“It’s just like riding a bike!” Mountain biking is just that, just with a little extra fun and excitement! With learning any new sport comes challenges, questions, and maybe some hesitations. Let us guide you on how to feel best prepared so you can enjoy what makes mountain biking at Massanutten a destination for many riders!
First and foremost, you should always, and are required to, wear a helmet! We also recommend you wear elbow and knee pads. If you rent your bike from us, your helmet and both elbow and knee pads are included in the rental price! If you are riding the Bike Park, you will be required to wear a full-face helmet; if you are riding on the Western Slope, you may wear a standard biking helmet. No matter where you are biking, we do require that you wear sturdy, fully enclosed shoes.
Mountain biking is an inherently active sport, so we always recommend wearing clothes you are comfortable wearing while being active or exercising. We also recommend bringing layers you can put on and take off quickly, as the weather can change suddenly and drastically in the mountains.
Depending on where you are riding on the mountain, you may choose to dress differently. For example, if you are taking a Guided E-Bike Tour on the Western Slope, you may be more comfortable wearing the same clothes you wear on a hike. However, if you are riding at the Bike Park, you may opt for clothing that offers a little more protection, such as pants and long sleeves.
You are correct, and this is what makes Massanutten such a special mountain biking destination for so many! Our mountain is home to both our lift-serviced Bike Park and the Western Slope.
The lift-serviced Bike Park is meant for going downhill, the fun part of biking, if you ask our staff. Here, our ski lifts are outfitted with special carriers that transport your bike up the hill while you sit and enjoy the view from the chair following it. Once you reach the top, our staff will unload your bike for you, and you are free to choose your route back down. We have two lifts that service 2 distinct zones at our Bike Park; The Creekside Lift (4) services our Low Side Trails, which are perfect for first timers and beginners, while the Peak Express (6) services our High Side Trails that ramp up the challenge for our more intermediate and advanced riders. We have Trail-Use Tickets available for both options.
The Western Slope is just good ole’ classic mountain biking! Here, there is no ski lift, though we do offer a shuttle service on the weekends to carry you to the top. This is where you go if you want more of that “in the woods” feeling. There are ample places for first-timers and beginners to ride, including wide gravel roads, gentle single track, and our Skills Kitchen, an area designed and built for learning and practicing mountain biking skills. Worried about not knowing where to go on the Western Slope? Check out our Guided E-Bike Tours!
While you are not required to take a lesson, we always highly recommend it! Our instructors are certified by the Global Syndicate of Mountain Bike Coaches and are ready to teach the basics so you can have a fun, safe, and enjoyable time on the trails!
We offer lessons in both group and private formats. All lessons take place at the Bike Park, but the skills you learn can be used on the Western Slope too! Our Learn to Ride Bike Park Package is specifically tailored for first-timers and beginners and will teach you everything you need to know!
Again, mountain biking is an inherently active sport, so bring water and basic nutrition along for the ride. We also recommend having basic tools for any trail-side bike issue, such as a flat tire, with you. If you are riding in the Bike Park, Bike Patrol can help get you to the bottom of the mountain in the event of a bike issue. If you are on the Western Slope, you should be prepared to remedy any issues yourself. Don’t let this get you worried, our staff at the Bike Shop can talk you through everything you would want to know and may need!
Also, remember that mountain biking can take place in some remote areas; always carry a trail map with you. Cell Service can be limited, especially if riding on the Western Slope. If planning to ride alone, always inform a friend or family member on which trails you plan to ride, and when you plan to return.
Mountain Biking is an inherently risky sport. This means we, or you, cannot fully control or eliminate all the risks associated with mountain biking. For example, you will be traveling at speed over varied terrain and obstacles, surrounded by trees and rocks. We could never fully eliminate the risk of you falling and making contact with your surroundings, unless we tell you to stay home on your couch… But then you would not get to experience that rush and feeling of freedom that mountain biking brings us!
Our mission at Massanutten is “to provide remarkable experiences in a safe and enjoyable environment.” To create that environment, we are continuously taking steps to manage and mitigate those inherent risks: we have Bike Patrol in the Bike Park, our Bike Shop inspects each bike before and after use, and our Terrain Team maintains the trails. These are just a fraction of the steps our staff take every day to help manage and mitigate those risks for you!
If you are nervous, please stop by the Bike Shop or Bike Patrol, and one of our staff members would be glad to answer any questions you may have. For more information on mountain biking safety, please see our Mountain Biking Safety page. Here, you can read the Mountain Biker’s Responsibility Code.