FATMAP by Strava

Lightning Strike

Big White Ski Resort

A fun ride with contrasting sections on its upper and lower halves

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
3.8 km
Ascent
13 m
Descent
401 m
Duration
0-1 hrs
Low Point
1.8 km
High Point
2.2 km
Gradient
Lightning Strike Map

One of the longest and most popular trails at Big White, Lightning Strike is a great adventure with no other routes around it. The trail has a bit of everything, with wooden features, flow sections, (optional) jumps and rocky sections all featuring.

Description

The trip section of the trail flows nicely and has some great wooden features, including a set of “whoop-de-do” rollers (you’ll get what we mean when you get there!) and a series of smooth and well built corners. There are also a series of jumps but they’re easy enough to ride around if you don’t want to take them on.

Lower down the trail gets much rockier and the character changes from flow to technical, with some short drops and endless bumpy sections maintaining interest. The braking zones on the trail can be pretty rutted by mid season (a symptom of Big White’s super dry climate) so be prepared for some bumps when decelerating as well as when you’re at top speed!

One thing to note about Lightning Strike is that it shares a start with Bumble Bee, and does require a Tony bit of peddling right at the start. It’s a very small price to pay but it’s one of the few trails around here that actually require any pedalling at all! The views on the quick pedal over to the top of the trail more than compensate for any minor effort you have to put in.

Once just above the village, finishing down Shark Fin Soup is a great way to end your ride back to the chairlift.

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

2 out of 4

Away from help but easily accessed.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Wet-weather friendly
  • Jumps
  • Tabletops
  • Rock Rolls
  • Rock Gardens
  • Wooden Feature

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area