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Mountain Biking

Valemount is home to some of the best mountain bike trails in BC and is quickly becoming the favorite destination of many riders. The trails are the pride and joy of many in the Valemount community. As cliché as it sounds, the trail system has a bit of something for everyone. Our notoriety began due to our abundance of downhill flow style options, although over the last few years we have added some exceptional cross country and all mountain options, as well as some more technical alternatives. 

If you haven’t visited our trail system yet, you are missing out on something special!  Please see below for full trail status and details.

 

The main staging area is located minutes from the town center of Valemount and can easily be accessed via a quick pedal up from town or via the hillside drive access road.  To get to the trail systems main staging area, head down 5th avenue (main drag) and take a hard right after the train tracks and then your first left.  About 1km up the road, you will find the main staging area for the bike park.  There are two large parking lots with an outhouse and picnic site.  Please respect that there is no overnight camping welcome in the staging areas.

The shuttle road is maintained in conjunction with the Valemount Community Forest and is typically in amazing condition.  If possible we ask that all vehicles with 4×4 capability, use it, to help reduce the washboard build up on the road.  Keep the speeds down, respect other vehicles and drive safe.

To keep tabs on what is happening on the bike scene in Valemount please like the Valemount Bike Park Page on Facebook.

If you are looking for the full shuttle experience, there is a commercial shuttle available on most weekends.  You can also request private bookings.  Please contact Peak Shuttles for more information.

VARDA uses TRAFX trail counters to monitor use of our trails and gain valuable statistical data that we use in many ways.  If you are curious, check them out HERE.

 

 

Want to show your support and be a part of the Valemount Mountain Bike Community? 
Please become a member!

varda mountain biking membership

PLEASE SUPPORT the Valemount Mountain Bike Trails by becoming a member. CLICK HERE.  Every single cent goes back into the maintenance and development of our beloved trail system. It is your generosity that enables us to create more thrilling trails, implement safety measures, and offer top-notch amenities for riders like yourself.

As a valued member, you are part of our mountain biking family. We are committed to serving you, listening to your feedback, and making your experience even more incredible. Together, we can push the boundaries of what’s possible for small rural communities in British Columbia.  We can redefine adventure and inspire others to embrace the transformative power of mountain biking.

If you have difficulties signing on or prefer to do it another way. Please contact us for assistance.  We will help any way we can.

 

The Valemount Mountain Bike Trail Network

valemount bike park map

Valemount Bike Park Map, Trails by Number

 

Valemount Trails Explained

Updated June 06 2023

In the early season, please watch for debris on trail such as sticks, leaves, pinecones etc. And respect ALL CLOSED TRAILS

1. CBT’s Munday Grind – Open 
A beautifully machine made climbing trail with 9 km of meandering ascent. Moderate grades with a few short and steep sections to get you grinding to the top. There is an exit to the Bacon trailhead off the main line about half way through the climb as well as an exit at the Tinfoil Hat trailhead or stay in for the full push to the Turducken staging area.  The top section of the climb begins at the Tinfoil Hat trailhead.

2. Inversion – Open
A hand-made cross country trail that is suitable for novice–intermediate riders. For novice riders this may feel like a beginner downhill ride; for intermediate riders this may feel more like a cross country ride. This trail intersects the Provincial trail at two separate occasions and gives riders a variety of choices. This is a great ride for anyone pedaling from the town site.

3. Mid DH Access or Exit – Open
A relatively easy pedal from town, this trail can be used to access the middle of the downhill trails including Tinfoil Hat, Andreas’ downhill and Stump Town. This can also be used as an early exit from the downhill trails to access Inversion.

4. Andreas’ Downhill – Open 
A very old school, hand-made fall line based downhill trail for advanced/expert riders. Steep and very rooty, this trail is NOT FOR BEGINNERS. This trail parallels the new Tinfoil Hat downhill with multiple intersections so you can play a bit of “choose your own adventure” and mix things up a bit if you like.

5. Tinfoil Hat – Open
An intermediate level, new school downhill mountain bike trail. All jumps are table tops, and easy to be ridden over. Any drops or harder lines have ride-arounds to avoid the obstacle completely. There is a mid-point entrance, easily accessed by pedalling from the town site; however, this trail is best enjoyed by shuttle.

