Where to Downhill Mountain Bike

Body armor. Big jumps. Banked berms. Tail whips. Crashes. Those may be the images that define downhill mountain biking for many. But around Vermont, ski areas have been focusing on making downhill riding more accessible. They are providing both the equipment you need to start doing it safely and the lessons that will get you from the top of the lift to the bottom of the hill in one piece. And maybe even grinning as you fly around the berms.

In the past few years, resorts around the state have made a big push to create easier trails geared to beginner and intermediate downhillers.

Bolton Valley, Stratton and Okemo all have emerged as downhill mountain bike destinations and Sugarbush, closed for downhill biking this season, is planning an expanded park with terrain for beginners and intermediates.

If you’re interested in letting gravity do the work for you, make a weekend out of lift-served, downhill riding. You will want to rent a full suspension bike with disc brakes, a helmet, upper body protection, knee and shin pads.

Fortunately, all this is available at most downhill resorts for about $100 to $165 (for a rental bike, all your gear and a day ticket.) Many also offer beginner packages that include a lesson.
Want to take the lift up and ride down? Here’s where to go:

Burke

The network of 100 miles of Kingdom Trails in East Burke is legendary. But right next door are Burke Mountain Resort’s 12 downhill trails where you can take the lift (or a shuttle) up and ride down, as well as 10 cross-country trails. If you need further encouragement, Burke has earned the recognition of MTBparks.com as one of the top five mountain bike parks in the Northeast.

For 2024, two new single-track trails from the CCC Road provide for new options to descend from the summit to the bike park.  Additionally, FreeRide got a complete overhaul. More cross-country trails and human-powered climbs are at the nearby Kingdom Trails network. It also features a kid-friendly pump track right in town along the banks of the East Branch of the Passumpic River.

Must ride: Experts whip through bermed turns and ride up walls on favorites like Knightslayer, Dead Moose Alley and the J-Bar trail. Novice downhillers can develop their skills on Shire and Roly Grail—all with views to Willoughby Gap and Jay Peak. Après-bike: Mike’s Tiki Bar, a funky, fresh-air food truck-and bar with a great selection of local craft beer on draft. Catch some live music on select evenings during the summer. Local shop(s): East Burke Sports, Village Sports. Lift tickets:  $48 for adults. Open: Thurs.-Sun,. More info: skiburke.com

Bolton Valley

Once known for spicy trailscarved out of the woods by an early generation of semi-pro riders, Bolton Valley has invested in making the mountain accessible to all levels. In the past few years Gravity Logic has designed flowy, intermediate trails that are fun for everyone. The resort now has 27 trails, with more planned.

While it is still not a beginner’s mountain, Bolton’s blue trails such as Vista Glades and Bluebird are just plain fun. And it is hard not to beat the western views from the top of the Vista Quad which stretch to Lake Champlain.

With a rental fleet and a Progression Zone skills park near the Sports Center —as well as the option to hire a coach or guide there— the resort is doubling-down on its skills programs.
Bolton also has one of the best values in beginner packages: $99 for a “Training Wheels” half-day bike rental, lift access and a 90-minute group lesson.

Must ride: Vista Glades, Bluebird and Bolton Bridge are the fun intermediate trails. Experts might appreciate riding up to the old-school technical VTFR trails such as Outlaw and Doubledown Après-bike: On-mountain, stop in for a burger at the James Moore Tavern or opt for something from the Miso Hut. Local shop(s): Sports Center at the base. Lift tickets: $40 for adults, and $30 for 17 and under. Open: Wed-Fri. noon to dusk, all day Sat.-Sun.  More info: boltonvalley.com

Killington

Killington has more than 30 miles of downhill riding across five peaks. and the higher you go on the mountain, the more advanced the trails. The lines off K1 are steep, but many of the trails that slash in and out of woods were expertly designed by British Columbia trail builders Gravity Logic to handle the pitch. Killington also has fun, easier trails in the Snowshed and Ramshead areas, such as Krusty Trail, a 2.29 mile-long intermediate flow trail.

Killington’s lesson programs are extensive with a beginner “Experience Downhill” package that includes a two-hour lesson, bike and gear rental and lift ticket for $149 for adults and $124 for 17 and under. (The bike park is free if you have a $1,999 Beast 365 pass, which includes an Ikon Base Pass.)

