Single-track downhill mountain bike descents open up the throttles every summer at ski resorts across North America. New skills features, flow updates to old trails, and steep-pitched downhill rippers should be on your must-ride list this summer. Below are some of the latest and greatest in lift-accessed mountain biking trails at ski areas around North America.
Lift-accessed mountain biking around North America
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
Mt. Bachelor Resort is Oregon’s premier lift-served mountain bike park with trails for all ability levels. Excavated single-track enduro and downhill trails flank the Oregon volcano, with intermediate and expert trails descending from Pine Marten Lift. The Little Pine Lift takes families and beginners up to descend on the machine-built and single-track trails. Established in 2013, the Bike Park has 13 trails contributing to Central Oregon’s 300+ mile network.
New features appear in the skills park, and more trail miles are dishing up new challenges each year. The double black diamond Rockfall Trail draws expert thrill-seekers for its 20 percent average slope, lava rock, and natural jumps. There’s no skirting the mandatory technical features right under Pine Marten Lift, so the pressure will be on to nail the drops.
Whistler, British Columbia
Ride mountain biking icons with spruced-up lines at Whistler in North America’s biggest mountain bike park. For over 25 years, the Whistler Bike Park has provided riders access to more than 130 trails with more than 4,926 vertical feet of lift-serviced fun. The Creekside Gondola provides access to the Fitz and Garnanzo Zones via Expressway, Lower Freight Train, and No Joke. Note, however, that it’s recommended for advanced and experts only.
Riders can now upload from Creekside Village and connect to the bike park at the Raven’s Nest. Trails allow riders to exit back out to the creek for another lap. Or, once you’re done for the day, après-bike at Dusty’s Bar and BBQ.
With an eye toward aiding newcomers to mountain biking, Whistler’s bike park guides hang out at the top of the Fitzsimmons Chair to provide complimentary trail orientation sessions. They can send you down a trail appropriate for your skill level where you won’t unwittingly huck yourself off a monster jump.
Grand Targhee, Wyoming
Grand Targhee has long had a great reputation among downhill mountain bikers. The two-mile-long, machine-built Rock Garden accessed from Dreamcatcher Chairlift descends a technical 1,809 feet, making it the most demanding and steepest black diamond trail at the resort. Grand Targhee hosts a number of great camps, including women’s mountain bike camps, to get riders going to the next level with confidence. These are offered in several two-day sessions in July and August. Great biking events happen during the summer at Grand Targhee, including the Grand Teton Dirt Classic.
Snow Summit and Snow Valley, California
Big Bear’s Snow Valley and Snow Summit are considered So Cal’s “Mountain Biking Mecca.” The two bike parks, located less than 30 minutes apart, feature fast downhill trails, scenic cross-country trails, and more. The two bike parks offer 21 downhill runs and over 60 miles of cross-country trails. Buy your tickets online ahead of time to save.
Deer Valley, Utah
Deer Valley has up to 3,000 vertical feet of elevation change and nearly 60 miles of mountain bike trails. These trails, including four designed by Gravity Logic, are accessible from three chairlifts: Silver Lake Express at the base and Sterling Express and Homestake Express located mid-mountain. Many of the Deer Valley trails also connect with trails at Park City creating a fast network of single track.
Crested Butte, Colorado
Evolution Bike Park, a favorite stop for many specialty races like the Powerade Mountain Race Series, continues to showcase its over 30 miles of track to riders of all abilities. The Red Lady Express unlocks beginner, intermediate, and expert trails around Crested Butte. Established in 2009, the resort connects to more than 750 miles of singletrack throughout the Gunnison Valley. It is usually open from June to September. Crested Butte provides expert guides who teach key skills and offer group lessons lasting 2 hours, as well as private lessons for 2, 4, or 7 hours. The packages come with bike rentals and lift tickets.
Stratton, Vermont
Stratton Mountain Bike Park is bigger and better than ever, thanks to the completion of several phases of upgrades in recent years. The Stratton Bike Park features 10+ miles of downhill mountain bike trails. Machine-built lines and hand-shaped features create fun, flowing elements designed for progression. Next to Styles Brook, the intermediate trail should be considered a step up for new riders. Stratton now has nine downhill trails and one uphill climbing trail. Check out the Stratton Bike Park Season Pass to maximize time on the trails this season.
Killington, Vermont
Killington is affectionately known to skiers and riders as “The Beast of the East,” and for decades it has been growing its Bike Park. Today, it offers more than 30 miles of trails served by three high-speed lifts. The trails are designed for every rider, from beginners to experts. Three areas comprise the gravity-fueled bike park: beginner terrain at Snowshed, progressive intermediate trails at Ramshead, and classic New England terrain at Killington Peak.
April 15, 2025