6. Swift Creek – Open
This is a 10-km-long round trip ride on a hand built old school cross country trail. The finish will utilize a bit of town road to return to the 5 Mile Road and ultimately back up to the staging area. This is more designed for hiking although bikes are allowed.

7. Southern Traverse – Open
A new school rolling cross country trail. Accessed via the main Swift Creek entrance at 1 km up 5 Mile Road. This section of trail measures 2.5 km. To get in and out will require the use of the other trails.

8. Bucket Head Connector – Open
This is a short connector trail. It allows downhill riders to utilize some of the flow of the Southern Traverse while making their way back to the staging area.

9. Inorout – Open
This trail is used to enter or exit the Southern Traverse or the Tech Zone. This trail will eventually be built to access much higher elevations without having to use 5 Mile Road.

10. Tech Zone – Open
This chain of 2.5 loops, situated in a small area, provides some technically challenging trails. Frequent and often dramatic changes in elevation combined with rock create a superb environment to get the legs burning. Access via the Swift Creek and Lower Climbing trail, the alignment twists and turns through the topography with numerous optional technical trail features and a combination of fast open turns and bench cut trail.

11. Ale Trail – Open
Accessed off of the climb out of the Tech Zone or south end of the Southern Traverse this fast and flowy section of trails acts as another option to exit the trail system to either return to the lower staging area or to coast down to Valemount’s town center.

12. High Roller – Open
After last summers rebuild, Highroller is likely one of the nicest jump lines in BC outside of a commercial facility. Beginning at an elevation of over 1,500 m, this feature rich line is close to 1 km long, boasting some very unique options and over 20 jumps to get the arms pumping. This line terminates at the Turducken downhill trail so it can be ridden as an individual trail or part of a longer downhill run.

13. Bacon by NDIT – Open
Designed to be the ultimate integration of all the various bicycle handling skills, the idea behind our flow trail is to provide a low risk, gravity assisted trail which users of variable skill level can use to develop their skills. 2 km of berms, rollers and manageable jumps will flow you to the lower staging area and guarantee to put a smile on your face.

14. Connect the Dots – Open
A simple and easy pedal friendly 1-km trail that gets users from the DH trails over to the Flow Trail entrance. Just another option for a great ride. Exit only. No uphill travel.

15. Devil’s Gulch – Open
A short rake ‘n’ ride that is steep and loamy. Accesses this trail just off of Connect the Dots. This short but sweet section is another option to spit you out onto the new Stump Town trail.

16. Stump Town –  Open
Another flowy, quasi-downhill option filled with staggered hits and huge berms. This trail ends on the 5 Mile access road and the entrance to Moby Dick is just across the road. A great option for a top to bottom run.

17. Turducken – Open
Begin at the end of High Roller, this downhill alignment is a feature rich 2.5-km adrenaline rush. More advanced than the Tin Foil Hat, this trail offers a more challenging descent to those looking to get a bit more technical. Tree lines, natural rock features and a flow like you have never seen are all highlights of this trail.

18. Northern Traverse – Open
This is a continuation of the Southern Traverse, a new school rolling cross country trail. Turn right after the bridge to get on to this flowy delight. Can also be traveled north to south via access off of Main Street, just north of the Swift Creek bridge.

19. Provincial Down – Open
A hand-made beginner downhill trail, suitable for all levels of riders. This trail is accessed via an older skid road about 0.75 km up 5 Mile Road; it can also be accessed from the upper section of the Inversion Trail. For novice riders this may feel like a beginner downhill ride; for intermediate riders this may feel more like a cross country/enduro ride.

20. Moby Dick – Open
Another amazing and flowy quasi-downhill option. This is a bermy new school trail with ladder drops, wall rides and the namesake “Whale Tail” feature.  This is one of the most popular trails in the entire network.

21. Coaster – Open
A fast and tight hand built downhill trail featuring beautiful cedar “roller coaster” type bridges and tight dropping turns. This trail terminates at the Bacon staging area.

22. Stinger – Open
A machine built trail designed to have a hand built feel. An intermediate level trail that is different from the rest of the flowy trails in our inventory. Steeper, more natural trail surfaces with rock work and some technical features.

