Catch A Lift: Utah’s Lift-Served Mountain Biking

By Local Lexi Jun 7, 2022
Many of those trusty chairlifts are put to use each summer offering gravity enthusiasts a novel way to experience their favorite slopes on a mountain bike.
Catch A Lift: Utah’s Lift-Served Mountain Biking

When the snow melts, gravity enthusiasts in Utah don’t have to wait long to seek a fix for their adrenaline addiction. 

While some of Utah's chairlifts do enjoy a well-deserved rest in the sunny months, others continue spinning right round all summer long. A handful of resorts continue to operate lifts for the enjoyment of foot passengers, hikers and mountain bikers. Instead of laboriously pedaling uphill, riders and their steeds are whisked to the top of the mountain where they are free to choose their downhill destiny. 

Here we have an overview of all the Utah resorts that offer lift-served mountain biking in the summer and fall. Keep in mind that lift-served mountain biking is weather dependent and opening and closing dates fluctuate yearly. Some resorts continue running lifts in the fall with reduced hours.

Be sure to check the hours and operational status at any resort before you go for a ride!


Powder Mountain Lift-Served Mountain Biking 

The Scene
Brand new for summer 2022, Powder Mountain will offer lift-assisted mountain biking for the first time ever! In addition to over 30 miles of free-to-access cross country bike trails and hiking trails, Powder Mountain will debut the Dirt Mountain bike program Thursday through Sunday in the newly constructed Hidden Lake Bike Park. After a number of thrilling descents, guests can enjoy mountaintop views, tacos and beer alongside Powder Mountain's newly expanded summer amenities. 

Retail, rentals, restrooms & food will be open Thursday, 11am - 8pm, and Friday through Sunday, 11am - 6pm. 

Check the summer calendar for a number of events and races taking place at Powder Mountain. With slopeside lodging, Powder Mountain is an idyllic escape from the summer heat. 


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Lift-Served Chairlifts
Hidden Lake Chairlift (Thursday-Sunday)

Powder Mountain E-Bike Policy
Powder Mountain does permit Class 1 E-bikes in the Hidden Lake Bike Park, however they cannot weigh more than 60 lbs and uphill traffic is not permitted.
E-bikes are permitted on cross-country and multi-use trails. 


Rentals
Rentals will be offered at the Hidden Lake Bike Shop adjacent to the Hidden Lake Lodge. Bike repairs are offered and guests can rent the Commencal Clash or Commencal Clash Junior. Rentals include the use of a full-face helmet, knee pads and elbow pads. Note that it is required to make a rental reservation at least 72 hours in advance. The bike shop is open Thursday through Sunday.


Lessons
At this time, Powder Mountain does not offer bike lessons. 

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The Trails
Lift-served mountain biking may be brand new at Powder Mountain, but the crew is just getting started in 2022. With grand plans for the build-out of many trails, the mountain is committed to creating new terrain and flow in the years to come. This summer, riders can expect two flow trails with a few more technical singletrack laps in the Hidden Lake Bike Park. Powder Mountain plans to add between two to three new downhill trails each summer with the help of a trail crew. Summer season bike haul passes are now available and will be limited to 250 riders per day. 

The bike park will incorporate 1,268 feet of vertical drop and over 10 miles of new trails. Powder Mountain will ease riders into its lift serve scene with a green rated flow lengthy trail called Falkor. A more direct blue-rated trail for intermediate riders called Big Ern will incorporate slightly more tech and faster descents. Powder Mountain plans to forge ahead with a total of 11 new trails by summer 2026. 

Parking
Park at the Hidden Lake Lodge to utilize the lift-served mountain biking trails. 



Woodward Park City Bike Park

The Scene
Utah's newest action sports mecca can be found at Woodward Park City. Those huge piles of snow and park features in the winter melt out each summer to create a lift-served biking paradise. In conjunction with their 66,000 square-foot indoor facility, Woodward offers 120 acres of outdoor terrain for action sport enthusiasts. A skate park compliments flowy bike trails meticulously crafted by Alpine Bike Parks. Sculpted to test and hone the skills of BMX and freeride mountain bikers, the trails at Woodward are awesome for those looking to boost their confidence or take their riding to the next level. 

