Bike parks are opening and why you should go to one

Bike parks are opening now! If you've never gone, you must try one out.

photo: whistler.com

For some Christmas comes in December, for others it comes in May as bike parks all throughout the northern hemisphere awaken from their sleepy winter slumbers and begin inviting riders from all over the globe to ride their trails. New trails are being added every year as interest is exploding and competition heats up between new and old resorts. There’s never been a better time to load up the bikes, meet up with friends, and smash some laps at the park.

If you’re ready to shred, click here to jump to our list of bike park opening dates.

If you're questioning why this matters to you, let’s quickly run through the benefits of riding at a bike park:

Air miles

photo: 43ride.com

Riding one week at a decent bike park like Whistler or Morzine will see you put more miles on your bike than almost the entire rest of the summer. This gives you the ability to pack in as much practice and skill testing as possible, making it that much easier to learn things like proper cornering. It’s simple, you’ll ride more trails when you’re at a bike park.

Variety

photo: trestlebikepark.com

No matter which park you’re at, they all feature a decent variety of trails, giving you the opportunity to switch it up from what you normally ride. Even if you really prefer tech-trails, you will find yourself dabbling in the flow just because it’s there, exposing you to new types of riding that will help build your overall skills as a rider.

Not just DH

photo: astrid.at

A common misconception is that bike parks are havens for lazy, one-dimensional downhill riders, however, modern riders have advanced along with their bicycle counterparts. Many bike parks now include ‘up-tracks’ for those wanting to earn their descents, as well as comprehensive XC networks. It’s common to see people rolling up to the park with a bike for all types of riding hanging off their tailgate.

Bike parks are for the whole family

photo: bikepark-sfl.at

Another misconception is that bike parks are only for the hardcore. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Bike parks have trails for every level of rider, no matter how beginner, along with coaching and riding schools and tour operators.

If your family rides, but you don’t, no worries! Bike parks almost always have hiking trails, shopping, spas, bungee jumping, horseback riding, golf courses, and pretty much anything else you can think of.

Living the life

photo: basquemtb.com

When you’re at the bike park, you seem to breathe a little easier, the drinks go down smooth, and everything in the world fells pretty alright. No matter your preferred discipline of riding, there’s something awesome about being surrounded by an entire town full of people who also love bikes. It simply makes life better. Rubbing elbows with pros, comparing bruises, reliving the best trail of the day, all over a pint, sounds just about perfect to us right now.

Bike park opening dates

Here are opening dates for some of the most popular bike parks across the globe:

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