23. Trap Line – Open
A downhill trail suitable for all levels of riders. This is a great option for those who enjoy the Munday Grind climbing trail, but want an easier option down the mountain, or for newer riders looking to develop the skills needed for some of the more advanced trails.

24. Stump Connector – Open
A hand built trail that allows access to Stump down from the Bacon staging area.

25. Lowballer – Closed
Located part way down the Highroller trail, just before the long series of jumps start. Lowballer offers an option for those still looking for a top to bottom lap but who prefer to avoid the large jump line.

26. Firebreak – Open
Built buy a group of local volunteers, Firebreak is an advanced downhill trail with an “old school” feeling. Aimed as close to fall line as deemed sustainable, your brakes will certainly be hating you after you drop into this trail. Steep, technical, and puckering are three words to express Firebreak.  The trail terminates at the Mid Trapline or Inner Piece Junction.

27. Downflow – Open
Downflow is short but oh so sweet. Originally envisioned as a simple connector trail to link up the Bacon staging area with the Moby Dick trailhead, this short section of trail turned into something much more.  A 420m mix of flow with a bit of jank, Downflow will be sure to make you smile on your way to one of Valemount’s signature trails.

28. Truck Yeah – Open
Named after an old International truck bed found during the initial layout, Truck Yeah is a two way mountain bike trail offering some amazing connectivity within the trail system. Comprised of two segments, the opportunities are abundant as the route runs from the Bacon staging area down to the Southern Traverse / Tinfoil Hat junction with a quick pitstop at the Moby Dick/Stumptown junction along the way. Used as a gentle downhill or an easy climb to link up some of your favourite trails, Truck Yeah is a smooth flowy ride that is sure to please.

29.Spur Six – Open
Older pre-existing double track.   It’s all about the options available.  Use this section to access mid Truck Yeah when entering from the bottom up or as a green downhill connector to access Inorout/Ale Trail when riding down Truck Yeah.  A simple little spur used to increase access or connectivity.

30. Inner Piece – Open
A true mountain bike trail totaling 1.6km of all mountain goodness.  Inner Peace consists of short punchy ups and techy downs.  This trail uses the same access point as the lower section of the Trapline trail and makes use of the space between the current Trapline and Coaster trails. Finishing at the Bacon staging area. 

31. Retro-version – Open
Just under 1km, this climbing trail takes off the current Subversion trail just before the main gulley.  It was created to allow riders to access the Northern Traverse and lookout without having to use the Swift Mtn FSR.  The trail terminates at the “picnic table” or current lookout on the Northern Traverse and is a great option to get into the trail system.

32. Velodrome – Open
A fast and flowy downhill option utilizing a small gully in the middle of an old cutblock.  A great option for those finishing up on the Northern Traverse or new Swift Mtn Trails and looking to head back to the valley bottom. 

33. Sub-version – Open
One of the original trails within the Bikepark.  Subversion is a crucial access point to the north side of our trail system.  Old school feeling, hand built singletrack.

34. The Craig – Open
Providing a blue option from the top of our trails system, The Craig is a 1.7km long trail built with a hybrid of machine and hand building techniques to create a truly amazing experience.  The trail is named after our fallen friend Everett Craig.  Everett was a true supporter of the trail system and encouraged others to do the same whenever possible.  You will find a special feature on this trail that is just as unique as he was.  A significant amount of rock was brought into the site to create something truly unique to our trail system. The trail terminates at the Turducken staging area. 

35. TBD Lower Blue South – Open
This 3.1km long dual direction pedal trail offers a more traditional trail tread.  Access via from the Swift FSR on the south end or via the Green Mile on the north end of the network.  This is an enjoyable trail with moderate climbs and some flowy decents.

36. Catalina Wine Mixer – Open
At just under 1km long, this trail is a mix of hand and machine building designed to have a more traditional DH trail feel.

37. Confused and Lonely – Open
Located and the far north end of the trail system, Confused and Lonely is a dual direction, 2km trail with a bit more of a traditional trail tread.  It offers an enjoyable and sometimes punchy climb into the upper trails or a great decent down from the top.

38. New Maserati – Open
A hybrid of hand and machine building, this trail is designed to have a more old school downhill trail feel to it.  A great option for a gravity oriented early out from Plaid Shirt

39. Hit the Brakes – Open
At 1.3km, this “early out” option allows riders a downhill experience after pedaling from either direction on Plaid Shirt.  This is a hybrid meaning an mix of machine and hand building techniques. 

