Mountain Biking
Snow Summit
No doubt about it--mountain biking is one of the most intense, exhilarating and freakishly awesome sports on the planet. It's more intense than snowboarding and more sustained than skydiving. It's also incredibly dangerous. And expensive. A couple key lessons if you're new to biking at Snow Summit...
What to Bring
A Helmet Mounted GoPro - Footage looks like you're on a roller coaster flying through the woods.
Friends Who Won't Hold You Back - Don't go mountain biking with people that aren't used to the intensity of adrenaline sports. They'll either fall behind or get injured (I promise). If your friends can't hang, have them go rent a pontoon boat on the lake for a few hours. I hear they're great.
Metallica Playlist - If there was ever a time to rock out, this is absolutely that time.
Bike Styles & Gear
At any bike rental shop, you'll have three bike options to choose from, depending on your experience level and riding style. Recommendations are outlined below:
The Enduro Bike - We always go with the Enduro bike (sometimes called a freeride bike), and unless you're an advanced rider, this will likely be the best bet for you too. They're lightweight, full-suspension, and are specifically designed for varied terrain. You can lock out the back suspension on the fly to give you more power on uphill climbs. When the trail dips again, loosen the suspension and fly over obstacles. Try to find one with an on-the-fly adjustable seat post--it feels like a gift from the gods if you're riding on varied terrain.
The Downhill Bike - I'd recommend this bike for experienced downhill freestyle riders only. You'll be tempted because they look hardcore as hell, but It's noticeably heavier and has ridiculously soft suspension, which doesn't lock out well. If you face any uphill trails whatsoever, you'll be working twice as hard as the guy next to you.
The Cross Country Bike - Don't waste your time with this one unless you're sticking to flat trail riding.
Resources
MTBR Video Review: Enduro vs. Downhill Bike - Which is Faster? (see right)
Local Shop Rentals and Rates
Chains Required Bike Shop
I'll keep this simple--go to Chains Required if you're going to rent. The shop gives a 10% locals discount, making them $10-15 cheaper than the other rental shops in town (Bear Valley Bikes & Snow Summit Lodge Bike Rentals), and the bikes are much better quality than the rentals at the Snow Summit lodge. They also give out 10% off Snow Summit lift ticket coupons when available. They did not ask me to review them.
A second advantage--this shop is located two blocks down the hill from the Snow Summit lodge. You can leave your car in the rental shop parking lot and quickly bike up to the chair lift.
Finally, get there early. Bike shops usually sell out between 9:30-10am on a busy day.
Pricing
With the 10% local discount (see below), you'll save about $20 here compared to the Snow Summit Bike Shop. Plus the bikes are noticeably better in quality.
Enduro Bike - $104 full day (comes with pads & full face helmet)
Downhill Bike - $118 full day (comes with pads & full face helmet)
Resources
Lift Tickets
Lift ticket pricing varies week by week. I've seen prices as low as $35 per ticket and as high as $70, depending on the time of the season (early and late season rates tend to be the lowest).
Snow Summit Mountain Resort - Mountain Biking Rates & Trail Info
Another way to save money--If you buy the Cali4nia Pass for the next ski/snowboard season, summer mountain biking comes free or heavily discounted. They take their summer rates down off the website during the winter, stay tuned for 2018 prices.
