Where to get skibike lessons in Colorado

Ski bike lessons are offered at ski resorts around the state of Colorado.  Some offer both peg and skibob lessons while others just offer skibob only.

© Image courtesy of Winter Park Resort 

Ski resorts with peg and skibob lessons:

• Winter Park Resort - offers lessons at 9:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m through Ski + Ride School.  Skibob lessons are through the Tour Center in the Balcony House Bldg.  Adaptive are scheduled through the National Sports Center for the Disabled.
• Durango Mountain Resort - offers both types through Ski School.  Make peg reservations in advance.

Ski resorts with only skibob lessons:

• Steamboat Ski Resort - offered through Ski School.
• Keystone - offered through Ski School.
• Telluride - offered through Ski School.
• Copper Mountain

Skibike rentals at ski resorts require a license or certification.  Certification can be earned by taking a lesson.  Picture licenses are then issued after passing all riding requirements.  They don't expire and are honored by other ski resorts in the USA.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Where to ride a conversion kit skibike in Colorado

Conversion kit bikes are the less expensive route to get into skibiking in Colorado.  Unfortunately only a few ski resorts here allow them due to insurance requirements.

Colorado ski resorts that allow conversion kits:

• Durango Mountain Resort
• Arapahoe Basin
• The backcountry of Colorado.  Better yet, it's FREE.  Loveland Pass and Berthoud Pass are great places to start out.

Colorado ski resorts that ban conversion kits:

• Vail
• Breckenridge
• Winter Park Resort
• Keystone
• Beaver Creek

Colorado ski resorts that I'm still trying to track down information on:

• Aspen/Snowmass
• Steamboat
• Telluride

If you plan on being a skibiker for the long haul, start saving for a manufactured bike.  Those who insist on riding a conversion - ask the ski resort if you can ride if you are self-insured with a 50 million dollar umbrella insurance policy.  It might make a difference.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Where to buy a skibike in the USA

Knowing where to purchase a skibike can be a bit of a mystery for new bikers in the United States.   It's a small snowsport industry that has little exposure to the USA general skiing public.

Before buying a bike you'll first need to have a budget in mind.  New manufactured bikes can be pricey.  They are made to downhill mountain bike standards, use quality components, and are designed to load on a chairlift.

Buying a conversion kit for a bicycle is one method to reduce the cost.  Before going this route, make sure the ski resorts you plan on riding at allow conversions.  Due to insurance requirements many ski resorts in the USA ban them.  Expect this trend to continue with their eventual ban at most ski areas.

Your best bet is to buy a manufactured one if you plan on riding at a ski resort in the USA. So where can one purchase a manufactured snow bike?

1. Direct from the manufacturer.  It's really the best option.
2. From SkiBikeFun.com.   They carry a selection of new and used bikes.
3. From a distributor.  There are distributors for Stalmach and Brenter skibobs in the USA.
4. Go to a festival and demo.  Buy the one you like and take immediate delivery.
5. Craigslist - do an internet search.
6. Buy them direct from European manufacturers.  They'll ship them to the USA.

Before buying a older used skibob, make sure it is still rideable.  A number of old skibobs whose designs proved to be less than durable are showing up for sale.   Ask old-timers before buying that barn bike.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Where to skibike in Colorado 2012 - 2013

by G. Kunkel

There are many places to ride in Colorado for the 2012 - 2013 ski season.  Biker friendly ski resorts now include Steamboat Ski Resort and all of Vail Resorts. They are becoming mainstream in  Colorado.

Colorado ski resorts that allow skibikes in 2012?

1. Winter Park Resort
2. Steamboat Ski Resort
3. Telluride Ski Resort
4. Aspen/Snowmass
5. Arapahoe Basin
6. Keystone Ski Resort
7. Durango Mountain Resort
8. Vail
9. Breckenridge
10. Beaver Creek
11. Eldora Mountain Resort
12. Ski Hesperus
13. Copper Mountain - manufactured skibobs only

Who doesn't allow skibikes in Colorado?

1. Copper Mountain - doesn't allow peggers
2. Crested Butte
3. Loveland Ski Area - adaptive only
4. Silverton
5. Wolf Creek - adaptive only
6. Ski Granby Ranch
7. Ski Cooper
8. Powderhorn
9. Sunlight
10. Monarch - adaptive only

The tide is turning and we're getting access to more ski resorts as every season passes.  It can happen in Colorado so it can happen everywhere.  I wrote a blog post last season that gives ideas on how to make it happen at a local ski area near you - How to get skibiking approved at your local ski area.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content. Google

Where to rent a Stalmach skibob in Colorado

There are only a few places in Colorado that have Stalmach skibob's available for rent or for guest use.   First time renters will quickly appreciate their suspension system and performance.

Where to rent a Stalmach ?

• Snow Fun Bikes at Steamboat Ski Resort.   It's located at the street level floor of the Steamboat Grand Hotel, just across from the ski base area.  Rentals start at $50/day.
• Guests of the Viceroy Hotel in Snowmass Village can use the two Stalmachs they have.
• Contact the USA Stalmach Distributor - Patrick Neelan.  He holds demo's around Colorado, New Mexico, and Oregon.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

2012 Berthoud Pass Downhill

The 2nd Annual Berthoud Pass Downhill was held in April 2012 in spite of the low snowfall.  Volunteer spend Saturday working on getting the trail ready for the skbike racing on Sunday.

Nathan drove up from Taos, New Mexico with his K2 snowcycle and joined in the fun.  He shot some video of the course while people were taking turns riding it.   People in the video include Devin, Aaron, Bryan, and Oscar the golden retriever.

 © 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Pictures from the 2012 Durango Skibike Festival

My good friend and co-worker, Dan Harper, took some excellent photo's of all the action back in  March 2012 at Durango Mountain Resort.

Some highlights of Dan's photo's.  He does own the copyright to all the pictures so please don't repost them without giving him credit.

