Bike Ability Guide
ASK A MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK TEAM MEMBER
Feel free to check in with a Bike School team member on-site if you are uncertain of your ability level and/or equipment needs. The Bike School sales desk is located in the main Alpine Lodge within Outdoor Elements.
Ability Level Guide
BEGINNER RIDER
BIKE PARK EXPERIENCE:
- I can comfortably ride on pavement or wide gravel trails, maintain balance and can use disc brakes.
- Little to no experience riding mountain bike trails.
- Little or no experience in a Downhill Mountain Bike Park.
BENEFITS OF TAKING A PROGRAM:
You will learn basic skills such as body positioning, braking and cornering that you need to ride your first bike park trails comfortably and confidently. Your guide will choose trails appropriate for your skill, speed, rest points and offer immediate feedback in order to maximize your learning experience.
SUGGESTIONS:
Lessons:
- Alpine Adventure Camp (ages 7 to 12)
- Learn to Ride (7+)
- Private Ride (all ages)
Trails/Areas:
- Learning Centre courtyard
- Skills Park
- Greenline
- Panda Garden
.
NOVICE RIDER
BIKE PARK EXPERIENCE:
- I can comfortably ride on green and easy blue single-track and freeride trails in the Bike Park or cross-country.
- I am confident that I can ride and carry momentum through bumpy, rooty sections of trail without putting a foot down, and I have good brake control.
- I have a little experience riding Bike Parks.
BENEFITS OF TAKING A PROGRAM:
You will continue to progress your basic skills and be introduced to more technical terrain with more roots and rocks, rock faces, and ladder bridges. You will also improve your cornering technique for better flow on freeride trails. Coaches will guide you through the progression of trails to allow you to build skills gradually and introduce and demo new features.
SUGGESTIONS:
Lessons:
- FreeRide Camp (ages 7 to 12)
- Alpine Adventure Camp (ages 7 to 12)
- Step Up Ride (7+)
- For the Groms (ages 6-9)
- Private Ride (all ages)
Trails/Areas:
- Skills Park
- Greenline
- Hwy 19
- Finger Trail
- Panda Garden
.
INTERMEDIATE RIDER
BIKE PARK EXPERIENCE:
- I am comfortable on all blue technical trails and can ride all green and easy blue freeride trails in the park. My wheels rarely leave the ground.
- I can maintain my momentum and ride through rocky, rooty sections and am starting to look at increasing speed.
- I can comfortably ride raised ladder bridges and small rock faces.
- I have some experience riding in a Bike Park.
BENEFITS OF TAKING A PROGRAM:
You will learn the basics of how to drop and jump, as well as improving your overall bike skills. Start to increase your trail speed and look more closely at line selection. Increase the number and difficulty of trails in your repertoire.
SUGGESTIONS:
Lessons:
- FreeRide Program (7 to 12 years old)
- Alpine Adventure Camp (7 to 12 years old)
- Private Ride (all ages)
- Step Up Lesson (7+)
- For the Groms (6 to 9 years old)
- Jump and Drop Clinic
Trails/Areas:
- Skills Park
- Blue Hammer
- Hwy 19
- Call it In
.
STRONG INTERMEDIATE RIDER
BIKE PARK EXPERIENCE:
- I am a strong rider on all blues and easy blacks and I can ride all or most of the features.
- I ride at a moderate but safe speed and carry my momentum.
- I can do small jumps (7ft +/- table tops) and drops safely.
- I am excited to ride steep roll downs, raised ladder bridges and technical trails.
BENEFITS OF TAKING A PROGRAM:
Maximize learning time while developing your skills to negotiate larger drops and jumps, gain the knowledge and skills so you are ready to take on Back n Black and the tech trails like Call it In. Coaches will refine your skills to allow you to jump higher, go faster and be more confident in difficult terrain.
SUGGESTIONS:
Lessons:
- FreeRide Program (7 to 12)
- Alpine Adventure Camp (7 to 12)
- Private Ride (all ages)
- For the Groms Guided Ride
Trails/Areas:
- Skills Park
- Blue Hammer
- Osezno
- Hustler
- Hwy 19
- Helter Skelter
- Step Brother
.
ADVANCED RIDER
BIKE PARK EXPERIENCE:
- I am comfortable at fast speeds on all black trails both cross country and in the Bike Park.