Lately, Woodward has been upping the action on their events calendar. Expect a busy summer of ladies rides, a race series, weekly clinics and special events, camps and coaching programs. Get ready to send! Find the events calendar here

Access to Woodward is available in a multitude of time blocks, packages and options. From camps to memberships there are a lot of ways to experience Woodward. Membership options offer deals and discounts on rentals, camps, and clinics. 





Woodward focuses on providing an environment that fosters progression, so whether you'd like to try your first tabletop or you're gunning for that huge gap jump, this world-class facility and experienced coaches are there for you. See more below under the lessons section...


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Lift-Served Chairlifts
Hot Laps Quad Chair

Rentals
Woodward has a gear closet many would envy, maintaining a rental fleet for all the action sports that can be enjoyed at the facility. Bikes can be rented for the day or a four hour block. Packages for additional protective gear are offered and include helmet, chest, elbow, and knee pads. All items of protective gear, including full-face helmets, are available for rent separately as well. Note that bikes cannot be reserved in advance and rentals are offered on a first come, first served basis. Woodward's rental closet offers the following gear:

- Downhill, Full-Suspension Mountain Bikes 
- BMX Bikes (from Cult Bikes)
- Helmets (full face helmets available)
- Skateboards
- Scooters

Lessons
Woodward boasts an impressive array of camps and lessons from excellent instructors. You can book mountain bike, skateboard, BMX, cheer, and scooter lessons online. Athletes of any level are welcome from beginners to Olympic hopefuls. Lessons are available in group or private format in addition to summer camps and weekend sessions. Summer camps can be booked for athletes aged 7-17 in week-long or once-a-week formats. The collection of options at Woodward is vast and it's best to check their website directly to view the menu and book a session. Woodward is unique in that its sole focus is on safe progression in a positive and supportive environment. This facility is designed to help athletes sharpen their skills and there is no better place to take your riding to the next level. Special deals and rates may be scored by obtaining a Woodward membership

The Trails
Nothing quite like Woodward exists elsewhere in Utah; it's unique in that the trails have been thoughtfully crafted with progression in mind and divided into distinct progression zones where riders can hone specific skills. As a rider explores the different trail options, they will build on the skills they mastered on easier-rated trails. Woodward trails are littered with jumps, wall rides, flowy banks and berms, and fun organic obstacles to navigate, ride or jump. 





Near the Woodward Park City Action Sports Hub you'll find a skate park, several progression zones and a BMX pump track. Sample small, medium, and large airbags where gravity enthusiasts can practice hucking themselves into a soft and supportable inflatable pillow. Once dialed there, head for the group of dirt jumps and translate your airbag skills to real life! 


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EZPZ
is where beginning riders will get cut their teeth with small rollers, gently angled berms and obstacles with optional ride-around paths. With wide sight lines, this trail allows newer riders to pick their line and ride with confidence. Next up is Steezy Rider, another green-rated trail. Parley's Way and Spiral Jetty offer more difficult features and options for riders who are looking for more technical descents and opportunities to air. Each trail consists of multiple lines or features to link together so riders won't get bored as they stitch tother a creative variety of options. 




Parking
Parking is readily available and straightforward. Simply snag a spot at the base area near the Action Sports Hub off Kilby Road near Jeremy Ranch outside of Park City, Utah. Park City Transit offers free bus transit from the Kimball Junction Transit Center and the Canyons Village Transit Hub on the 7 Line. Visit the Park City Transit website for current timetables and operating info. 


Deer Valley Lift-Served Mountain Biking

The Scene
Deer Valley Resort offers the most comprehensive bike park of any Utah resort. They’ve been building features and trails to tickle any rider’s fancy for quite some time now. With nearly 70 miles of trail expertly created by Gravity Logic, there’s enough terrain to keep riders of every level engaged and excited about exploring the stands of quaking aspens, meadows, and conifers that dot Deer Valley’s slopes. The bike park is geared more toward advanced and intermediate riders with its big berms, flow trails, tabletops, wooden features, and up to 3,000 vertical foot descents. When you finish up your last lap, grab a beer and some delicious tacos or a bahn mi sandwich at the Royal Street Cafe in the Silver Lake area. 