Must ride: The Krusty Trail, Scarecrow, Gambler, Kon Tiki. For easier trails, ride anything in the Snowshed Express zone. The mountain primarily features downhill trails, but cross-country style trails can be accessed in the South Ridge area or near Kent Pond and the Sherburne trails. Après-bike: On-mountain, head for the Umbrella Bars or Preston’s. The Foundry offers craft cocktails and pond-front seating. The Lookout Tavern is a local staple, and features burgers and a great craft beer selection. Local shop(s): Base Camp; First Stop Board & Barn, Alpine Bike Works Lift tickets: $65 for adults, and $30 for 17 and under. Half day: $25.  Open: Thurs.-Mon (K1) and Fri..-Sat. Ramshead/Snowshed –hours vary so check website. More info:  killington.com

Stratton

With more than 10 miles of hand- and machine-crafted downhill mountain bike trails, the Stratton Mountain Bike Park is an exciting and relatively new spot to explore. The designers and builders of the trails, Sinuosity, focused on eco-friendly practices and unique layouts.

The downhill trails are open to every kind of rider from beginner to expert. Stratton has patterned its bike lesson program after its ski program with everything from private to group lessons and camps specifically for women and kids. A first-time lesson package (with bike and gear, lesson and lift access) costs $182.

Must ride: Intermediate Trail #4 zig zags through the woods whereas #7 is a long, swoopy and fun beginner run. Après-bike: Grizzly’s is located in the Main Base Area and is the perfect place to stop for a drink or a bite. The restaurant offers a great variety of beers, wood-fired pizzas and even live music. Plus, you’ll have a great view of the mountain. Local shop: Head to the Junior Mountain Sports School at the base for rentals and packages: Lift tickets: $55 for 13 and older. Open:  Thurs. through Monday. More info: stratton.com

Mount Snow

In 1986, Vermont’s southernmost ski area was among the first to open lifts and trails to mountain bikes. After hosting years of elite-level NORBA races, the resort’s 12-mile trail system continues to challenge all types of riders. For cross-country riders, the Base Loop is a fun, introductory loop. Downhill riders use the Canyon Express to access popular trails like Gateway, which, at 2.5 free-flowing miles is one of longest introductory downhill trails in the East. For those who like to use their full-body armor, Swamp Donkey is a steep expert ride with large jumps and tall berms and winds in and out of the trees. This trail offers the opportunity for some air. You can rent both bikes and full-body protective gear at the base. Day passes are $55 for lift access but Epic Pass holders can get unlimited access at Mount Snow, Okemo and Mt. Sunapee for $250 (adults) or $160 for kids with a Three Mountain Haul Season Pass.

Must ride: Swamp Donkey, Gateway. Après-bike: Pizzas and small-batch brews at Pizzapalooza & Beer Naked Brewery in Wilmington, or grab some fresh fried pickles, fried cheese curds and craft cocktails after your ride at One More Time (OMT) Billiards Parlor in West Dover. Local shop: Mount Snow Sports at the Grand base. Lift tickets: $55 for one adult day ticket (rentals extra). Open: Thurs.-Sunday and some holidays. More info: mountsnow.com

Smugglers’ Notch

One of Vermont’s most family-friendly ski areas keeps its mountain bike focus on kids. While Smuggs doesn’t have typical lift-served mountain biking, it does offer a two-acre downhill skills park with 350 feet of vertical drop. Kids can ride a conveyor lift up, then test their skills on two flow trails, a rock garden and a jump line. For those looking to learn, the mountain offers clinics for kids, families and a park-skills clinic. The resort has a fleet of full-suspension, hardtail, cruiser and even strider bikes for the littlest riders as well as e-bikes for adults. There are camps, clinics and guided rides for all abilities.

Must ride: Dale’s Trail, West Woodrun, Watson’s Wanderer. Après-bike: Barbeque at Brewster River Pub & Brewery.  Local shop: Smugglers’ Notch’s MTB Park & Bike Shop. Lift tickets: $15 for one adult day ticket. Open:  Tues.-Saturday. More info: smuggs.com. u

Opening photo: Evan Booth at Killington Mountain Resort. Photo by Brooks Curran.