Todd

Jessica Arends

Devin Lenz

Devin Lenz

Biscuit jumping his skibike

And celebrating at Deno's Mountain Bistro back in Winter Park, Colorado at the end of the season.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Where to buy a Lenz Sport?

Lenz Sport is a popular brand of skibikes found around the world.  Owners value their quality construction and performance.  Due to limited production runs, finding the perfect one to buy isn't always easy.

All Lenz Sport models are handmade in Fort Lupton, Colorado by Devin Lenz and crew.  Devin personally inspects each bike at every step of construction.   It's his name and reputation on the line.

Want to purchase a Lenz Sport ?  There are limited options.

Call Lenz Sport

There are very limited places to find new Lenz Sport bikes.  Your best bet is to call Devin.  His current contact information can be found at the Lenz Sport website.  He can mail skibikes to just about any country.

At a demo event

Devin travels to several demo events in Colorado, New Mexico, and Oregon during the ski season.  Arrange to demo and purchase one at the event.

At a few very select bicycle shops

New Lenz Sport snow bikes can be found at a few very select bike shops in Colorado and California.  These are shops that purchase Devin's line of mountain bikes too.  They purchase them from Devin and then resold.

Craigslist

Skibikes are so new it's hard to find them on Craigslist.  A few early prototype models were listed on the Denver Colorado Craigslist in fall 2012.  As skibiking becomes more popular, expect more to show up there.

American Skibike Association website

As the organizing body for skibikers in the USA, it will allow members to advertise their equipment for sale.  Expect members to start listing more in upcoming seasons as they upgrade.

SkiBikeFun.com

A variety of new and used bikes can be purchased from this shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.  Shipping is included. (yes, New Mexico is part of the USA)

Don't expect to find too many used ones for sale right now.  The best time to purchase those is mid-summer when Devin lists what he has available on his website.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Skibike events 2012 - 2013 season in the USA

The yearly calendar of events is getting longer with the increasing popularity of the sport.  Events are not restricted to any one region of the USA either.  Festivals, rallies, and meetups can be found from New England to the Pacific Northwest.

For the latest calendar of events, check the American Skibike Association (ASA) website.  If you plan on attending, join ASA as one can probably obtain a lift ticket discount.

For now it looks like current 2013 rally's include:

• 2013 Durango Skibike Festival - February 15-17, 2013

• Crotched Mountain - January 19, 2013

• SkiBikeFun Demo's at Sipapu - January 5-6, 2013

• Sipapu Skibike Rally - February 2-3, 2013

• Loon Mountain Skibike Festival  - Feb 8-9,  2013

• Hoodoo Skibike Festival - April 5-7, 2013

Find all the details at http://www.americanskibike.org/events.html

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Skibike terrain park safety

Skibikes are permitted in a number of Colorado ski resort terrain parks.  There are a number of safety guidelines in place to help keep all users safe while using the features.

Those unfamiliar with terrain park etiquette should familiarize themselves before dropping in.   Snowboarders really hate it when someone snakes their line.

Here's a great video put together by the National Ski Area Association.   It was filmed at Vail and Breckenridge in Colorado and shows some of the typical signage and features.

Don't be that guy that gets skibikers denied terrain park access.  Smart Style it through the terrain park.

1. MAKE A PLAN
   Every time you use freestyle terrain, make a plan for each feature you want to use. Your speed, approach and take off will directly affect your maneuver and landing.
2. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP
   Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know your landings are clear and clear yourself out of the landing area.
3. EASY STYLE IT
   Start small and work your way up. (Inverted aerials not recommended).
4. RESPECT GETS RESPECT
   From the lift line through the park.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Skibike Resposibility Code

Skibikers as new snowsport enthusiasts, may not always be aware of the Responsibility Code.  Like driving on a road or highway, there are legal rules for the ski slopes.  Break them and you could hurt yourself, someone else, or find yourself in court before a judge.

Knowing the Responsibility Code and following the rules will also foster goodwill with other snowsport sliders.  It can prevent collisions from happening as well as chair lift accidents.

The Skibike Resposibility Code from the NSAA website.

1. Always stay in control, and be able to stop or avoid other people or objects.
2. People ahead of you have the right of way. It is your responsibility to avoid them.
3. You must not stop where you obstruct a trail, or are not visible from above.
4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, look uphill and yield to others.
5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.
6. Observe all posted signs and warnings. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas.
7. Prior to using any lift, you must have the knowledge and ability to load, ride and unload safely.

Those new to riding at ski resorts should familiarize themselves before hitting the slopes with the skibike.  Find out any resort specific skibike rules too.  

Access that ski resorts give, they can take away if they feel safety and thus insurance risk is in jeopardy.  That's exactly what happened at Copper Mountain Ski Resort in Colorado and Powder Mountain in Utah.  Accidents happened and access was taken away.

If bikers show responsible riding out on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders will take note.  Whether you like it or not - they are always watching us out on the hill.   Many are scared of us.  If we show them there is nothing to be afraid of perhaps more ski areas will permit us.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Is skibiking hard?

Skibiking is easy to learn with proper instruction and lessons.  When compared to skiing and snowboarding, almost anyone can be cruising the ski slopes in 20 minutes to 3 hours.  Skibikers won't experience the awkward painful falls either.

Some types are easier to learn than others.   Skibobs with their low center of gravity are the perfect skibike for the snow novice.  If one can place their chin on a shoulder, lean to one side, and make turning motions with their hands, one can learn to ride a skibob in 20 minutes.  No falling required!

Other types take a bit more skill and balance.  Peg bikes have a higher center of gravity and require some technical skills.  Downhill mountain bikers can learn them in 30 minutes.  Experienced skiers and snowboarders may need a full three hours to learn.

After teaching skibobs and pegs for the past five seasons at a Colorado ski resort I've had a variety of people in my lessons.  Skibobs have allowed many people with physical limitations but not handicaps to continue their ski vacations to the mountains.  Peggers with their crossover skills from  mountain biking and BMX have attracted a new demographic to the ski slopes.

