You have tried mountain biking. You love it and now you can’t live without it. But winter is here and you think you have to put your beloved bike in storage until the snow melts. 

Wrong! You’re in luck because it’s time we tell you all about the magic of winter mountain biking and how you can practice it safely during the coldest months of the year. 

How to mountain bike during the winter?

Mountain biking is an exciting and really great way to spend your time in nature - especially if you enjoy biking, adrenaline, and the possibility to make some jumps, swirls, and turns. But most people think it’s a sport you can practice only when the weather is all nice and warm outside. Fortunately, this is not true and we’re ready to prove it to you. By the end of this article, you will be getting that mountain bike out of the storage you put it in for the winter and starting to browse if you’re favorite trails are okay for riding in winter. Ready? Set? Read more now below!

One of the first questions people ask themselves once they find out they can actually mountain bike in winter is “Do I need a special mountain bike for winter?”. We know that mountain biking can be quite money-consuming and the good news is - you won’t need a new bike specifically for these few months when snow covers the ground. There are a few pieces of clothing and equipment you will have to consider though. As well as that - a few pieces of advice that we will be giving out and you will be grateful for knowing out in the open when mountain biking.

You might not need a new bike, but you might want to consider doing some upgrades for your current one. The first step is going on the look for new tires. For winter you will need some with a slightly more open tread pattern that will give you extra grip. The good thing is you will get good use of them in muddy weather too. It is literally a situation in which you hit two birds with one stone! Experts also suggest you experiment with the tire pressure. This way you can find suitable friction and comfort while riding. 

In addition - always clean well your bike, but no water pressure guns. Warm water, a sponge, and a bucket will work wonders if you take the time to clean it all well. Dry and lube everything well so you avoid the development of rust on the suspension, pivots, clipless pedals, dropper post, transmission, and all other little parts. Be sure to use the correct products for good care for all of them so they’re in perfect condition.

Apart from that, you will have to get some additional clothing. You want to consider adding to the list of your equipment the following articles.

First of all, you need good gloves, knee warmers, socks, and shoes - the heat you will be generating will all go to your head and body, but your extremities will get cold faster and easier than you think. You will be grateful for the thicker ones you chose. Don’t forget to also layer your clothing accordingly so you can get some of it off, but as well as that - dress up if needed.

Carry a backpack - especially if you’re going on a long ride. It’s better to have a little one on your back than one on your waist, for example, or use your pockets. You will be able to get in it a few quite valuable items.

One of them is a few energy bars for your ride. Make sure you have enough to power you up during the ride and after. Believe us, exhaustion will hit you up once you get off that seat and you will still need the energy to get back home safely. And better to carry one more than one less in this case.

Be prepared with a phone with a full battery and GPS signal and an additional charged battery - preferably ones that can endure low temperatures. 

Don’t forget to also bring a warm drink in a thermos - this way you will have something to hydrate yourself with. At the same time - you will be able to get warm and the liquid will not freeze during the ride - unlike the usual water. And don’t forget - when pumped up with adrenaline and breathing heavily - always drink in small sips at regular intervals of time.

Most of all: always wear a good hat that warms your ears as well. The soft parts of your face will get col super fast if you’re not well prepared with clothing and equipment. It’s a good idea to also get yourself something to warm your neck - a scarf or another type of accessory of your choice. And don’t forget to wear good sunglasses or goggles as well as sunscreen and lip balm - three lifesavers for your eyes, skin, and lips.

Last, but not least, don’t ride alone in winter. There are hidden dangers in the face of ice and rocks as well as the threat of frostbite. This is why you should always let somebody know what and where you will be doing in case an accident happens. This leads to another important thing you should remember: always be mindful of your limits and plan your mountain biking trips accordingly to the weather, distances, and winter conditions.

Our final but very important piece of advice - always mountain bike in places you know well and keep track of time. Take your time to note the markings on the tracks and their difficulties. This way you will avoid getting in all over your head on the track.

If you keep all these rules and recommendations in mind, you will have a great winter mountain biking experience and you will be able to spread the hype!

Why do people mountain bike in winter?

After all, we said above, you probably wonder why do people even want to mountain bike in the winter since it’s chilly, way more dangerous and you have to take additional care of your bike as well as yourself. 

The answer in fact is simple. Mountain biking in the winter is not as popular as a lot of other sports and this means a lot of solitude. And since we’re talking about nature and winter, you get amazing, breathtaking views as well as all that adrenaline and fresh air. And let’s not forget you will significantly reduce your stress levels!

What you might not consider at the beginning of your winter mountain biking experiences is that they will boost your mountain biking level way up. The truth is, if you can handle the challenges of mountain biking in winter, you can do it any time, anywhere - with caution and mindfulness of your limits and those of your gear.

One great positive people like in particular about mountain biking in winter is it keeps you in better shape. Why? For starters, it’s harder to bike through snow and mud - way harder and tiring! It betters your balance but also makes you move more muscles, train harder and push yourself more - before, during, and after mountain biking. This also means you will have to be more physically prepared for it though - so keep this in mind before you jump on the winter mountain biking rollercoaster.

There is one more essential rule you should never forget - always do it for fun! After all, it’s a sport - a ride in nature, and (usually), not a race. You have to enjoy it and take your time - to learn, to pedal through the snow, mud, wind, and possibly - blizzards if you have the suspicious luck to not keep track of the weather forecast, and then some more. 

Keep your eyes on the track, your feet on the pedals, your hands on the handles, and enjoy!

Where should you mountain bike in winter?

If you live in an area where it snows, you can go biking on the nears slopes of the mountains, of course. Especially if you’re just beginning, you will be able to get good experience in easier and very well-known terrain - all great ways to start and enjoy winter mountain biking.

With time though you will get more experienced and if you’re one that loves to travel, you will want to know where to go so you can have the best possible winter mountain biking you can experience. 

Part of the places on top of the charts are:

• Colorado, USA: Winter Park Colorado, Leadville, Colorado Mountain College Trails (Timberline Trail System), Mineral Belt Trail
• Tennessee Pass Nordic Trail
• Tuscon, Arizona, and The Full Lemmon Drop
• Malaga, Spain - a destination you probably would never think is good for winter sports, but it’s quite the contrary in real life
• New Zealand - amazing views and well-known place for all sports extreme

Of course, there are thousands of other places you can conquer before you get to those top destinations - even if you live near them. Practice makes perfect so you have to just… ride. Ride more and then - even more. And all you have to do after that and when you find that destination - no matter how near or far, is just ride that mountain bike and enjoy the ride.

Want to learn some more about mountain biking and why you should start doing it? Make sure to take a look at our blog and the topic Is mountain biking an extreme sport?