{"id":58527,"date":"2017-05-12T07:15:43","date_gmt":"2017-05-12T11:15:43","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/?p=58527"},"modified":"2021-11-03T08:04:40","modified_gmt":"2021-11-03T12:04:40","slug":"best-mountain-biking-camps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/fitness\/best-mountain-biking-camps\/","title":{"rendered":"Hit the Trails: 7 Awesome Mountain Biking Camps"},"content":{"rendered":"

If there\u2019s one thing we know for sure, it\u2019s that people love biking<\/a>. In 2016, The New York Times<\/a> and Business Insider <\/a>declared cycling as \u201cthe new golf,\u201d and USA Cycling found the number of people who took out a cycling license from 2002 to 2013 increased a staggering 76 percent<\/a>. But that doesn\u2019t fully cover mountain biking participation, where people take their two wheels off road to ride amount\u00a0dirt, rocks and trees.<\/p>\n

It sounds a lot scarier and, we\u2019ll admit, slightly more dangerous than riding on paved road. But that\u2019s only if you pedal unprepared. Bike rental stores, hotels and outdoor sports companies across the country offer lessons that cover all the basics. Some even have training tracks to practice on before you hit the woods and descend downhill. Road riders should take a lesson too, considering everything from your pedaling stance<\/a> to how you brake to the way you navigate a trail is different than regular roads.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re itching to try a new sport this summer, mountain biking offers a low-impact, high-adventure way to get active outside<\/a>. And these top mountain biking camps across the United States teach you the right way to ride dirty with the best of \u2018em. So book your trip and get ready for a turned-up spin experience.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 12 Best Bikes for Every Type of Rider<\/a><\/p>\n

7 Camps for Learning Stellar Mountain Biking Skills<\/h2>\n
\"Mountain
Photo courtesy of Snowmass\u00a0Tourism<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

1. Snowmass, Colorado<\/h3>\n

Trail location:<\/strong> Snowmass Bike Park<\/a><\/p>\n

As soon as the snow melts, this mountain village near Aspen, CO transforms into a two-wheeled oasis. With maintained trails, chair lifts offering direct-to-trail access, pro instructors, and over 80 miles of track, it\u2019s one of the best hubs for bikers of all abilities. If you\u2019re in town June 24-25, sign up for a biking clinic at Snowmass Demo Days<\/a> to learn from some of the best riders in the world and try out the season\u2019s hottest bikes<\/a> yourself.<\/p>\n

If not, you can reserve a spot in a three-hour Park Ready Downhill Bike Clinic <\/a>($49). Not only will you get a bike to rent, but you\u2019ll also receive a helmet, safety pads, and mountain biking-specific shoes. They\u2019ll teach you the ABCs \u2014 Action Stance, Braking and Cornering \u2014 on Snowman\u2019s mountain bike skills park. Then you’ll head\u00a0onto the single-track trails (meaning nobody will be riding in the other direction) surrounding Snowmass Village.<\/p>\n

\"Mountain<\/a>
Photo courtesy of REI<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

2. Chicago, Illinois<\/h3>\n

Trail Location:<\/strong> Big Marsh Bike Park<\/a><\/p>\n

Before you hit the dirt, you\u2019ll want to pick up the basics from the pros at REI. In their Introduction to Mountain Biking: Level 1<\/a> class ($65 for REI members; $85 for non-members), you\u2019ll first learn how to properly fit your bike. And if you don\u2019t have one, REI will provide one free of charge. Then it\u2019s time for riding techniques<\/a>, when you\u2019ll learn everything from body and pedal position, shifting, braking, climbing, descending, and navigating minor obstacles. And so you stay safe on the trails, you\u2019ll also learn mountain biking etiquette, along with some commonly used communication skills other riders use.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>Bike Fittings: What Every Cyclist Needs to Know<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Mountain
Photo courtesy of Massanutten Resort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

3. McGaheysville, Virginia<\/h3>\n

Trail Location:<\/strong> Massanutten Resort <\/a><\/p>\n

First-timers and pros alike will fall in love with the scenery at this bike park. It\u2019s nestled right in the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains, so the views are more than Insta-perfect. Beginners, sign up for the three-hour Pathway Package ($80), where you\u2019ll get a 75-minute lesson and rental gear (helmet, knee\/shin pads, elbow pads). You’ll also get use of the beginner and intermediate trails \u2014 ideal for honing your skills without worrying about more advanced riders barreling down the mountain. As soon as you feel ready for more of a challenge, you can hop on the lift to take you up to advanced jump and single-track trails. Thrills await at the top.<\/p>\n

\"Mountain
Photo courtesy of Turtle Bay Resort<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