They can be a fun distraction and include all family members.  Some ski resort lodging companies have flyers in their properties encouraging non-skiing moms to come learn this easy sport.  They can then enjoy the slopes with their kids.  A number of grandparents skibike for this very reason.

Those with arthritic joints or painful backs can be pain-free with the right model and proper instruction.  They come in various sizes and types of suspension.  Skier height and weight should be taken into consideration when renting or purchasing.  Unlearning some ski techniques are also helpful when learning to skibob.

After learning the basics, one can either keep cruising the slopes or move on to more advanced techniques.  They can be fun in the moguls, in the trees, or if the ski resort permits it - in the terrain park.

Is skibiking hard?  Heck no!  I've taught snowboarding for the past ten seasons and skibikes for the past five.  There's definitely less falling on the bikes and just as much fun.  Further proof - I get alot more tips from skibike lessons than snowboard lessons.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

2012 - 2013 ski bike updates for Winter Park Resort

Skibike lessons and rentals return once again to Winter Park Resort.   There will be a few changes to the program.

At a December meeting for returning Winter Park skibike instructors, the skibike foreman explained what's changing.

The good news.  There are no changes for lessons and rentals for the Type II peg skibikes.  Sign up and then show up or pickup your skibike at West Portal Rentals.  Lessons still go out at 9:30 am and 1:00 pm.  Wear your own snowboard boots and helmet or use the ones included with the lesson/rental.

Things have changed with the Type I skibob skibikes.   Ski + Ride School turned them over to the Tour Center located in the Balcony House building.  The Tour Center will schedule daytime lessons/tours and run the night skibike program.   No rentals or lessons will be available through West Portal Rentals.

If you have questions or want to make a reservation use the Winter Park Resort Skibike and Night Bikes webpage at  http://www.winterparkresort.com/plan-your-trip/lessons/ski-bikes-and-night-bikes.aspx

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Be a model for the community

Five years ago random skiers and snowboarders would approach me on the slopes of Winter Park Resort and didn't hesitate to tell me what they thought of skibikes.  Most of it was negative.  I always responded politely and tried some passive education.

Things have changed and its now the popular thing to do at Winter Park Resort.  Unfortunately a few of the more recent converts have brought an unwelcome element to the community.  While they are enthusiastic and want to spread the news, they have poor communication skills with other skibikers and exhibit very juvenile behavior on online.

Those that do not respect others with differing backgrounds and experiences risk alienating other members of the community.   They also reflect very badly to ski industry professionals and members of the general snowsport community.  After recent events, I respect some riders skills but I no longer respect them in general.

Before responding to someone you don't agree with, really try to have your facts in order.   Listen to the other members before responding.  Read and digest, don't just react.   Most of all, don't put words in other members mouths.  Twisting information to suit your purposes never goes over well.  Neither do personal attacks.

I started introducing the concept of skibikes to the EpicSki.com forums a few years ago.  Members are mostly skiers but a few snowboarders hang around too.  Member ages range from 20 - 80's.  It does attract visits by the ski industry and they sometimes recruit members for marketing studies.  I've participated in one such study since joining the forum in 2003.

Many skiers have asked questions and a few have even come to Winter Park Resort for lesssons.  Not everyone likes them but everyone has used civil discourse during discussions.  The forum is moderated and those that start personal attacks are banned from the forum.

There are now several threads I have going on snow bikes.  They've been educational to a number of skiers on the forum.   A few have even changed their minds.  A number of people want to try it.

If you'd like to participate, sign up and join in.  Just keep the discussion civil.  Ski industry people will take notice and it will reflect badly.  By educating skiers and snowboarders and winning them over to our side, we can get more resorts to allow them.

The threads on the EpicSki Forum can be found at:

http://www.epicski.com/t/99099/new-peg-ski-bike-video-by-brandon-schmit

http://www.epicski.com/t/113932/double-secret-experiment-x-successful-at-steamboat-peg-skibiking-now-permitted

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

SIA registration deadline coming up

The 2013 Snowsports Industry America (SIA) Snow Show will be held at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on January 31 - Feb 3, 2013.  The On-Snow Show will be held at Winter Park Resort the following two days.

For the 2011 & 2012 On-Snow Show's,  Winter Park Resort Ski + Ride School skibike instructors offered free demo skibike lessons to Snow Show attendees and guests at the resort.  Participants received a 1.5 lesson and a free Type II skibike license if they passed all the skills requirements.

The preregistration deadline for attending SIA is quickly approaching.  Monday January 17, 2013 is the deadline.  After that, registration starts getting pricey.

As stated on the SIA website "This is a trade-only event and is not open to the general public. Attendance is limited to qualified buyers/retailers, SIA members including their sales reps, industry professionals/athletes, and media".  

All I can say is come if you can.  It is quite the event.  Network with manufacturers, professional athletes, and other ski industry people.  Bring your party 'A' game.  There are tons of private parties in Denver and up at Winter Park.  Try to score a ticket for the private Burton party at Lime.  The guys from Never Summer are pretty core too.

If you are a current member of PSIA-AASI, NSAA, or National Ski Patrol you're still welcome to attend.  Pre-registration forms are not available on the SIA website.  Members will need to send an email to Patricia Grenke the Membership/ Registration Coordinator at pgrenke@snowsports.org.

I recommend everyone preregister as the fee goes from $20/person to $40/person for the Snow Show and $10/person to $50/person for the On-Snow Show.  The On-Snow fee does include a free bus ride from downtown Denver to Winter Park.

Be sure to stop by the skibike booth and say 'hi' while at Winter Park.  I'l probably be signing people up once again for demo rides.   

More information about SIA at http://www.snowsports.org/


© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

What is Vail Resorts and does it affect skibiking?

