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Riding the Valemount Mountain Bike Park

Fly down iconic British Columbian Terrain

No matter where you’re from, chances are you’ve heard whispers of the Valemount Bike Park. Spanning two local mountains, connected by a small valley and accessed by forest service roads, it’s a riding destination that feels both expansive and refreshingly raw.

Valemount delivers exceptional variety: pristine flow trails, a standout jump line, beautiful rock work, challenging wooden features, and the occasional technical, hand-built trail. No matter your skill level, one thing is guaranteed—you’ll be heading home thinking, “I wish I had more time.”

Cross the tracks and head up Five Mile Road to reach the main staging area for the downhill park. Here, you’ll find ample parking, a small kids’ practice zone, and access to the primary climbing route on this side of the mountain: CBT’s Munday Grind. The trail’s name honours the Columbia Basin Trust, a major supporter of the Valemount Bike Park, and Phyllis B. Munday, the first woman to climb Mount Robson. It’s a lung-burning climb that quickly gets the heart pumping—and at the top, you’re rewarded with your next challenge: choosing which trail to drop into.

If you’re self-shuttling, you can opt for drop-offs at the lower, mid, or upper sections of the mountain. Both the lower and mid-mountain zones offer a wide mix of green, blue, and black trails, making it easy to tailor your ride to your energy level—or ambition.

In the warm summer months, riders often make their way all the way to the end of the road, where sweeping valley views and a lineup of blue and black trails await. One standout is High Roller, a trail so well-loved that visitors frequently refer to it as the “A-Line of the North.” If airtime isn’t your thing, the blue trail The Craig offers an equally rad, flowy descent from the top of the mountain—without the jumps. It’s worth noting that there is currently no green route from the upper mountain.

Getting to the top is made easier thanks to Peak Shuttles, Valemount’s local shuttle service. They now offer shuttles Friday through Sunday and on holidays, weather permitting. For the latest updates, it’s best to follow their Facebook page. Punch passes are $20 and include two top-of-mountain laps or four mid-mountain drops, and Bike Park members score an extra half lap. Memberships are available at ridevalemount.com.

mountain biking makes you happy

For riders who prefer to earn their turns, the community has recently opened an entirely new cross-country riding area on the far side of Swift Creek. You can access it directly from town by pedalling along Swift Creek (on the opposite side from the Golden Years Seniors Lodge), or by driving to the end of Main Street—known locally as “Von Zuben”—then turning right onto Swift Mountain Road. As this area is still new, trail signage is ongoing; for now, TrailForks provides the most accurate and up-to-date trail information. The cross-country network is also accessible from the downhill staging area via the Northern Traverse trail.

The Valemount Bike Park also shines when it comes to family-friendly riding. Younger riders will love downhill trails like Trapline, Truck Yeah, Bacon, and the soon-to-open Tyrannosaurus Rock. Hand brakes and some riding experience are recommended. For newer riders, The Green Mile on the Swift Mountain side of the valley (Trail #45 on the bike park map) offers a perfect out-and-back option to build confidence and skills.

If you need gear, repairs, or rentals, Valemount’s two local bike shops have you covered: District Bicycle Company on 5th Avenue and Bikes and Bites on Main Street. For something a little different, District also rents two- and four-person pedal trolleys—an easy and fun way to explore town between rides.

For the most up-to-date trail conditions, events, and announcements, be sure to follow Valemount Bike Park on Facebook. No matter your riding style, Valemount delivers—and it’s hard to leave without already planning your next visit.