Many of us learned to ride a bike as young children and that often-repeated phrase, "It's like riding a bike," can underscore the importance of honing your fundamental bike handling skills.
Mountain biking lessons can benefit everyone, from the timid newbie to the seasoned trailblazer. I took my first mountain biking lesson after 8 years of riding and I honestly regret waiting so long. Though I was comfortable on intermediate and expert terrain, I discovered my body positioning needed work and I had been cornering incorrectly the whole time!
Luckily, a few Utah ski resorts offer a stellar range of mountain biking lessons to fit the needs of just about any rider. You probably wouldn't attempt skiing or snowboarding without first taking a lesson and the same guideline applies to mountain biking. Read on to discover why...
Why Take A Mountain Biking Lesson?
Like skiing and snowboarding, many of the motions and techniques associated with mountain biking aren't all that intuitive. Covering some basics and learning the lingo is the best possible thing you can do to support rapid progression. (Learn more about how to prepare for your first ski lesson here.) With a solid foundation, you can more readily tackle trails, build confidence, and engage in sound decision making on the dirt. A lesson can be helpful for the following reasons:
- Quickly master the skills you need to ride in control and within your ability level
- Learn how to read trail maps and evaluate trail conditions
- Cover basic Leave No Trace Principles and trail etiquette
- Learn how to effectively and politely communicate with other trail users while cycling
- A lesson can help you avoid forming bad habits -- like not bending your knees enough or cornering incorrectly
- Learn drills and exercises to practice on your own
- Gain valuable feedback about your technique and body position
- Advanced and intermediate riders can also greatly benefit from a lesson, there's always a new skill to learn or refine!
What to Expect and What to Bring on Your First Mountain Biking Lesson
If it's only your first or second time on a mountain bike, consider investing in a private lesson. The instructor will be able to completely focus on your needs and you'll be up to speed in no time. If you've completed a few rides and are comfortable on green or blue trails, a group lesson is a great place to kick off your biking education.
As with any new sport, it can be difficult to keep track of your body parts and where they should be or what they ought to be doing. An instructor will keep an eye on you and help harness your attention to focus on specific skills relating to body positioning, cornering, pedal positioning, shifting, braking, climbing, descending and navigating obstacles.
You will likely begin your lesson on flat ground and review some basics, cover the parts and functions of your bike, and try out some simple drills. Once you've built some confidence, your instructor will lead you to an appropriate trail to put your learnings into action.
All the resorts mentioned below offer bike rentals. You are welcome to bring your own bike; however, it is highly recommended that you have a full-suspension mountain bike. All the resorts offer awesome, modern bikes tricked out with the latest tech for both kids and adults.
When preparing for your lesson, be sure to bring the basics: water, sunscreen, lip balm, and snacks. Your instructor will carry a first aid kit and any tools or supplies you may need to fix a mechanical issue on the trail. For a list of things that you'll eventually want to collect for your bike pack, check out our article on tips for mountain biking beginners.
Where to Book a Mountain Bike Lesson in Utah
Mountain Biking Lessons at Deer Valley Resort
Work on skills and techniques that are personalized for your ability and progression. Find confidence on singletrack trails and learn how to safely navigate downhill mountain biking trails. Improve at your pace and enjoy diligent coaching and undivided attention. Private lessons are available for adults or children of all abilities.
Begin in the Deer Valley Skills Area and learn some basic techniques before hitting the downhill trails. Learn about proper stance, braking techniques, and conquer cornering. A 3-hour bike rental and lift ticket are included.
Kids who are new to the sport or have limited experience can gain a lot from a beginning lesson at Deer Valley. Kids will learn basics in the Skills Area before progressing to the Deer Valley downhill trails. A 3-hour bike rental and lift ticket are included.
Twilight Clinics are offered for men and women on Tuesday evenings during Deer Valley's summer operations. Coaches will share tips and tricks to improve skills and knowledge of Deer Valley's extensive trail network. Five riders are grouped together - for riders of intermediate or advanced ability levels.
Beginning and intermediate riders aged 9-13 can book a morning clinic while afternoon clinics are available for all ability levels. A minimum of two riders is necessary to run the clinic.
Mountain Biking Lessons at Brian Head Resort
Mountain Biking Lessons at Sundance Resort
Sundance 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 are offered daily in the summer.
• Skills Clinic
White Pine Touring Mountain Biking Lessons
White Pine Touring in Park City, Utah offers bike rentals and comprehensive mountain bike lessons for riders of all abilities. Local guides teach proper bike handling, pedal skills, and will completely tailor the lesson for their student's needs. Instructors will work with their students to focus on desired areas of improvement and specific goals. White Pine has a rental fleet encompassing cross country, trail, and fat bikes and their knowledgeable staff will match each rider to their perfect rental.
• Mountain Biking 101
• Women's Mountain Bike Clinics
To read more mountain biking stories click here. For beginning mountain biking tips and trails, click here. For a comprehensive overview of all the lift-served mountain biking terrain in Utah, click here. For sweet expert trails that you can easily bag after work, click here.