There's been some confusion lately about skibikes and Vail Resorts.   Vail Resorts means much more than Vail Ski Resort along Interstate 70.  Vail Resorts actually owns four ski resorts in Colorado - Vail, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek, and Keystone.  They are heavily intertwined.

Vail Resorts has a number of ski passes that allow skiers, snowboarders, and skibikers to access all four ski areas and Arapahoe Basin all using one pass.

Popular Vail Resorts passes include the Epic Pass, Epic Local Pass, Summit Value Pass, Epic 7-Day Pass, and the Keystone 4-Pack.  The main difference between the passes are the blackout dates.  The less expensive passes have more blackout days during high season.  The Epic Pass has no blackout dates and is valid at any Vail Resorts ski area.

As Vail Resorts expands and buys new ski resorts, they are inheriting a variety of legacy rules and regulations.  This includes skibike rules and regulations.

Change is as certain as death and taxes in the ski industry.  If you've gotten used to a favorite ski resorts rules and regulations, don't be surprised if a few of them are changed.

Change can happen from a variety of factors.  Insurance is going to be a driving factor in many instances.  Change can also be fueled by incidents that happen during the ski season.

The sport is new to many Vail Resorts within Colorado.  They are not new to other Colorado ski resorts.  One thing is certain is that Colorado ski resort risk managers do communicate with each other as well as  resort CEO's.

I suspect that the incidents that happened at Copper Mountain, A-Basin, and Powder Mountain in Utah  have gotten around.   The new rules that Vail Resorts staff have been distributing seem to reflect this.

Changes in Vail Resorts overall rules and regulations will be hard to accept, especially ones that have been around awhile. Rather that getting emotional and lashing out, try to swallow your pride and deal with it. Once the insurance industry understands skibikes, things could change back.

Peace out and have a great season.  The weather patterns are looking really nice for the upcoming week.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Winter Park Resort skibike rules and regulations

The rules and regulations for Winter Park Resort are fairly clear - if you can find them on the resorts website. Those planning on skibiking at the resort should find out the rules ahead of time or one may be disappointed.

Here's what is allowed:

And here is what is NOT allowed

No homemade or conversion bikes are allowed on the slopes at Winter Park Resort.

The rules in general at Winter Park Resort are:

• No homemade or conversion bikes. 
• Not allowed in the terrain parks. 
• Skis must have metal edges. 
• They must load into the chairlift - not carried underneath. 
• Must be designed to load without slowing or stopping the chairlift. 
• Only one rider per bike. 
• They must fallover immediately if rider falls off or rider must use leash. 
• Three ski bikes require a leash.

To find the full list of equipment permitted at Winter Park Resort, visit http://www.winterparkresort.com/the-mountain/tips-and-safety.aspx and scroll down to 'Allowed On-Mountain Devices - Winter'


© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Terrain parks that allow skibikes in Colorado

Not all Colorado ski resorts that allow snow bikes on their slopes permit them in their terrain parks.  Most that prohibit them do so to manage safety concerns.

A number of large and small ski resorts in Colorado still welcome them in their parks.

Durango Mountain Resort - Located in southwest Colorado and home of the annual festival, there are no terrain park restrictions.  Peggers must wear foot skis while riding certain restricted chair lifts.

Snowmass - One of Aspen's four mountains and home of the Winter X Games, bikers are welcome in all of their terrain parks.

Telluride - Located in the San Juan Mountains of southwest Colorado, bikers are welcome to ride in all of their terrain parks.

Arapahoe Basin - Located in Summit County along Colorado's Front Range, bikers are welcome in all their terrain parks.  They are limited to riding the front side of A-Basin and three front-side lifts.  No bikes on the Pali lift.

New for the 2012 -2013 ski season - skibikes will no longer be permitted in the Keystone terrain parks.  The new policy at Vail Resorts prohibit bikes in all VR terrain parks.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Skibikes are no longer allowed in Keystone Ski Resorts terrain parks

There's a new policy at Keystone Ski Resort for the 2012 -2013 ski season.  Skibikes are no longer permitted in the terrain parks there.

Greg Gerloff the Health and Safety Manager  at Breckenridge Ski Resort contacted me Sunday evening.  He helped develop the new skibike policies for Vail Resorts and is in charge of communicating them to the general public.

Greg explained that Vail Resorts is currently developing a professional webpage that will explain the uniform policies and rules and regulations for all of Vail Resorts.

One outcome of the new policy is that bikes will no longer be allowed to use the terrain parks at any Vail Resorts ski resort - Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, and Beaver Creek in Colorado.  This is a new policy starting with the 2012 - 2013 ski season.

Unfortunately staff members at Keystone have told a number of riders that they were still permitted in the terrain parks.  Greg said he would be  communicating with staff there to let them know this is no longer true.

In addition, homemade and conversion bikes are not permitted at any Vail Resorts ski area.   They want them to be as manufactured as possible.

The bikes must also load within the envelope of the chairlift.  This means that bikes that are designed to be carried underneath the chairlift must be loaded into the chairlift instead.  This includes designs like Geary Snow Bikes.

Leashes must also be worn at all times.  This includes on the chairlift and on the slopes.

The uniform Vail Resorts regulations are:

• Bike must have no more than two (2) skis.
• Must have metal edges on the skis.
• Must have a seat.
• May only have one rider per bike.
• Must be designed to load the lift without slowing or stopping.
• Must be loaded within the envelope of the chair; bike counts as a rider on the chair lift.
• Not allowed in terrain parks.(including Keystone)
• May be restricted in certain areas of the mountain and lifts for safety reasons.
• No homemade bikes (including conversion).
• Retention device (must be worn at all times).  

So those of you who have been riding in the terrain park at Keystone.  Enjoy the memories.  Expect enforcement of the no skibikes in the parks in the near future.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Why ban homemade skibikes from ski resorts

Like quality downhill mountain bikes, quality manufactured freestyle (peg) bikes are expensive.  The price point often excludes the young and cash-poor from skibiking as a sport.  Right now, I look at that as a good thing.