40. Rosie Cheeks – Open
A short and simple connector trail between Connection, M&M or Confused and Lonely.  Depending on your direction, this could be an early out or alternate route to mix and match the areas trails.

41. Connection – Open
Looking to make it your ride short and sweet?  Feeling the burn from the climb? Rosie Cheeks is a 2km long dual direction trail.  Used as an early out from Plaid Shirt or a climb in from the FSR access road and Rosie Cheeks.  Another option to mix and match trails.

42. Plaid Shirt – Open
This 3.5km dual direction, pedal trail offers amazing views of the Westridge and Premier mountain range.  Pedal your way through ever changing forests while feeling like you are away from everything.  This trail provides a few options to shorten up the ride via “Hit the Brakes” or “Connection” or get the full experience by completing the entire loop. No matter which end you start from, the North or South, you will begin with a good climb and end with a flowy decent.

43. Top Shelf – Open
A hybrid of hand and machine building techniques, this tech trail is a mix of punchy climbs, quick downs and beautiful views of the valley. Best run from the south to the north.

44. Disconnect – Open
A short connector trail connecting the pre-existing bike park trails over to the newest trails at the base of Swift Mtn.

45. Green Mile – Open
A 1.8km long dual direction trail flowing its way through the forest.  The Green Mile is a great option for beginner riders.  If entering from the south, you can make a short loop out of it by utilizing the Lower Blue South to return back to the trailhead or go for a long pedal adventure by hitting up Confused and Lonely on the north end.

46.  Casually Cool – Open
A 1.4km dual direction pedal trail winding is way through old and new cut blocks.  This is a great option to mix up your ride on the Northern Traverse or to enter or exit the cross country trail network.

47. To the Top – Open
A short out from Plaid Shirt to the south end, and main access point of the Top Shelf trail.

48. Miserable and Magical – Open
Used for a “miserable” (its actually pretty fun) climb while accessed from the lower north side or a “magical” decent after climbing your way up Plaid Shirt, M&M winds its way through a brand-new cut block offering unobstructed views of the Westridge and Premier mountain range. 

49. Ditch The Scene – Open
A 400 m dual direction connector trail used for access to and from the Northern Traverse and Swift Mtn FSR.  Also provides access to the Velodrome DH trailhead.

50. Rock n Roll – Open
Used and an access or exit point, Rock N Roll is a 1km flowy piece of trail that will leave you smiling as you begin for finish your pedal adventure.

51. Conversion – Open
An old school single track access trail from the far end of Main St. 

52. Tyrannosaurus Rock (T-Rock) – Open
Named by a local grade 5 student, T-Rock is a true green downhill trail designed for the newest of mountain bike riders.  It flows gently down the mountain for nearly two kilometers before terminating at the main staging area.  No surprises await, just relax, and enjoy the flow!

53. Womp Rat – Open
At just under 2km, Womp Rat is our newest Black Diamond trail.  The trailhead is in the Bacon staging area and the trail terminates in the main lower parking lot.  Designed to have a more traditional feel, with a rougher trail surface, the rider will still find the odd bit of flow here and there which creates one amazing ride.  There are a few mandatory drop features and one amazing balance feature that will be sure to test your skills.

54. Zen Garden – Open

A dream from a couple passionate locals, the Zen Garden will take you to a very special place.  A trail winding through an interior cedar forest as it tightly snakes its way downhill crossing over a meandering creek nine times.

Disclaimer 

As a condition of use of the Valemount Bike Park and associated trails/facilities, the user assumes all risk of personal injury, death or property loss resulting from any cause whatsoever including but not limited to: the risks, dangers, and hazards of riding a mountain bike, hiking or other recreational activities; the use of the Valemount Bike Park and associated trails; collision or impact with natural or man-made objects or with other persons; slips, trips and falls; or negligence or breach of statutory duty of care on the park of the operators.  The rider agrees that the Valemount Bike Park operator shall not be liable for any such personal injury, death or property loss and releases the Valemount Bike Park Operator and waives all claims with respect thereto.

The Valemount Bike Park Operator’s liability is excluded by these conditions.

Please ride safely and be responsible for your own safety in all activities