Rhapsody Slopestyle represents the next evolution of slopestyle competition. Taking place on the iconic Boneyard course in the Fitzsimmons Zone, the event will showcase world-class athletes pushing the boundaries of freestyle mountain biking with jaw-dropping tricks, big air, and high-energy crowds. This year guests can look forward to a course that has bigger features, and bigger stakes – meaning the athletes will need be more creative in their lines to stomp a high score. Check it out on August 2!
New this year, the Crabapple Hits World Championships takes over one of the most iconic jump lines in mountain biking on August 2. Replacing traditional judging with a rider-voted format, this freeride jam session celebrates creativity, style and progression while bringing elite athletes back to the legendary Crabapple Hits with $5,000 on the line for the top male and female rider on the day.
Signature Events to Watch:
Specialized Canadian Open Downhill
One of the sport’s most historic races, the Canadian Open DH sends riders down a challenging Whistler course featuring high speeds, technical terrain, and demanding features on the 1199 trail.
OG Canadian Open Downhill
This is all speed, single-tracked race, taking things back to the OG Canadian Open DH. This race mixes skill and speed on one of the world’s fastest tracks. Find your spot and take in the vibes.
Combining downhill racing with the flow and features of Whistler Bike Park, Air DH has become a Crankworx favourite, drawing both elite racers and passionate fans racing down A-Line.
Official Whip-Off World Presented by POC
Style takes centre stage as riders throw their biggest whips in the Boneyard on Friday, July 31. This spectator favourite consistently delivers some of the most memorable moments of the festival. Follow signage from Excalibur Gondola to find the spectator zone.
Canadian Open Enduro:
One of Crankworx Whistler’s most demanding events, the Canadian Open Enduro challenges riders across multiple stages throughout Whistler Valley and Whistler Mountain Bike Park, combining technical descents, fitness and race-day strategy. Catch the race on Sunday, July 26
Deep Summer Photo Challenge & Dirt Diaries
Crankworx isn’t just about racing. Deep Summer (Tuesday, July 28) and Dirt Diaries (Thursday, July 30) highlight mountain biking storytelling through photography and film, celebrating the culture and creativity that define the sport, which can be watched live in the Olympic Plaza.
Young riders get their own opportunity to join the action through races, challenges, and skills-based events designed specifically for the next generation of mountain bikers.
Adaptive Mountain Bike (aMTB)
Adaptive athletes take centre stage throughout Crankworx with the aMTB Flow event on July 25, aMTB Tech DH on July 26, aMTB Air DH on July 29 and aMTB First Track on July 31.
The eBike event returns on July 31, bringing together riders to test their technical ability, strategy and endurance across a course designed specifically for electric mountain bikes. It’s a unique opportunity to experience one of the fastest-growing disciplines in mountain biking.
View the full schedule of events: crankworx.com/schedule/#whistler
Trail Impacts and Bike Park Operations
As the Bike Park hosts multiple competitions and training sessions throughout Crankworx, guests should expect daily trail closures, delayed access, and intermittent operational impacts in select areas. Trail impacts will vary daily based on the event schedule. We’re committed to maintaining as much rideable terrain as possible while providing a world-class competition experience for athletes and spectators.
Please check out daily terrain & status page for updates.
Important: Riding on closed trails may result in lift pass suspension or revocation. Please respect all closures, fencing and signage for the safety of athletes, guests and event staff.
Getting Here, Parking & Event Access
Crankworx brings thousands of athletes, spectators and riders to Whistler Mountain Bike Park each summer. To help ensure a smooth experience, plan ahead and allow extra time for parking, shuttles and event access throughout the festival.
Parking Information
Paid parking is available in Day Lots 1, 3, 4 and 5 throughout Crankworx. Please note that Lot 2 will have limited parking availability as a portion of the lot will be used for the Crankworx Tech.
For Rhapsody Slopestyle Finals on August 2, the Excalibur Gondola will operate from 9 AM to 4 PM to support guest access from Whistler Village parking areas.
Please note:
- Only service animals are permitted on Excalibur Gondola.
- Bikes are not permitted on Excalibur Gondola.
- Lots 6 and 7 will be open for daytime parking only; overnight parking is not permitted.
- Lot 8 will remain closed throughout the festival.
Specialized Canadian Open DH Spectator Access
Guests attending the Canadian Open Downhill in Creekside can park free of charge at the Whistler Creekside Parkade, located across from the Creekside Gondola. Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis. This excludes the upper level of the Parkade (over height parking) as this is a strictly 2-hour parking and violators will be fined.
To help spectators access the race venue, complimentary public shuttles will operate between Legends Hotel in Creekside and Timing Flats during event days:
- Thursday, July 30: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
- Friday, July 31: 8:30 AM – 7 PM
Event Safety Guidelines
Help us create a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone by following these event guidelines:
- Follow all posted signage and instructions from event staff.
- Stay out of closed event venues and competition zones unless authorized.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited due to elevated wildfire risk.
- Open alcohol is not permitted within event venues.
- Pedestrians must remain off bike trails at all times.
- Do not climb on event structures, fencing or trees.
- Please pack out everything you bring in and dispose of waste responsibly.
Thank you for doing your part to help keep Crankworx safe, welcoming and enjoyable for athletes, spectators and riders alike.
Join the Celebration
From world-class competition and groundbreaking progression to unforgettable community moments, there’s no better time to experience Whistler Mountain Bike Park than during Crankworx.
We’ll see you on the trails, in the Village, and trackside as the mountain bike world comes home to Whistler for Crankworx 2026.