One way bikers get around the expense is by building homebuilt ones from bicycle frames they can find.

Most ski resorts in Colorado outright ban homebuilt bikes.  Smart risk management almost dictates this. There are many reasons why.

Most people are not professional bike builders much less skibike builders. You never know what someone will cobble together in their garage or backyard. I've seen the stupidest builds show up - and the end results.

Adventurous bikers soon discover how fun jumping can be. The frame however must be built to withstand the impacts of landing those jumps. Amateur builders rarely take this into consideration.

Most bicycle frame welds are not meant to withstand the impact of jumps. At one large well-known Colorado ski resort they started having homebuilt bikes explode on impact off large jumps in the terrain park. People got hurt.

The connection of the bike frame to the skis can also be pretty sketchy on homebuilt bikes. I've seen homebuilds just fall apart on an average ski trail. People will just cobble anything together without thinking of safety and consequences.

Loading and carrying a homebuilt bike on a chairlift can sometimes prove to be challenge too. Professionally manufactured bikes are meant to be loaded and carried on the chairlift.

Homebuilt are great for riding in the backyard or community sledding hill. They have no place at a commercial ski resort.

There are a variety of professional builders in the USA. There are a variety of skibike manufacturers in Europe too. A variety of economically priced new and used bikes can be purchased at SkiBikeFun.com.

If you are thinking about allowing skibikes at your ski resort, think about the level of risk you're willing to accept before permitting homebuilt skibikes.

Where to rent a skibike at Steamboat Ski Resort?

One can now ride both peggers and skibobs on the slopes of Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado. Better yet, one can now rent both types of bikes in Steamboat Springs. Snow Fun Bikes and Powder Pursuits rent Stalmach and Brenter skibobs. A fleet of Lenz Sport Brawlers will soon be available for rent through a private individual.

Powder Pursuits is located in the bottom of the Steamboat Grand on Mt. Werner Circle. Bikes are available for those age 9 to 99. Prices start at $29.99/day for skibobs.

There are bikes in 5 different sizes so they can be matched to the individual rider. They can be reserved and then picked up at Powder Pursuits at 8:30 am or 10:30 am.

If you want to find out more about Snow Fun Bikes and Powder Pursuits at Steamboat Ski Resort, visit the website at http://www.snowfunbikes.com/index.php

As soon as the information becomes available for the Lenz Sport Brawlers, I'll post that up to.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Skibikers, Skiers, and Snowboarders hitting up Winter Park Resort

Winter Park Resort loves its skibikers.  There's a strong contingent among the marketing staff, human resources, and the lift department.  Check out the video at 1:51.

The above video from last week not only shows current conditions, it shows skiers, snowboarders, skibikers, ski racers, and NSCD racers using the mountain.  Bikers are mainstream.

I honestly can't figure out who's actually riding in the video and neither could any of the other Winter Park skibike instructors.  That's a good thing when one thinks about it.


© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

New skibike rules for Keystone Ski Resort

8/26/13   Looks like the terrain park rules have changed and are now permitted.

Keystone is the one Vail Resorts ski area that has allowed skibiking for some time.  I contacted staff there last week for clarification on some of their current rules and regulations.  They got back to me today with the answers.

Some of them I was not aware of.  The basic rundown:

• Leashes are required on the lift and on the slopes
• Homebuilt and conversion are not allowed.
• Bikes must have no more than two (2) skis.
• Bikes are no longer permitted in the terrain parks at Keystone. 
• Must have metal edges on skis. 
•  Must have seat.
• Only one (1) rider per bike.
• Must be designed to load lift without slowing or stopping. (Peggers don't need foot skis.)
• Must be loaded within envelope of chair (no carrying the bike under the chair).
• The bike counts as a rider on chair lift.  
• No prohibited lifts or terrain at Keystone.
• If you have your own skibike, a skibike license is not required.  No checkout ride required with ski patrol.

Keystone is offering lessons and rentals for skibobs and peggers. Keystone requires a license or certification to rent.

In general, Vail Resorts is sticking to the following skibike rules and regulations.      

      Bike must have no more than two (2) skis.
·         Must have metal edges on skis.
·         Must have seat.
·         Only one (1) rider per bike.
·         Must be designed to load lift without slowing or stopping.
·         Must be loaded within envelope of chair; bike counts as rider on chair lift.
·         No homemade bikes.
·         NOT allowed in Terrain Parks
·         MUST  wear leash at all times (on lift & on slope)
·         May be restricted in certain areas and lifts for safety concerns.

I'll have to get the rules from each resort individually.  I'll be seeing you around the state.

EDIT:  I talked to a VR skibike policy expert on Sunday evening 12/ 9/2012.  He informed me of the decision to prohibit skibikes at Keystone's terrain parks.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Exciting skibike news from Vail Resorts and Steamboat

Lots of exciting Colorado skibiking news to report for the 2012-13 season.

First off - peggers are going to be permitted at Steamboat Ski Resort for the 2012-13 ski season.   New bikers will need to take a lesson and earn a permit.  Experienced riders will need to take a run with ski patrol and show competence riding before being allowed on the slopes.

I learned from Devin Lenz of Lenz Sport Skibikes that there will be a rental fleet of seven Lenz Sport Brawlers by an individual in Steamboat Springs for the 2012-13 ski season.  I'm trying to track down the name, location, rental pricing, and lessons.  Peg lessons will not be offered through the Steamboat Ski School but through a different entity.  Skibob lessons will be through Steamboat Ski School.

Vail Resorts will also be allowing peggers and skibobs at all their ski resorts starting with the 2012-13 ski season.   This is really exciting news!  This adds Vail, Beaver Creek, and Breckenridge to the list of Colorado ski resorts that allow them.  Keystone has allowed it for some time.

I'm still working on getting all the details on the new programs at the various Colorado ski resorts.  I'll cover each resort as information is communicated by resorts.

