When the snow melts at Blue Mountain, the ski trails transform into one of Ontario's best mountain biking destinations. The resort operates a lift-accessed bike park alongside a network of cross-country trails that cater to riders from absolute beginners to seasoned downhill enthusiasts.
The Blue Mountain Bike Park
Blue Mountain's bike park uses the same chairlifts that serve skiers in winter to shuttle mountain bikers to the top of the mountain in summer. This means you get all the downhill fun without the exhausting climb back up.
How Lift-Access Biking Works
You load your bike onto a special carrier on the chairlift, ride to the top, and then descend on one of several trails designed specifically for mountain biking. At the bottom, you ride back to the lift and do it again. The system is efficient and well-organized, and the staff are experienced at loading and unloading bikes safely.
Trail Categories
The bike park trails are rated similarly to ski runs:
- **Green Circle (Beginner)** — Smooth, wide trails with gentle grades and predictable terrain. Built-up berms guide your turns and there are no mandatory drops or jumps.
- **Blue Square (Intermediate)** — More technical features including roots, rocks, optional tabletop jumps, and tighter turns. Requires confident braking and the ability to handle variable surfaces.
- **Black Diamond (Advanced)** — Steep, technical trails with rock gardens, drop-offs, gap jumps, and tight switchbacks. Requires strong bike handling skills and confidence.
- **Double Black Diamond (Expert)** — The most challenging terrain on the mountain with mandatory features that demand expert-level skills.
Featured Trails
Velocity (Green) — The perfect introduction to mountain biking at Blue Mountain. This trail flows smoothly from top to bottom with wide turns and gentle grades that build confidence. It is fun for riders of all levels to cruise as a warm-up.
Rip Cord (Blue) — A step up in difficulty with tighter turns, some roots, and optional features that let you challenge yourself at your own pace. This is where most riders spend the majority of their time.
Short Fuse (Black) — Technical and physical, this trail demands precise bike handling through rock gardens and steep chutes. It is immensely satisfying once you can ride it cleanly.
Cross-Country Trails
Beyond the lift-accessed bike park, the Blue Mountain area offers extensive cross-country mountain biking trails. These trails require you to pedal your way up, but they offer a different kind of riding experience — longer, more exploratory, and often through beautiful natural settings.
Highlands Forest Trails
The Highlands Forest near Duntroon offers a network of well-maintained cross-country trails through mixed forest. The terrain is rolling with some technical sections, and the trails are well-signed. This is an excellent option for riders who prefer longer rides in natural settings.
Georgian Trail
For road-style riding on a dedicated path, the Georgian Trail runs from Collingwood to Meaford along the Georgian Bay shoreline. The trail is flat, paved in sections, and offers beautiful water views. It is perfect for casual riders, families, and anyone looking for a relaxed ride.
Equipment and Rentals
Renting at Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain operates a bike rental shop at the base of the bike park. Rental packages include:
- Full-suspension mountain bikes appropriate for the terrain
- Helmets (mandatory for all riders)
- Body armour available for advanced riding
- Knee and elbow pads
Rental bikes are modern, well-maintained, and available in multiple sizes. Reservations are recommended during weekends and holidays.
What to Bring if You Have Your Own Bike
- Full-face helmet for bike park riding (regular helmets for cross-country)
- Knee and elbow pads (highly recommended even for intermediate riders)
- Gloves
- Hydration pack or water bottle
- Repair kit with spare tube, pump, and multi-tool
- Appropriate clothing (moisture-wicking and breathable)
Getting Started
For First-Time Mountain Bikers
Blue Mountain offers lessons and guided rides for newcomers. A lesson will teach you proper body position, braking technique, and how to handle basic terrain features safely. The investment in a lesson pays off immediately — mountain biking has a learning curve, and proper technique makes the experience dramatically more enjoyable and safe.
Progression Path
- Start on the green trails to get comfortable with the bike and the terrain
- Ride the greens multiple times until they feel easy
- Move to easier blue trails and focus on technique
- Gradually explore more challenging blues
- Only attempt black trails once you are fully comfortable on all blue terrain
Best Times to Ride
The bike park typically operates from late June through mid-October. The best conditions are usually in September and early October when the trails are dry, the temperatures are comfortable, and the fall colours are starting to show.
Weather Considerations
- Trails are closed during and immediately after heavy rain to prevent damage
- Morning rides tend to have the best trail conditions
- Mid-summer can be hot — start early and carry plenty of water
- Fall riding is ideal with cooler temperatures and stunning scenery
Where to Stay
After a day of mountain biking, you want a comfortable place to recover. Blue View Chalets offers spacious chalets with hot tubs perfect for soaking sore muscles, secure storage for bikes and gear, and full kitchens for preparing the kind of hearty meals hungry riders need. Our chalets are located minutes from both the Blue Mountain bike park and the area's cross-country trails, making them an ideal base for a mountain biking trip.
Or call us at (416) 203-2057
