An unforgettable alpine riding experience
WORCA’s trail crew broke ground in 2014 beginning the construction of an alpine trail that would descend from near the summit of Sproatt Mountain to the Flank Trail. Trail work continued in 2015 and was completed at the end of summer 2016. The trail officially opened in 2017!
Lord of the Squirrels (LOTS) was built to accommodate a variety of skill levels. However, this is not an easy or short ride. Please consider your own skill level and endurance before preparing to ride LOTS. This is not a 1-water-bottle, 1-snack-bar ride. Be prepared, pack adequate water and snacks, and travel with friends.WORCA strongly recommends reading/downloading the Rider Information Sheet and map before riding this trail.
The history behind Lord of the Squirrels
The Alpine Trail Program was established by the RMOW in response to feedback from the community about a strong desire for more access and trail development in alpine areas around the Whistler Valley. The RMOW formed The Trails Planning Working Group (TPWG) recognizing that while access to the alpine may come from within the RMOW, an increase of trails in the alpine would necessarily require that funds be directed to areas outside of the municipal boundary. The TPWG focused on the Rainbow Sproatt zone as the first area of interest. Over the course of almost two years they developed a plan for an exciting network of non-motorized trails that would integrate with the existing trails in this area.
Access to the area comes from a machine-built ascent trail, called Into the Mystic, that starts off the Flank trail south of Function Junction. As partners in this project, WORCA committed to the construction of the preferred descent trail from the alpine area near the summit of Sproatt (1650m) down to the Flank trail (700m). This trail was constructed by hand, by paid WORCA trail builders and volunteers in the summer of 2014, 2015 and 2016. The total descent is an epic 1,000 metres of intermediate single track. We are very proud of this project. It is the result of a successful comprehensive planning project led by the RMOW in partnership with WORCA and with contributions from many volunteers organizations, and sponsors. Enjoy!
How the trail got its name - Lord of the Squirrels
Lead trail builder Dan Raymond tells the story of how the trail got its name:
“A trail name can be serendipitous. It mostly comes along unexpected while constructing it. My first idea came before we broke ground: “First Rule of BIKE Club!” In light of the main reason for the creation of WORCA: access to trails. And funny: This trail is no secret, you’re supposed to talk about BIKE club.
Things evolved as the trail progressed up and we reached the pristine old growth forest. The fast, twisty style of the trail is a lot like 2 squirrels chasing each other. “Squirrel Chase!” But, that as a name, was missing some “je ne sais quoi”. I love a name with a double-entendre or a pun.
“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy was always at the back of my mind: for the epic three year build, filled with countless challenges, monsters and heart-stopping plot twists! Spoiler alert: the monsters were mosquitoes!
Then I met the “Alpha Squirrel”… While building a bridge next to a giant cedar, he would come to within a few feet of my running chainsaw to “bark” at me. At first, I found him to be cute and funny. After a few days, I was awed at his resolve: The trail would be named after him!
“Lord of the Squirrels!”
We became best friends.”
- Dan Raymond, WORCA Lead Trail Builder
How much time and energy? LOTS
Thank you!
WORCA would like to thank the organizations and trail day sponsors who have provided funding to support trail work and all the individuals who have donated their time at trail days.
Trail Volunteer Weekend July 23–24, 2016
American Friends of Whistler awards WORCA - $20,000
AFOW We are pleased to announce that the American Friends of Whistler (AFOW) have donated to WORCA $20,000 to be used towards the Sproatt Alpine Trail project. WORCA is responsible for the construction of the “Alpine Dream Trail”, an 8 km multi-use trail that provides the preferred decent for mountain bikers between the alpine area near the summit of Sproatt and the Flank Trail. We thank the AFOW for their support and a financial contribution towards this recreational trail network development.
National Trails Coalition awards WORCA - $48,000
NTC Thanks to the efforts put forth by key WORCA member volunteers, we are happy to announce that our application to the National Trails Coalition has been approved for a contribution of $48,000. The funding administered under the National Trails Infrastructure Program, is to be used towards the completion of the Sproatt Alpine Trail project.
Resort Municipality of Whistler
The Resort Municipality of Whistler supports WORCA’s community programs and trail work with past Community Enrichment Program grants and fee for service contracts.
Blackcomb Helicopters
Blackcomb Helicopters have kindly provided discounted transportation of materials to the trail site. This assistance is much appreciated and provides the trails team with the supplies they require to focus on trail building.
Sabre Rentals
Sabre Rentals have generously donated tools and provided discounted equipment for the Trials team and volunteers making the volunteer weekends possible as well ensuring that the Trails Team can remain on site for days at a time not have to shuttle tools back and forth to the valley.
Rotary Club of Whistler
The Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium donated $1,220 to WORCA’s new Alpine Sproatt Trail, Lord of the Squirrels from Brandywine Boogie registrations.
Visiting from out of town?
Whistler’s world-class network of mountain bike trails is enjoyed by thousands of local and visiting riders every year. Visitors to Whistler who use the trail network maintained by WORCA are encouraged to buy a trail pass for $15.