For now, just pray for snow.  Let's not have a repeat of last season.  It was looking really nice at Winter Park Resort on Saturday.


© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

People best suited for skibobs

by G. Kunkel

As cool as they look, peg skibikes are not for everyone.  Those with physical limitations, balance issues, altitude endurance problems, obesity, unfamiliarity with snow, and lack of physical conditioning will probably find skibobbing a snow sport better suited for them.

Infirmity, illness, and worn-out knees often mean the end of ski vacations for skiers and snowboarders.  That doesn't have to happen.  Most anyone who can ride a bicycle can ride a skibob.

Skibobs are ridden sitting down with two short foot skis attached to boots.  This design allows four points of contact with the snow and a lower center of gravity.  One does not use the foot skis for steering the skibike, only for balance.  People rarely fall over when learning them.

They are very easy to learn.  Any physically fit person with prior snowsport experience can learn to ride one in four turns - essentially 20 minutes in a small group situation.  Those without any snowsport experience may or may not require additional time.

Elderly skiers often approach me out on the ski slopes or in the liftline.  Most want to know how hard it is to learn.  If I have a guest who has taken one run with me, I'll let them answer.  I've sold many skibike lessons that way.

Elderly skiers often state to me that skiing is becoming just too painful and they are about to quit for good.  One 72 year old lady from Missouri took a lesson and then bought a skibob.  She's now a regular ski vacationer to Winter Park Resort.

This past ski season I had an older gentleman from Missouri take a pegger lesson.  He stated that he was moving away from skiing and snowboarding but declined to state why.  He struggled throughout the lesson with his balance.  Only after I failed him for a pegger license did he mention he had Parkinson's.  A skibob is the perfect solution for him.

Not everyone can learn ski or snowboard.  Today's obesity epidemic has taken its toll.  Overweight people struggle with falling, getting up, balance, and physical condition all while at high altitude in ski school classes.  They quickly fall behind other students learning curves, have hard falls, and 90% eventually drop out of the class.  Most are frustrated and you can bet they aren't coming back for another ski vacation.  Put 'em on a bob and they'll be making laps on green runs in an hour.

Skibikes work well with adaptive programs too.  They've been used at the prestigious National Sports Center for the Disabled for decades.  Check out their winter and summer programs at their website http://www.nscd.org/

The only people that  failed to learn to ride a skibob had other issues.  One had an extreme fear of heights and couldn't ride the chairlift.   Arm strength can be an issue with heavier equipment when loading on the chairlift.

Skibobs belong at every ski resort these days.  The mom who controls the ski vacation planning can now get out on the slopes with her kids instead of staying in the condo.  The elderly and those developing infirmities can continue their favorite winter sport activity.

Who would say no to ski vacationers who want to spend money?  Ski resorts - survey your guests about them.   Ski vacationers - if skiing and snowboarding isn't working for you - there are other options.  Money talks in the ski industry.  Demand access.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

How to get skibiking approved at your local ski resort

 Skibiking is slowly making inroads and access at ski resorts.  New ski resorts are being added every season in Colorado, the USA, and the world.

Getting bikes approved for use a ski resort is not simple.  Just demanding access and annoying the resort management will only dig a hole that one will have to dig oneself out of.

If one is truly serious about getting approval at a local ski resort, it is going to take time and continuous committed effort on your part.  Persuasion and persistence are key.

Become part of the ski industry  - nothing gets respect quicker than a fellow ski industry member.   While grassroots organizations are a start, they get little respect from the ski industry.  Get a part-time job within the industry and start asking questions.

Make or join an organized group -  If a organization only has a few members, why should a ski resort or the industry respect it?  Even the enthusiasts aren't taking it seriously.  Ski resorts respect groups that bring business to the table.

Ride a manufactured skibike - Show that you support the industry by supporting the builders.  Many ski resorts are now open in Colorado due to the direct efforts of manufacturers.  Conversion are great for the backyard but they are not specially designed for loading on chairlifts or the impacts that they can encounter.

Know the ski resorts business model  - Every ski resort is different in subtle ways.  If they weren't, they wouldn't still be in business.  Know the niche the resort fills.   Analyze the resorts business model and see if it is a viable money earning asset to the resort.  Don't say it will - show it will.

Bottom line - it's all about the money - Realize that ski resorts don't want to take the added risks and headaches associated with a new sport unless it contributes to the resorts revenue.  The ski industry has high overhead, high labor costs, and high risks.  They want people there who spend money - i.e. buy those $15 hamburgers, buy window rate lift tickets, book lodging, bring groups or families.   If it's a sport that doesn't bring money - forget it.

Write thank you letters to ski resort CEO's that do allow them - let management know you bought slope-side food, stayed in resort-owned lodging, spend money in local shops.  If a big group came as a result, mention that in the letter.

Get educated about all types and be inclusive - Know the types out there.  The ski resort may not know all of them but they've probably heard about a 'dangerous' type.  Know the advantages and challenges of skibobs and pegs.  Be able to plug the benefits of both types.

Get your certification (license) and learn how peggers and skibobs work  - Many ski resorts require certification before riders can load chairlifts.  At a minimum the rider knows the proper way to board a lift with their equipment.   Getting a license shows you have some commitment to the sport and have some training on its use.  Skibobs are easy to learn.  Peg are just as safe but qualified instruction makes them even safer.

Know where one can buy or rent one - People can't buy or rent if they don't how to obtain one.  Know your local sources.  Network with manufacturers directly.  A variety of affordable bikes can be obtained from SkiBikeFun.com in the USA.

Be a good rider and be able to demonstrate that -  The last thing ski resorts want to see are more people out of control on their slopes.  If you still need to put down a foot to stop your pegger, you're not qualified.  Be able to demo skidded traverses, skidded turns, and stopping in control without putting any feet down on a peg bike.

