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Panorama 2003 |
| The epic journey from Vancouver
to Panorama Mountain
Resort takes 9.5 hours and sends you 850 kms into some of the most
beautiful scenery that BC has to offer. Located in the Purcell mountain
range, Panorama offers a wide range of outdoor activities and is perfect
for that family get away. |
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nsmb team rider Kyle Guay ripping it in the 4X at Panorama. Photo - Silviu Biclea
The gear was unloaded, the bikes were put to rest and we were off to the Starbird for some bevies. We managed to squeak in a couple of drinks before last call and finished the evening partying with the crew from Drop-In at the bus. Although none of this was planned, it certainly was the perfect way to start off our stay at Panorama.
| Morning came quickly, and we were eager to see what the mountain had planned for us. A hearty breakfast at Lusti’s Cappuccino Bar and we were off to grab our lift tickets from Can-Ski. Byron Grey gave us the low-down on the trails the night before, so all we had to do was don our gear and head up the lift. Dale and I have ridden our bikes all over BC, and we can honestly say that nothing compares to the vistas that Panorama has. The view from the top is truly amazing and some time was needed to just soak it all in. Most of the expert trails are on the right side of the chair lift, while the beginner trails are on the left. We flipped a coin and headed right into Insanity, an all-natural trail that combines twisty switchbacks with some point and shoot steeps. Most of the trails are natural with few man-made stunts, with the exception being Crazytrain. This North Shore style trail combines stunts with the fall line to create 1,200 feet of adrenaline fueled flow. If you are looking for steep and deep, look no further than the Punisher. It is one of those trails that would be harder to walk down. We ended the day early, as the 35°C heat forced us to go relax in Toby Creek and watch the dogs chase river rafts down stream.
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The next day was spent riding on the left side of the mountain as our mojo was left in the bottom of a bottle the night before. These trails are great as most of them feed you into the stunt park. The park has drops ranging from 2 – 8 feet along with a nice section of skinnies. Once you are finished there a short traverse towards the lift will put you on the bikercross. The course is short but littered with berms and jumps.
The views are unbelievale.
There are many aspects of Panorama that make it worth the drive, including the scenery and the riding, but for us the most important feature was the attitude, or lack thereof. Panorama has the most relaxed atmosphere going and when you combine that with a mountain bike park you can’t lose. Our only regret was that we didn’t have the time to check out the riding in Invermere or Golden. So get in your vehicle, keep it between the mustard and the mayo, and head to Panorama. You won’t be disappointed.
Dale in the skills park - the perfect place to progress.
If you still wonder if Panorama is serious about their bike park, keep in mind that they are owned by Intrawest, a little company that happens to own Whistler-Blackcomb. They know a thing or two about building bike parks.
If you want to check out Panorama this year don't delay - the park will be closed as of September 2nd. Get some epic riding in on Labour day weekend.
For more information go to panoramaresort.com