- I can pick a line through difficult technical sections, ride steep rock faces and raised skinnys.
- I have good technique and can carry and judge my speed to do medium jumps (12ft +/- table tops) and drops.
BENEFITS OF TAKING A PROGRAM:
Have a coach break down the technique needed and lead you through features you have always dreamed of tackling. Improve your flow, speed and finesse on all trails. Jump higher, drop bigger and start to look and feel like a pro!
SUGGESTIONS:
Lessons:
- Private Ride (all ages)
- FreeRide Program (7 to 12)
- For the Groms Guided Ride
Trails/Areas:
- Skills Park
- Hwy 19
- Blue Hammer
- Call It In / Mix It Up
- Helter Skelter
- Time Warp
- The Wiz
.
EXPERT RIDER
BIKE PARK EXPERIENCE:
- I am confident at high speeds on all trails, I can ride all the features on black and some double black trails both cross country and in the Bike Park.
- I can clear large drops and jumps (20ft +/- table tops) with correct technique.
BENEFITS OF TAKING A PROGRAM:
Personal coaching on refining the expert skills and finesse required to ride at the highest level and speeds. Really fine tune your riding to maximize the return on your valuable riding time. Our expert coaches will be able to help you tackle the gnarliest of lines and biggest drops and jumps the park has to offer.
SUGGESTIONS:
Lessons:
- Private Ride (all ages)
Trails/Areas:
- All Areas
- All trails
.
SUMMER SAFETY
It's important to stay informed as a guest and always follow the Responsibility Codes.
Summer Safety
BIKE PARK TRAIL MAP
All routes within the Bike Park are designated by colour-coded trail markers at the start of each descent.
View MapBike Park Progression
Find out your bike park riding level and discover what trails, lessons, or camps are best suited to you and make your experience in our bike park a memorable one.
Progression Guide
SAFETY Bikers Responsibility Code
POLICY INFORMATION
IMPORTANT Know Before You Go
Reservations are strongly encouraged. Please go online to mountwashington.ca for more info and call (250) 338-1386 ext 384, to speak with a lesson specialist and book. Class sizes are limited to ensure fun and safety.
Know before you go! Prepare to make the most of your time with us in the bike park.
- Allow a minimum of 45 mins between your arrival in the resort or departing your condo and the lesson start time (i.e. for a 12 pm lesson, plan to arrive by 11:15 am, especially on weekends).
- Even if you already have equipment we ask that you please check in with us in the bike shop. If you require a pass please visit the Ticket Windows outside of the Alpine Lodge.
- You are responsible for supervising your child (6+ years) prior to meeting the instructor under the white bike shop tent.
- Please be aware that all lessons start promptly at the scheduled start time regardless of weather conditions. There are no refunds for missed lessons.
- You are responsible for meeting your child under the white tent where you dropped off. Mount Washington is responsible for supervising your child during scheduled lesson times only. children will not be released on their own and you may be charged for additional care.
Knowing your reservation number will speed up the check-in process. If possible, please also have this handy upon arrival. Thanks for choosing to visit us at the Mount Washington Bike School! We look forward to welcoming you to the Bike Park.
Lesson Cancellation Policy
- All lessons must be paid in full at the time of booking.
- Lessons can be cancelled or rescheduled more than 48 hours in advance. Please call the Bike School at 250-338-1386 ext. 384 or email bikereservation@mountwashington.ca
- There are no refunds or changes allowed within 48 hours of the lesson time unless due to a medical issue or illness.
- No refunds will be issued due to weather conditions.
- Guests who are late for their lessons will not be able to join. We will do our best to rebook for later that day.
INSTRUCTIONS For Lesson Day
LESSON Cancelation Policy
Bike School
We highly recommend booking your lesson in advance to guarantee your spot. Our instructors book up quickly and can't always accommodate last-minute walk-in requests. email us at bikereservation@mountwashington.ca
Bike School Call Centre
1-888-231-1499 or email: bikereservation@mountwashington.ca
Contact Us
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
P.O. Box 3069, STN Main
Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 5N3
1-250-338-1386
Toll-Free: 1-888-231-1499
First Aid 1-250-334-5741
P.O. Box 3069, STN Main
Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 5N3
1-250-338-1386
Toll-Free: 1-888-231-1499
First Aid 1-250-334-5741
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