Know the ski industry risk management concerns -  Do not downplay this or try to cover up the risks.  That doesn't work.   Educate yourself about chairlift and leash concerns.  Know and be about to explain how various skibikes load onto the lift and when leashes are appropriate.

Approach the ski resort CEO and ask for a meeting - Get a Powerpoint presentation together, your facts organized, and be able to organize a demo day for all the management influencers at the ski resort.  Get the head of Lift Ops, Ski Patrol, Ski School, Marketing, and the CEO all on the skibikes.  Be prepared to teach a proper lesson for safe useage.

Find out how snowboarders got approval - Those 30 years old and younger may not remember what snowboarders had to go through to get approval to ride at ski resorts.

Know local ski industry influencers and events - networking works in other industries and the ski industry is no different.  Go to events where ski industry people gather and talk business.  Bring business cards and a networking 2 minute speech.

Know what ski resorts permit them in your area - Before a resort will permit skibikes, they are going to want to know who else allows them.  They probably will then call that resorts management.  Know the more well-known resorts that permit them and their rules and regulations.  That will help the new resort determine risks and what skibike rules to implement.

Know the rules and regulations that govern your ski industry - There's more to it than the Responsibility Code that all skiers and riders must follow.   Know what applies in your area.   Know the tramway board regulations.  Tramway boards are responsible for regulating ski chairlifts.

Know the government permitting system in your area -  If the ski area isn't on private land, it's probably on public land.  The U.S. Forest Service is responsible for ski area permitting in the Western USA.  Find out who the Forest Service Ranger contact is for your area.   Ask for help or advice and then listen.

Remember Taos Ski Valley - It wasn't too many years ago that Taos still banned snowboarders.  It was simple economics that got the ban removed.  Families wouldn't vacation there because many members snowboarded.  The resort revitalized after the ban was lifted.

Getting skibiking permitted at ski resorts is not simple.  It takes time, effort, persistence, and dedication.  If you love the sport, make the commitment.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

How Lenz Sport Skibikes are Made

Ever wonder what goes into making a Lenz Sport?  Devin Lenz was interviewed at his shop in Fort Lupton, Colorado in January 2011 and gave some insight.

Devin builds custom mountain bikes and skibikes in his shop.  Most parts used in construction are manufactured right in his shop from aluminum blocks, tubes, and sheets.

Quality is a high priority in his shop.  Attention to detail and meticulous precision are qualities that Devin demands from himself and his crew.  It shows up in his bikes.

So if you wonder what goes into a professional skibike build - sit back and watch.



Devin Lenz How It's Made - Custom Mountain bikes from Scott Wilson on Vimeo.

How skibikes can derail or jam a chairlift

If skibikes aren't loaded  or unloaded properly on a chairlift, they can either derail the cable or jam it.  It's one reason why its a good idea for ski resorts to require certification/license before they can get on their lifts.

Durango Mountain Resort in southern Colorado requires all riders to show certification every time before they get on a chairlift.  Its prevented any lift incidents from happening at the bottom and top stations.  Other ski resorts that do not require certification to board a chairlift have experienced bottom lift station incidents.

The clearance between the bottom of a chair and the snow surface can vary from chairlift to chairlift at ski resorts.  They can even vary during the day due to changing snow conditions at the same chairlift.  This includes the top and bottom lift stations.

Some skibikes are designed to be loaded and carried underneath the chairlift chair.  Examples of this include the Geary Storm, and the Ultimate Snow Toys 3Ski.  These designs may be a disaster waiting to happen if the rider is unaware of the potential to cause damage to the chairlift at either the bottom lift station or top lift station.

After several incidents to its chairlifts, Winter Park Resort in Colorado does not allow them to be carried underneath its lifts.  Geary Storm riders are asked NOT to drop their seats, load, and carry them under the chairlift seat.  Instead, they must be loaded into the chair.


Watch the loading sequence in the above video to see the loading procedure for this model type.

A local skibiker tried to tell me that this was due to faulty loading procedures and maintenance at Winter Park Resort.  I called the head of the Colorado Tramway Board in October 2012.  He said that there is no mandatory minimum chair clearance at the loading area in Colorado.  Clearances are set individually for each chairlift with minimums and maximums set for each lift.

Winter Park Resort offers lessons but certification is not mandatory to board a chairlift.  Conversion kits and homemade are not allowed on the lifts at Winter Park.  Leashes are only required on designs that do not immediately fall over upon rider ejection.

Ski resorts that are considering allowing them for the first time should carefully review their certification policy.  New or novice riders may not truly understand how they turn and stop unless they've had a proper lesson.  This is especially true with freestyle peggers and homemade and/or conversion kit riders.

From 4 years of teaching peggers and skibobs through a resort ski school, I highly recommend ski resorts require certification before riders can board a chairlift.  If you would like more input on skibike chairlift safety, please contact Roy Meiworm at Durango Mountain Resort.  He'd love to talk to you.

The new freestyle (peg) type are a piece of equipment many ski resorts are unfamiliar with.  With proper risk management rules and regulations, they can add a safe new dimension to the guest experience.  Those who would otherwise stop skiing or snowboarding due to injury or disease can continue to enjoy the ski slopes.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

SkiBikeFun.com has used Lenz Sport Alpine Brawler skbikes for sale

I just checked the SkiBikeFun.com website.  There are two used Lenz Sport Alpine Brawlers listed for sale there.

Since freestyle (peg) skibikes are a relatively new style, used models are hard to find.  The further you get away from 'ski states', the worse it becomes.

Shipping in the Continental USA is included with skibike purchases at SkiBikeFun.com, so you don't have to worry about that additional expense.

The two bikes listed are at :

http://skibikefun.com/LSBBUBlue001.htm
Medium frame
$1600.00

And at http://skibikefun.com/LSGreenSpringerUsed001.htm
Large frame
$1495.00

The spring fork on this beast can always be upgraded.

