The Arbutus Routes - XC Foreplay Loop (Advanced) route

This route is a simple guide, directions can change with interpretation. If you're unsure about directions or difficulty we highly encourage you to grab a guide on one of our daily Singletrack Tours.

A great Advanced XC loop with some technical climbs and descents.

You will begin with a climb heading straight up the left side of the piste on Blackcomb. Access the 'ascent trail' on your right once you are in line with the second group of trees (The initial trailhead at the bottom is fenced off for hikers) this is a shared trail so be aware of hikers.

Climb out of the last group of trees into the beginner ski area zone and take the left along the ‘Base 2 access road’. Look for a trail descending away from you to your left, this is the Blackcomb XCO climb- Be aware at this point for oncoming traffic. Take this and head right to follow the trail uphill as it traverses the decent trail ‘Instant Gratitude’ taking a left turn when you see it.

Once you join the ‘Blackcomb Access Road’- descend and keep right at the next 2 junctions- eventually crossing over a large wooden bridge. After the bridge look right for the trailhead and take this turn to climb on ‘Yummy Numby’. (if you see signs for the golf course you have past the turn)

Climb ‘Yummy Numby’ trail- a technical and rooty climb that features a narrow bridge crossing, small rocky moves and some woodwork. Keep right at the next junction to continue the ‘Yummy Numby’ climb up some steep corners. Follow the trail as it crosses the FSR and eventually joins ‘Yummy Numby (Upper)’ Take a right here and continue up. This is a trail with much the same theme to it as before.

Once you have completed a dozen or so technical corners you will see the trail goes flat- follow this left to continue to the ‘Foreplay Decent’. The descent features many punchy climbs, wood work, along with some fun rock roll moves with optional go arounds. Take care in the wet.

Eventually you will find the trails connects with several other trails joining from the right- keep left to eventually join Central Scrutinizer. Follow this as it descends across an FSR heading straight up the rocky climb of Packard Goose. From Packard Goose head straight into ‘I’m not Satisfied’ and onto ‘Why Johnny Can’t Read’ these trails will traverse the hillside, taking in some small technical rock moves and wooden features while mixing climbs and small descents. As you finish the last feature on ‘Why Johnny Can’t Read’ either taking the technical rock line or wooden bridge, take a left onto the crushed gravel trail ‘Molly Hogan’ for a short time until you see the entrance for Grand Wazoo . Take this and follow the trail to completion. At the end of your descent take a left and follow the valley trail back towards the fairmont golf course taking this right hand turn to take you back into the upper village.