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.

Traditional 'foot ski' skibikes at Keystone Ski Resort

Traditional 'foot ski' ski bikes are a big part of the Colorado skibike scene. While some Colorado ski resorts limit them to after hours activities, others embrace them day and night.

In December of 2010 Vail Plum visited Keystone Ski Resort with Ramona Bruland and big mountain skier Chris Anthony.

While Chris was a first-time skibiker, he quickly picked it up and the group explored the ski resort.

'Foot ski' skibikes are very easy to learn and are the quickest way to get non-skiers out on the ski slopes. When asked which is easier - skiing or snowboarding? The answer is neither.

'Foot ski' skibiking is the easiest. Keystone Ski Resort offers skibike lessons and rentals during the day and under the lights at night.





© 2011 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.

Skibiking with Jason Wilber

Jason Wilber was one of the first downhill mountain bikers to take on skibiking. I'd say he mastered it pretty quickly.

In 2008, Lenz Sport Skibikes shot a few video of Jason and company riding Lenz Sport Alpine Brawlers riding around Winter Park Resort and Keystone Ski Resort. It looks like they had a blast.

If you don't like Snoop Dogg rapping, the background music may turn you off. Just set your iTunes to play something else. The skibiking is pretty neat.

Jason Wilber Skibike Demo Reel p.1 from Scott Wilson on Vimeo.

© 2011 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.