Check out extended hours on Twilight Tuesdays where riders can enjoy the evening air and utilize the lifts until 8pm - info here

In addition to mountain biking, guests of Deer Valley can partake in horseback riding, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, concerts, standup paddleboarding, kids' adventure camps, patio dining, and more. 





Lift-Served Chairlifts
Silver Lake Express, Sterling Express and Homestake Express

Deer Valley E-Bike Policy
E-bikes are not permitted on any single-track trails per Park City regulations - ask staff for more information or click here.


Rentals
Bike lessons, clinics, rentals, and guided tours are all offered at Deer Valley. Bike rentals are located at both the Snow Park and Silver Lake areas. Bikes and protective gear are available for both juniors and adults. Reservations are highly recommended for both bikes and protective gear. Deer Valley offers downhill mountain bikes, enduro bikes, bikes for kids and E-bikes. 


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Fun Fact: Park City was the first town to earn the coveted IMBA (International Mountain Bicycling Association) Gold-Level Ride Center status.

Lessons
Deer Valley offers a wide variety of lessons and clinics suited to safely teach basics to beginners and hone the skills of more experienced riders. Check Deer Valley’s website for the schedule and cost. Deer Valley offers the following in biking education: 
  • Private Bike Lessons
  • Adult Afternoon Beginner Package
  • Kid Afternoon Beginner Package
  • Twilight Clinics
  • Clinics
  • E-Bike Lessons

The Trails
Deer Valley’s trail network spans six mountains and serves up 3,000 feet of vertical drop. A number of Deer Valley's trails link up with the Park City area's 400-mile trail network of singletrack bliss. Four flow trails designed by Gravity Logic are the jewel of the bike park’s offerings: Holy Roller, Undertow, Tidal Wave and Tsunami.

Novice riders will enjoy the wide, flowy berms of Holy Roller, while those more inclined to catch air will want to check out the countless tabletops on Tidal Wave. A narrower, more traditional singletrack trail can be found on Super G (rated blue). Radical riders will have plenty to keep themselves busy with the hair-raising Aspen Slalom or Fire Swamp. The newest trail is Undertow, a blue-rated wonder built by Gravity Logic. Undertow is located on the lower mountain and can be accessed via the Silver Lake Express chairlift. A larger network of cross-country trails are also available. Click here for current lift and trail status. 

Parking
Parking is available at the Snow Park Lodge. Note that parking is not offered at the Silver Lake Village area. 



Brian Head Lift-Served Mountain Biking

The Scene
Brian Head boasts a thrilling bike park and is a great destination to add to your biking bucket list. The scenery alone makes the trek to Brian Head worth it. The high elevation also provides a welcome respite from the summer heat that scorches much of Utah’s big population centers.


For a deeper dive, check out this Ski Utah article or catch the video above. Brian Head hosts a ton of summer events including BBQs, concerts, bike races, flower festivals and more, click here for info. Brian Head also serves as an excellent gateway to explore the neighboring Cedar Breaks National Monument. 



Lift-serviced trails at Brian Head encompass beginner to advanced terrain, including gravity flow trails, technical singletrack, and access to hundreds of miles of backcountry trails. The Brian Head Shuttle also offers daily transit to popular local trails like Dark Hollow, Bunker Creek, and Blowhard Mountain. The trails of Brian Head Resort are downhill only and accessible only during operating hours. 

Additional activities at Brian Head include hiking, scenic lift rides, disc golf, zip lines, archery, rock climbing, trampolines and more. The resort's summer schedule includes Friday, Saturday and Sunday but we recommend purchasing tickets and checking operational status in advance - click here. Brian Head prices tickets purchased on current demand so you can save some cash by purchasing tickets or packages ahead of time.


Lift-Served Chairlifts
Giant Steps Express (Fri-Sunday)

Brian Head E-Bike Policy
Because Brian Head operates within the Dixie National Forest, E-bikes are prohibited on non-motorized trails. Guests with E-bikes must clearly demonstrate to lift operators that their E-bikes power source is disconnected prior to loading chairlifts. E-bike usage is highly discouraged in Brian Head's mountain bike park as their weight makes unloading from the lift difficult and damage to expensive components is possible. There is no uphill travel for bicycles at Brian Head resort. 