These are great prices for used bikes.  Better get one before they are both gone.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Discount Colorado Ski Resort Season Passes are on sale

You don't have to be a Colorado resident to buy discount Colorado ski resort season passes.  Many can be purchased online too!  A space alien from Arcturus could buy a Colorado ski pass if he had an internet connection.

What are the various discount pass products?

Vail Resorts Epic Pass products good for Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and A-Basin.  www.snow.com

Rocky Mountain Super Pass - valid for Copper Mountain, Winter Park Resort, and Steamboat depending upon what product you buy.  www.skicolorado.com

Aspen Class Pass - Comes in a variety of offers and days. Can be reloaded.  Not on sale until Labor Day.  Limited Colorado Sales locations.  http://www.aspensnowmass.com/classicpass/ACP2000.cfm

Telluride Card - Available for a limited time in the fall.  Limited Colorado sales locations.  http://tellurideskiresort.com/Tellski/info/4corners.aspx

Colorado Triple Play Pass - Good for two days at Aspen/Snowmass, Steamboat, Winter Park Resort.  Made its first appearance for the 2011-12 ski season.  Probably will return for the 2012 -13 pass.  Most likely will go on sale in the fall or early winter.  http://www.coloradotripleplay.com/

This is not a comprehensive list.  Not all ski resorts have their passes on sale yet either.

Buy your pass now.  Spring is the best time to purchase them in Colorado.  Many can be reserved for as little as $49 down payment.

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Why wear a skibike leash?

For the most part, skibikers are the only people who know about skibike leashes.  Most don't like wearing them but some resorts require them.

Wrong information

So why would a ski resort require their use?  Believe it or not a few resorts require them because of incorrect information they've heard from other resorts.  Things sometimes get garbled in transmission and they require them for all the wrong reasons.

Why would a skibiker balk at wearing a leash?  Hey, nothing ever happens that warrants using a leash, right?  Not necessarily.

Opinions on where and why should ski resorts require them?  And how should they be attached?

Bike design

From direct personal conversations I've had with my fellow ski industry members - some in management, others in marketing - most seem to think that it is bike designs that warrant the need for leashes.  Most have heard rumors that there are designs that allow them to take off down the slopes by themselves.  Who wants a piece of metal hurtling down the slopes?

On a guesstimate, I'll say 95% of bikes out there will immediately fall over and stop upon rider ejection.  If they have on fat powder skis they can take off by themselves.  Ultimate Snow Toys 3Skis and North Legion SMX's designs are models that can take off riderless.  Snowboard based bikes are also prone to takeoffs but they aren't 'skibikes'.

Requiring a leash on the ski slopes is really only needed if the bike design allows it to take off down the hill by itself.  I've seen more snowboards without leashes take off down the hill riderless.  I've never seen a skibike take off down the hill.  I only know of one direct incident of fat powder skis causing a riderless bike.

So where should ski resorts be concerned with skibike leashes? 

Ask experienced safety-conscious riders and they'll tell you the ski chairlift.  Skibikes dropping from chair lifts have happened due to a variety of reasons.  A heavy skibike falling from a chairlift onto a skier below could result in serious injury to the skier and the rider.

It's not any one style of skibike dropping either.  Skibobs and peggers have dropped from lifts.  What seems to be a common denominator is lack of experience, bike weight, and lack of proper lift loading knowledge.

Colorado Tramway Board regulations

The Colorado Tramway Board governs ski lift safety in the state of Colorado.  It has the strictest safety policies in the USA.  Many rules and regulations have been developed due to past incidents.

There is no official skibike leash use policy that I know of issued by the Colorado Tramway Board.  I have been told that it has been recommended that the leash attach to rider while riding on the chairlift.

Roy Meiworn, who was the head of lift operations at Durango Mountain Resort for many years, countered this recommendation with an official OSHA policy that forbids this practice.  If the bike falls, it may pull the rider off the lift with it.  From what I have heard, this is exactly what happened in the spring of 2011 at Powder Mountain in Utah with a Skki Trikke.  While not a skibike, people often confuse a Trikke as one.

Safety-conscious skibikers are not opposed to using a leash on the chairlift.  Where they attach while on the lift is another matter.  Most agree the best place for a leash to be attached is to some point of the actual chairlift.  That way if the bike falls, it does not drag the rider off too.

Require certification

Requiring skibike certification (license) before one can use a chairlift is one policy that many ski resorts have instituted to insure chairlift safety.  Resorts that offer certification offer standardized lessons that teach lift loading and unloading procedures as well as safe operation.  Skibikers must pass requirements to obtain the certification.  The certificate must be shown before loading the chairlift every time.

Durango Mountain Resort has allowed skibikes for many years and institutes a mandatory certificate to load their chairlifts and does not allow homemade skibikes.  Manufactured conversion kit skibikes are allowed.  Leashes are not mandatory.  I have been told by DMR staff that skibikes have never dropped from their chairlifts.

Where to attach them on the chairlift

After four seasons of skibiking at a major Colorado ski resort and teaching lessons for the past four seasons, I have some experience with the plus and minuses of leash use.  I have ridden extensively at another smaller resort that requires them and that they be attached to the rider.

From experience, I'd say the best practice policy would be to require leashes on the chairlift but that they be attached in some manner to the chairlift.  I know what most lift managers would say to that - heck no!  OSHA regulations seem to prohibit attachment to the rider and I think they supersede Colorado Tramway Board regulations.

At-risk riders

Small women and kids do not always have the strength to hold onto a skibike while on the chairlift.  Age limits could be used for children but what about women riders?  The bike drop at Powder Mountain happened to a woman.

The popularity of skibiking in Colorado is growing exponentially.  People are now used to seeing them at many ski resorts and they no longer turn heads.  An official policy for skibikes needs to be developed and communicated to ski resorts by the Colorado Tramway Board.

Visit the Colorado Passenger Tramway Safety Board at http://www.dora.state.co.us/Tramway/ 

© 2012 G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to G. Kunkel and A Colorado Skibiker Goes Skibiking with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.