| Individuals and families can easily find a range of cross-country opportunities and technical downhill riding experiences. Many locations offer bike rentals, repair and riding camps. What type of mountain biking experience are you looking for? Singletrack Mountain Biking or “cross country” (XC) riding is best experienced on narrow well-maintained trails through varied terrain. Among the 800+ miles of singletrack throughout the Vermont, riders can find gentle rolling meadows for the beginner, technical trails providing challenge for experienced riders, and everything in between to develop riding skills. Proper equipment, instruction and trail selection are important factors. For riders new to mountain biking:
Missisquoi Rail Trail
Cross Vermont Trail
Burlington Bike Path For mixed levels, from beginner to expert:
Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe
Millstone Trails, Websterville
Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Williston
Sleepy Hollow Ski and Bike Center, Huntington
Kingdom Trails, East Burke
Vermont State Parks Downhill Mountain Biking includes “lift-serve” operations where the rider and his/her bike are lifted to the top of the mountain, similar to skiing. In Vermont, downhill riding ranges from easy open trails for beginners to expert terrain requiring full body armor, a full-face helmet and a specific bike. Easy, open and well-groomed downhill terrain has recently grown as a beginner’s introduction to the sport of mountain biking affording new riders the opportunity to become familiar with riding while gravity does the work.
East Burke Sports
Sugarbush
Killington
Mount Snow Mountain Biking Camps and Retreats provide instruction and access to great trails. These are just some of the opportunities:
Vermont Works for Women/Dirt Divas - biking camp for girls
Singletrack Mindfulness - mountain biking and yoga retreats for adults
Catamount Family Outdoor Center - camps and skills instruction for kids, teens and adults  | Whether you’re riding XC or choosing to head to a downhill area, the Vermont Mountain Bike Association recommends all riders obtain and be familiar with maps, have proper equipment, seek instruction and ride with friends. Vermont Mountain Bike Association (VMBA) offers member benefits and hosts multiple riding events every year. For more information on VMBA please visit www.vmba.org. | |