Downhill or All Mountain?

I am looking to purchase my first bike, I mostly ride the Northshore, (Fromme, Seymour) and a little of Whistler. My biggest concern is whether or not to get an AM (160 travel) or a DH for this type of stuff.
Please point me in the right direction,
Thanks

Those new slack n´ beefy enduro bikes look slick. Never ridden either the ns or whistler though :)

edit: YT Capra http://www.yt-industries.com/shop/de/Bikes/Trail/Capra-CF-Comp-1

Go for an "enduro" bike (all mountain). Something you can comfortably pedal all around the mountain, but is biased towards descents.

Another vote for a 160mm AM/enduro bike. They are unbelievably capable in 95% of the riding situations you've listed. I wouldn't do too many uplift days in the park though, maybe a few a season. The park simply eats bikes, and unless you have a DH and an AM bike, you'll find yourself bike less at some point while you're getting it repaired.

My current ride is a Process 153 DL, and I love it. NSMB preview here.

UPDATED: link to the actual review here

Yep, enduro/AM is the way to go.

AM/Enduro will work best for the 'Shore and will carry you through a lot of the Whistler bike park (mostly depending on your skill level). A DH rig will be a burden on most of the Shore, but will suit the Whistler BP better. If you only do a little bit of Whistler BP (BTW there is lots of AM/Enduro up at Whistler too), you can also rent a DH bike at Whistler if you think you want to start pushing the limits at the Bike Park.

My current ride is a Process 153 DL, and I love it. NSMB review here.

*NSMB preview or spec overview with some initial ride impressions.

Review is coming soon.

Another vote for the am/enduro bike. With 160 mm travel and slack angles, today's am bikes are incredibly versatile. A dh bike will really limit you to bike parks and shuttling.

Also, if you're new to the sport, it's better to develop your skills on a smaller bike. The greater travel of a dh bike can cover up mistakes and lead to bad habits.

160/170mm travel with a dropper post and have fun

Another vote for the am/enduro bike. With 160 mm travel and slack angles, today's am bikes are incredibly versatile. A dh bike will really limit you to bike parks and shuttling.

Also, if you're new to the sport, it's better to develop your skills on a smaller bike. The greater travel of a dh bike can cover up mistakes and lead to bad habits.

having spent time on everything from a ,full hardtail with rim brakes bike to a pro level speced 8" travel DH bike . i have too agree ,hoping onto a big squish bike from the word go develops some bad habits and lack of certain bike skills needed for riding hardtails and smaller travel bikes .

I am soooo lazy on my DH bike it is not even funny. Find I'm boarder line surgical on the 29er hardtail. Haven't ridden my 6x6 bike since I don't know when so no comment on that.

Spent a year living on the North Shore and loved my 160mm Enduro Evo (2011 model, 160mm coil rear and 170mm Fox Vanilla front) it was as happy at the Shore, as Whistler, even the occasional XC Epic!

DH is good for a second bike.