Rentals
The town of Brian Head contains three full-service bike shops with rentals, maps, gear, and shuttles to local trailheads. For convenience, visit the Brian Head Resort bike shop near the ticketing windows of the Giant Steps Lodge. This shop offers all-mountain and performance bike rentals for adults and children as well as rentals for protective gear and gloves. All bike rentals include a protective package of a helmet, knee and shin guards and elbow guards. Protective packages can also be purchased separately. 





The Trails
With its lift access and shuttle service, Brian Head offers over 100 miles of downhill, singletrack, and cross country trails. Brian Head is an adrenaline junkie’s paradise with professionally designed freestyle elements and heart pumping drops. The downhill trails and freestyle terrain are not recommended for new or novice riders as they include jumps, drops, wall rides, ladders, and wooden features. Brian Head is a fantastic place to ride as the trails incorporate the rugged features of the natural terrain. The stunning vista of red rock in the distance is easy on the eyes.


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Advanced riders can test their mettle on Timberline DH, Z-Line Connector, Wild Flower or Lil’ Gritty trails, which are pro-level downhill courses. Dreamcatcher and Descender are shorter cross country trails that are great for getting started at Brian Head. Once you gain your confidence, the newer Color Flow trail, Brian Head's easiest singletrack option, must be explored with its rollable or easily bypassed features and jumps. Ride intermediate-rated Little Glitter to Lower Glitter with its large tables, hips and rock ladders. In 2020 Momentum completed Grissender with a series of signature boulder bridges. Timberglitter was upgraded in 2021 which connects a few trails and adds flow. Old Color Country will open in 2022 with an exciting 1-mile segment through densely forested terrain in the northern zone of the resort.

To explore miles of singletrack beyond the resort, be sure to check out the daily shuttle service from the Brian Head Shuttle. The local rental shops can provide information, maps and shuttle bookings. 


Parking
Park at the main base area adjacent to the Giant Steps Lodge.




Sundance Lift-Served Mountain Biking

The Scene
Sundance encompasses over 25 miles of lift-served singletrack that can be accessed either by pedaling uphill or catching a ride on the lift. (Remember, always yield to riders climbing uphill.) These trails are best for intermediate and advanced riders with prior riding experience. Take a few laps and grab lunch at the Sundance Deli and savor the stunning views.

Riders of intermediate and above levels are welcome to come explore Sundance and enjoy the scenery and mountain air. Sundance's bike trails are not suitable for beginning riders.

Sundance is a great destination for the whole family, as a plethora of activities are available from art classes, luxe spa treatments and fly fishing lessons. It doesn't stop there, in the summer months, Sundance also offers hiking, scenic lift rides, twilight concerts, plays for children, savory dining experiences, the Sundance Zip Tour, horseback riding, and more. An ideal retreat for romantic couples, families or adventure seekers, there is no shortage of diversions available at Sundance in the summer months. 



Lift-Served Chairlifts
Outlaw Express high-speed lift (daily)

Single rides, twilight passes, or all-day passes are available. Guests may also pedal uphill on nearly all of Sundance's bike trails, but an uphill pass must be purchased.

Sundance Resort E-Bike Policy
Sundance does permit pedal-assist bikes but throttle-activated E-bikes are not permitted. Sundance will not load bikes weighing over 50 pounds on the lift, but they may be ridden uphill from the base area. 


Rentals
Sundance offers rentals of full suspension trail bikes for adults and children from Fezzari, Cascade Peak, Norco Fluid, Rossignoland more. Full-suspension, fat tire, and kids’ plus-sized tire models are available. If mountain biking isn’t your jam, cruiser bikes are available for rent to explore the paved Provo River Trail nearby. All rentals are provided with a standard helmet and whole day or twilight packages are offered. Reservations are highly recommended for rentals.




