My history with bicycles? Let’s just say it’s been a bit of a rollercoaster, both on and off the trails. Like many, childhood bike rides were a staple, filled with carefree days on two wheels. However, adulthood and city living pushed cycling to the sidelines, a forgotten pastime.
Relocating to Colorado, the mountain biking mecca, felt like the ideal moment for a two-wheeled revival. But reality proved…challenging. My initial attempts swung wildly between uneventful bike paths and terrifying downhill trails that resulted in a sprained ankle. Then came Kathmandu, Nepal, and an ill-fated mountain bike excursion ending in a muddy (and possibly goat-related) fall. Bike shorts were officially retired. Hiking became my trail activity of choice, while friends conquered mountains on their bikes.
Then, the invitation arrived: downhill mountain biking. The concept? Ski lifts whisk you to the mountain’s peak, and you descend prepared singletrack trails. Skepticism was my default setting. Visions of heavily padded riders racing downhill flashed in my mind, hinting at a sport closer to jousting than leisurely biking. (For the record, I did embrace safety gear: helmet, gloves, elbow pads, knee/shin guards, and eye protection. A protective jacket even made a cameo for photo ops).
Fear almost won, but the allure of a good time was stronger. I signed up for the beginner package at Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park (formerly Evolution Bike Park) at Crested Butte Mountain Resort (CBMR). Bike rental, lift ticket, and two hours of expert instruction were included. Lunchtime arrived, and I realized I was completely, utterly hooked. Downhill mountain biking shattered my expectations. Control and freedom merged as I navigated dips and small hills, experiencing what my guide, Woody Lindenmeyr, termed “the flow.” Far from a hardcore athlete, Lindenmeyr’s expert guidance, techniques, and gentle reminders to breathe transformed the experience. Excitement replaced fear.
The magic of the lift is a major advantage for novice mountain bikers, Lindenmeyr points out. “The lift allows for repetitive practice without exhausting yourself on uphill climbs,” he explains. Crucial practice, indeed. “Downhill encompasses all the technical aspects of mountain biking. Uphill can be learned in an hour—downhill can take days.”
Expert instruction is invaluable for mastering these techniques. Guidance on stance, head positioning, and other nuances smooths the downhill journey considerably. Yet, even with the lift, it’s not effortless.
“There’s a common misconception about downhill riding’s difficulty,” Lindenmeyr, also director of the Crested Butte Mountain Sports Team, clarifies. “It’s not passive; the bike isn’t doing all the work. You must actively control the bike, and that demands effort.”
The effort is undeniably rewarding. Progressing through trails, weaving through aspen groves, and embracing the thrill of speed through turns ignited a realization: this is mountain biking. Heart racing, breath quickening, pure joy manifesting as a wide, slightly wild grin.
Ready to experience this yourself? Colorado’s parks offer ideal beginner-friendly downhill mountain biking setups.
Top Colorado Bike Parks for Your First Novice Mountain Bike Downhill Experience
These Colorado bike parks are fantastic starting points to discover the Best Novice Mountain Bike trails and downhill experiences. They provide the perfect terrain and amenities to build your confidence and skills.
Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park, Crested Butte Mountain Resort
Crested Butte Mountain Bike Park (CBMBP) boasts 29 marked trails spanning over 30 miles. These well-maintained trails are perfect for honing skills before venturing into Gunnison County’s extensive backcountry singletrack.
Open: Daily through September 2. Weekends only through October 6
Cost: One-day lift tickets: $49 for adults, $42 for children (ages 7–17); Guide package: $120–$179. Purchase tickets in advance (at least 24 hours) for discounted rates.
Trestle Bike Park, Winter Park Resort
Trestle Bike Park features over 40 miles of trails (with future expansion plans) on Winter Park mountain, along with a substantial rental and demo fleet. Its blend of hand-built and machine-groomed trails makes Trestle a popular choice for riders aiming to advance their skills.
Open: Daily until September 29
Cost: One-day pass: $45–$49 for adults, $34–$39 for children; Lessons: $89–$424
Keystone Bike Park, Keystone Resort
Keystone Bike Park offers 55 progressive downhill trails on Dercum Mountain, ensuring a run to match every thrill level. The Keystone Bike Academy provides diverse lesson options.
Open: Daily through September 2; weekends through September 22
Cost: One-day pass: $46 for adults; $25 for children; Bike clinics: $65–$155
Steamboat Bike Park, Steamboat Resort
Celebrating its 7th season, Steamboat Bike Park continues to expand in size and popularity. It now encompasses 50 miles and nearly 2,200 vertical feet of lift-served downhill flow and tech trails. Steamboat’s park emphasizes progression with trails clearly marked by difficulty.
Open: Daily through September 2, weekends through October 13 (subject to change)
Cost: One-day pass: $35 for adults, $25 for children; Bike clinic: $69–$109
Conquer your mountain biking fears and discover the joy of downhill. Colorado’s beginner-friendly bike parks are waiting to help you find your flow.
