Photo: McDonald Wildlife Photography Inc./ Getty Images

Cougars Shut Down Whistler Blackcomb Bike Trails

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Jun 23, 2025 3:36 PM ET

The Whistler Bike Park found itself in a bit of a hairy situation over the Solstice this past weekend.

The Creekside and Garbanzo zones of the Whistler Bike Park, which make up a fairly significant portion of the trails, closed on June 21 due to cougar activity. The closure was prompted by two separate encounters with cougars that took place in the area on Friday, June 20, around 7 p.m.

According to the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service, a mountain biker was chased by a cougar for 350 meters before falling and throwing rocks to scare the cat off. Another bike was approached by a cougar, who ran off when other bikers arrived. Neither of the bikers were injured in the encounters.

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Both the Creekside and Garbanzo zones, as well as the Blackcomb biking trails and Kadenwood area in Creekside, will remain closed until further notice. Riders can upload bikes on the Fitzsimmons Express from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. or the Gondola up until the mid-station.

The resort is currently working with the BC Conservation Officer Service to address ongoing cougar activity in the area and ensure the safety of the public in these areas. Closures at the Whistler bike park come just a week after a nearby trail in the Garibaldi Lake area closed following a hiker encounter with a cougar. The BC COS escorted hikers out of the Rubble Creek trail, which is approximately 20 kilometers from the Whistler bike park.

Cougar attacks are rare but not unheard of in North America. According to the Mountain Lion Foundation, people engaged in erratic or high-energy activities like running or biking are at greater risk for attack.

However, cougars generally don't enter developed places. People in the BC area can report conflicts or aggressive cougar behavior to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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