Lessons
Sundance resort offers mountain biking skills clinics for all levels. Clinics are run on a daily basis during operating hours and must be reserved at least 24 hours in advance. Clinics can be tailored to all ability levels from beginner to advanced and women's clinics are offered.

The Trails

NEW FOR 2022! 
Sundance is hard at work constructing new flow trails trails from the Outlaw Express chairlift for the 2022 season. Check back soon for further information and updates. Beginning in mid-June, one of Sundance's new flow trails will open, it runs from the Outlaw Express Midway Station to the base area. Sundance anticipates opening two additional flow trails around July 4, 2022. 


The trails at Sundance are ideal for intermediate and advanced riders and cater primarily to cross country pedaling. There are also a handful of downhill trails that will deliver thrills. Rock Drop is the trail used in Sundance’s downhill race and features steep sections weaving in and out of trees with a few rock gardens and sizable drops. Archie’s Loop is a perennial favorite for its swell mountain views.

 Fall riding should not be missed at Sundance; the sight of the changing leaves below Mount Timpanogos is a glorious sight. 

Parking
Park at the base area near the Lower Sundance Village.



Park City Mountain Lift-Served Mountain Biking

The Scene
Park City Mountain is bustling in the summer months. In addition to mountain biking, you’ll find a huge alpine slide,  golf, hiking, and a mountain coaster. Park City was the first town to earn IMBA’s (International Mountain Bicycling Association) Gold-Level Ride Center status. What this means is a plethora of trails—over 400 miles—for all ability levels alongside amazing biking amenities, dining, lodging, and entertainment opportunities. The mountain itself harbors a huge trail network that caters to just about every type of rider. Stay a week or book a weekend, you won’t find boredom at Park City Mountain!




Lift-Served Chairlifts
Crescent Express & Red Pine Gondola (Canyons Village)

Park City Mountain E-Bike Policy
E-bikes are not allowed at Park City Mountain due to a city-wide ordinance that e-bikes are not allowed on single-track trails within Park City limits. 


Rentals
Mountain bike rentals are offered at Legacy Sports or Canyons Mountain Sports in addition to Breeze Rentals at Newpark and Breeze Rentals at Park City Mountain Village. Legacy Sports at the Park City base area offers the most convenience. Reserve your rental online to save a few bucks. Full-day and half-day rentals are available. Options range from downhill bikes to enduro models, to trail, and cruiser bikes for exploring the paved pathways. E-bikes are also for rent for use on paved trails within the city. Mountain bikes are also available for children. A helmet is included with the rental of any bike and there will be an option to add protective gear such as knee and elbow pads.

Lessons
Park City Mountain Resort does not offer mountain bike lessons. We recommend checking out local outfitter, White Pine Touring.

The Trails
The mountain is divided into two distinct zones, the Canyons Village and the Park City Mountain Village. The Mid-mountain bike trail connects the two base areas. 

From the Park City Mountain Village side, advanced riders should check out John's Trail, a very old school, singletrack run with roots, technical sections, and sharp switchbacks, this is classic Park City Mountain mountain biking. Crescent Mine Grade (CMG) is a popular blue trail accessed by riding the Mid-Mountain Trail from the top of the Crescent Express chairlift. CMG offers great sight lines and it is fast, though not too technical aside from being rocky; watch out for uphill traffic on this trail. The new Silver Queen downhill trail is fast and flowy with big berms. It will dump out on the Mid-Mountain Trail where you can catch lower CMG. Spiro is a popular trail with a sustained grade throughout aspen groves, linking to the Mid-Mountain trail. 


Adventurous riders should consider grinding up the Mid-Mountain Trail to Pinecone (also a hearty climb) as a way to access the famed Wasatch Crest Trail. This jewel of Wasatch biking is best ridden with the assistance of a shuttle. 

Parking
You can park at either the Canyons Village or the Park City Mountain Village depending on which trails you’d like to access. The majority of family-friendly activities are located at the Park City Mountain Village.



Solitude Mountain Lift-Served Mountain Biking

The Scene
A mellow and serene place in the summer months, Solitude Mountain Resort offers more than 20 miles of singletrack for your enjoyment. You can pedal uphill at Solitude any day of the week or catch a lift ride on the Sunrise Chair between . Note that e-bikes are not permitted at Solitude. Bikers can also enjoy a challenging 18-hole disc golf course onsite. 

