The snow is behind us and the blooms are here, which means it’s time to put away the skis and tune up the bikes. In the warm months, many of the Blue Ridge region’s ski resorts open downhill bike parks, so you can bomb down their steep trails—while navigating a range of obstacles—and take a lift back to the top. Here’s a handful of favorites, with pertinent trail beta and opening dates.
Beech Mountain Resort – Beech Mountain, N.C. – beechmtn.com
Opening May 23, Beech Mountain will have five lifts operational at its bike park, which features 13 downhill trails that range in skill level from beginner to advanced. The resort in the North Carolina High Country offers mountain bike rentals and lessons, and visitors can also play a round of disc golf or check out the dog park and property hiking trails.
Bryce Resort – Basey, Va. – bryceresort.com
After a week of early-season access in April, Bryce Resort officially opened its bike trails on May 3. The park offers 13 downhill trails ranging from beginner to advanced, and Bryce’s website states the resort is expanding their trail system in coming years. Mountain bike lessons and rentals are available, and in the warm months the resort also features a golf course and lake access.
Massanutten Resort – Massanutten, Va. – massresort.com
Massanutten Resort, which offers nine downhill bike trails, opened to riders on April 26. The resort offers rentals and lessons, and its trails can be accessed with a Loam Pass, a multi-destination season pass with over 100 riding days at more than 50 spots across the country. Beyond the bike park, the resort also features a high ropes course and a water park.
Snowshoe Mountain Resort – Snowshoe, W.Va. – snowshoemtn.com
A certified IMBA Ride Center and regular host of UCI Mountain Bike World Series, Snowshoe Mountain’s bike park will open on May 22. The resort offers nearly 40 trails and touts an impressive 1,500 feet of vertical descent within the bike park. Visitors can also take an off-roading tour of the mountain, enjoy the pool, and take a sporting clay shooting tour.
Sugar Mountain Resort – Sugar Mountain, N.C. – skisugar.com
Sugar Mountain’s bike park and lifts will open from May 23-26, and then will reopen from July 4 to September 1. The park features 10 downhill trails and offers mountain bike lessons and rentals, including clothing. Outside the bike park, visitors can enjoy hiking trails and a concert series starting June 4.
Cover photo: Couresty of Getty Images
