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Mountain Biking

About Mountain Biking

Adrenaline junkies are eager to get off paved roads and gentle trails, taking biking to a challenging new level and terrain where bumps and bruises are pretty much guaranteed, but so are epic memories. Mountain biking requires specialized equipment and skills as riders fly through courses, vault off jumps and run up ramps, and take their bikes along loose shale and gravel slopes and other natural obstacles.

Mountain Biking AB 07 Canmore Credit Plaid Goat Ryan Creary

Downhill Daring

Whether you make your way to the top by biking or preserve your energy while a chairlift gives you a ride, you’ll be ready for your amazing downhill adventure from the top of a mountain. You’ll be able to both show off and improve your skills on a variety of turns and terrain, feeling a serious rush of adrenaline as you pick up speed and a boost in confidence as you navigate obstacles and nimbly control the course of your bike.

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Free Ride

For the ultimate test of your abilities, take on routes entirely shaped by nature and execute thrilling jumps, flips, and other tricks. The emphasis here is on creativity and perfecting amazing feats, pushing your skill set even further along in this already intense sport. This one is definitely not for beginners – unless you’re in the audience, as free ride mountain biking is truly a sight to behold!

Mountain Biking BC 09 Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Credit Dave Best

Fun for the Family

Many hills will offer easier trails for beginners that are less steep and have less intimidating terrain, so with a good guide and proper safety gear and protocols, almost anyone can join in. E-bikes can be provided for those who need some help with uphill challenges, and there are tag-along bike options available for little ones. 

Tours with Mountain Biking

Look no further than Fernie, B.C. for some of the best lift accessed mountain biking in Canada. Spend your two days riding any of the 37 primarily trails from Green to Double Black.
Leave the crowds behind and go on an adventure! This tour offers a taste of some of the outdoor experiences that the Yukon has to offer. This active 6 day 5 night package departs from Whitehorse.

Build Your Own Mountain Biking Tour

Let’s make a trip that’s uniquely yours! You decide how long, which mountains to ride, number of inclusions, everything. Start planning now and make your dream trip a reality.

Staff Picks

High Rockies Trail

Located in Kananaskis and offering spectacular rocky mountain views, this trip includes a suspension bridge across Blackshale Creek and wide-open panoramas.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

After a scenic gondola ride, access a variety of downhill trails, from easy buffed tracks to rooted and rocky pathways. You can also try out their new uphill track Excalibur.

Fernie Alpine Resort

This resort has got it all, including rentals, lessons, an uphill bike park, and of course numerous trails with a variety of terrain and skill level required.

ADVENTURE

Benefits

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Novel Surroundings

From tackling valleys and ridges to soaring through lush rainforests, no two tracks will be the same, and the attention you need to pay to your surroundings will give you a heightened appreciation of the beautiful nature of your obstacle course.

Mountain Biking BC 13 Fernie Alpine Resort Credit Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and Nick Nault

Brain Boost

Riding requires focus and challenges your mind to plan ahead and also adapt quickly to new problems. Increased oxygen intake from your workout improves cognitive health and protects against neurological disease.

Mountain Biking BC 11 Fernie Alpine Resort Credit Resorts of the Canadian Rockies and Nicole Matei

Increased Metabolism

The aerobic activity creates a cycle of health that lasts long after your ride has finished, resulting in higher energy levels.

Essential Gear and Equipment

How you dress will depend largely on the weather, as hot days will need cycling shorts, moisture wicking socks, and a t-shirt  or high-tech cycling jersey, while chillier temperatures will require a hat, gloves, and a lightweight jacket. No matter the season, you’ll want your biking shoes. Bring along your wilderness survival essentials (first aid kit, navigation, food, water, knife, fire starter, communication, and a backpack) as well.

In addition to your mountain bike, other highly recommended specialized equipment includes a spare tire, tire patch kit, security lock, full-face mountain biking helmet, and mountain biking body armour. The protective gear is pretty essential at this level of biking, as this extreme sport is a high-risk endeavour. 

Tips

Anytime you decide to go biking you should…

  • Check the weather.
  • Research the route and take a map with you. 
  • Carry the proper gear for the experience.
  • Bring extra food.
  • Tell someone where you are going.
  • Check with the Parks or tourism office for closures and wildlife updates. 
  • Follow the Leave No Trace principles.
  • Do not feed, touch or approach wildlife.
  • Make noise to keep wildlife away.
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Ensure your bike is in prime shape and adjusted to your height and weight before you go.

Build up your strength and endurance with plenty of biking on more accessible terrain beforehand.

Stay loose, particularly in your shoulders, knees, and arms, for a smoother ride and easier handling of your bike.

Go easy on the brakes! Momentum is your friend, and most beginner crashes are because riders don’t have enough speed, instead of having too much.

Did You Know?

The Mountain Biking World Cup visits Quebec’s Mont St. Anne every year. High-speed gondolas bring bikers to the top of the mountain, where they can choose between double and single track trails full of fast runs, sharp rocks, and steep drops. Some routes feed directly into hundreds of kilometers of cross-country trails, so you can keep your adventure going once you finish your descent!

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Have Questions?

Sometimes it’s just easier to talk to someone. Give us a call and let’s discuss how we can create your unique experience.