New for 2022! 
Bike carriers have been added to the Link chairlift and existing trails have been improved and enhanced for the ultimate mountain biking experience. Berms have been rebuilt, holes have been filled and the trails have been smoothed over for better riding. A new flow trail was constructed beneath the Link Chairlift in addition to an uphill trail from the Moonbeam Base area to Solitude Village. The resort is also now offering mountain biking lessons for ages 9 and up in either private or group lessons for every ability level.

It'll be important to keep an eye on Solitude, as the resort is keen to provide more terrain and improvements for mountain bikers in the coming years. For summer 2023, the crew hopes to complete four new mtb trails with jump and flow sections totaling over 8 miles of new terrain. This project will expand the current trail network by 50% with a goal for completion by mid-summer of 2023. 



Lift-Served Chairlifts
Link & Sunrise Chairlift (Thursday-Sunday)

Solitude E-Bike Policy
E-bikes are not permitted at Solitude.

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Rentals
The Powderhorn Adventure Center offers rentals and bicycle repairs 7 days a week. Rentals are offered in full-day or 2-hour blocks and helmets are included. Disc golf rentals are also offered at the Powderhorn Adventure Center.

Lessons
Solitude Mountain Resort does not offer mountain bike lessons.




The Trails
Riders will find a nice variety of trails at Solitude with varying difficulty levels that span the width of the mountain. 

Give kiddos their first taste of dirt on the nicely sculpted Raptor Loop east of the Moonbeam Lodge. This tiny trail features a loop where you can practice on Down & Out before venturing up to more terrain along Raptor Loop. Beginners looking for a longer trail can try Raptor Road, a double track that can be pedaled uphill in a moderately challenging climb or accessed via the Sunrise chairlift. 



Most blue trails are located beneath the Eagle Express Chairlift. Serenity is a popular choice and Easy Out is a great introduction to singletrack style riding through shady aspen groves, though riders should be prepared for the connection to black-rated Krüzr. For more milage try Queen Bess or Silver Fork Canyon. Advanced riders will want to investigate Krüzr, Soilitude's best-sculpted trail. If you want extra milage you can tack on the SolBright trail. For breathtaking views and and a lung-crushing workout riders can climb Eagle Ridge or the Summit trails. 

Parking
Ample parking will be available at the Moonbeam Village, Solitude's first entry point. 




Snowbasin Lift-Served Mountain Biking

The Scene
Snowbasin Resort is the perfect place to fritter away a summer Sunday afternoon and evening. Snowbasin offers gondola rides to access invigorating climbs and novice to moderate downhill trails. While the trails are open to the public seven days a week, lift access via the gondola is only available on weekends during the summer biking season. 



Snowbasin offers a ton of diversions in the summer months including scenic lift rides, summit dining, yoga, hiking, wildlife viewing, concerts, BBQ, mini golf and an annual Oktoberfest. 


Lift-Served Chairlifts

The Needles Gondola (Saturdays and Sundays)


Rentals
Head to the Grizzly Center for mountain bike and helmet rentals.



Lessons
Snowbasin does not offer mountain biking lessons.


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The Trails
Snowbasin trails can all be bagged by pedaling uphill, but the Needles Gondola can supercharge your laps on weekends. Do be mindful that uphill traffic is permitted, so be aware and make noise around blind corners if you are descending quickly. The Needles and Porcupine trails are the most common routes down. Needles (rated blue) is the fastest and flowiest while Porcupine (rated black) has a handful of technical natural features to test your skill. 
Snowbasin has more of an old-school feel with loose rock, sharp banked turns, and miles of uninterrupted descents and technical terrain. 
Newer riders might want to skip the gondola and use the pedal trails accessed via the base area where more blue and green runs are available. The Skills Loop and the Family Loop are suitable for young riders.

Riders can find in-depth info about trails at Snowbasin on the Trailforks website. 

Parking
Ample parking in the base area in Earl's Lots is available.


For more mountain biking info from Ski Utah, see our Mountain Biking page or check out the articles below! 


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