4. Oahu, Hawaii<\/h3>\n

Trail location:<\/strong> Turtle Bay Resort <\/a><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going to learn how to ride<\/a>, you might as well do it surrounded by jaw-dropping views. That\u2019s what you\u2019ll find in Hawaii \u2014 Oahu, specifically \u2014 when you venture over to the North Shore Bike Park<\/a> at Turtle Bay Resort. From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the resort offers an Introduction to Mountain Biking Adventure ($60), where you\u2019ll progressively navigate from oceanside jeep roads to single-track trails in the jungle.<\/p>\n

Those who\u2019ve taken a few rides before can jump into the Intermediate Trail Adventure ($100). You’ll ride through the lush jungle vegetation while your local guide shares tidbits about the geography and history of the area. Prefer to simply spiff up your skills for an hour or so? Rent a bike (which comes with a helmet and pads) and head to the Pump Track ($5). There, you\u2019ll have an hour to explore\u00a0the butterfly-patterned track, opening up dozens of directions and combinations for you to play around.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>The 15 Most Incredible Bike Trails in the U.S.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Mountain
Photo courtesy of REI<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

5. Denver, Colorado<\/h3>\n

Trail Location:<\/strong> North Table Mountain<\/a><\/p>\n

It can be intimidating to try a new sport surrounded by strangers. That\u2019s why REI aims to make it a little easier for women, offering 10 women\u2019s-only Introduction to Colorado Mountain Biking <\/a>courses through September ($99 for members; $119 for non-members). After you sign up, you\u2019ll work with top-notch female instructors to learn how to fit your bike. Plus, you’ll pick up basic skills like pedaling, climbing, descending and riding over or around obstacles (think rocks and branches).<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll also ride all throughout North Table Mountain, where the trails aren\u2019t intimidatingly technical. (In other words, perfect for beginners.) You\u2019ll also spot summit views of the foothills to the west, Golden to the south, and Denver to the east. If you don\u2019t have a bike, don\u2019t sweat it \u2014 they provide options at the start of your five-hour class.<\/p>\n

\"Mountain
Photo courtesy of Waldorf Astoria Park City<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

6. Park City, Utah<\/h3>\n

Trail Location:<\/strong> Waldorf Astoria Park City<\/a><\/p>\n

Certified as an International Mountain Bike Association Gold Level Riding Center, and home to over 400 miles of trails, Park City is one of the best places for mountain bikers of all levels to work their skills. Stay at Waldorf Astoria Park City<\/a>, a super bike-friendly hotel<\/a>, where they\u2019ll wash your bike and store it overnight. (That is, as long as you\u2019re not renting and you\u2019re booking excursions from local outfitter White Pine Touring<\/a>.) Better yet, the hotel offers homemade amenities and treats \u2014 think power bars, reusable water bottles and bike socks \u2014 to get you ready to ride.<\/p>\n

You also get direct access to both lift-served bike trails in the Canyons Bike Park<\/a>, as well as various cross-country trails. (The 26-mile Mid-Mountain Trail spans across both Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort.) And because skiers shouldn\u2019t be the only ones to get an amazing apr\u00e9s experience, the Waldorf also offers bikers an exclusive Pow Day beer, served only in their restaurant, Powder.<\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/strong>7 Active Travel Getaways You\u2019ll Want to Book ASAP<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Mountain
Photo courtesy of Miraval Restor & Spa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

7. Tucson, Arizona<\/h3>\n

Trail Location:<\/strong> Miraval Resort & Spa<\/a><\/p>\n

Guests staying at this relaxing resort can sign up for free mountain biking classes<\/a> as part of the resort’s 200 health and wellness programs<\/a>. Instructors will introduce you to the sport in the stunning Sonoran Desert, where you\u2019ll learn beginner off-road riding skills, including how to navigate sand and hills \u2014 a tricky combo. After you\u2019ve mastered the basics, you\u2019ll have the option to sign up for beginner or intermediate classes, where you\u2019ll build on those skills and ride around\u00a0more challenging terrain.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Book a trip to these top mountain biking destinations. Not only do they have awe-inspiring landscapes, but the resorts also offer lessons for first-timers. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":65,"featured_media":58551,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"","_seopress_titles_title":"","_seopress_titles_desc":"","_seopress_robots_index":"","site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[21,24,6],"tags":[157,288,129,289,212,341,343,174,100],"class_list":["post-58527","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cardio","category-exercise","category-fitness","tag-biking","tag-cardio","tag-cycling","tag-exercise","tag-spinning","tag-tax1living-well","tag-tax2exercise","tag-travel","tag-workout"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58527","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/65"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58527"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58527\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/58551"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58527"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58527"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dailyburn.com\/life\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}