All good things must come to an end eventually. The same can be said of the lift-served ski season in Colorado. Arapahoe Basin in Summit County, Colorado is going to close with a bang on the Fourth of July.
The snow has been holding up very well due to cool nights up there and an extremely deep snowpack leftover from winter. It was nice to see 6 inches of fresh snow this past week but it has long since melted away.
Arapahoe Basin will be open the remainder of this weekend and will be open July 1,2,3 and 4. The lift hours are 8:30 to 2:30 pm. Lift tickets are $39. A-Basin passes from the 2010-11 season are still valid.
I've been going up on select weekend days with a Lenz Sport Launch and a Lenz Sport Alpine Brawler for the past month. The riding is really good but the bare patches are starting to peek through and runs are being closed or narrowed to save the snow. I'm taking this weekend off due to a reckless snowboarder plowing into me last weekend.
After A-Basin closes, one can still always go skibiking in the Colorado backcountry. Hiking St Mary's glacier is a summer tradition. The snow can get rather suncuppy up there though.
Get out and enjoy the last days of winter sport activities. The heat of summer is here.
© 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.
Showing posts with label ski biking. Show all posts
Showing posts with label ski biking. Show all posts
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Where to find lift-served skibiking in Colorado in June
Lift-served skibiking goes into June in Colorado. Earning your turns doesn't have to be the only option.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (or A-Basin to locals) is open until June 5, 2011 this ski season. The new Black Mountain Express chairlift makes unloading so much easier too. Head over to the Lenawee lift after unloading to access the upper mountain, East Wall, and Montezuma Bowl.
A-Basin is an extremely skibike-friendly ski area. Ski bikes are allowed in the terrain parks and homemade skibikes are also welcome. A-Basin does require that all skibikes be equipped with leashes and are used on the chairlift.
If getting off the fixed-grip chair lifts presents a problem, you can signal the liftie to slow the lift down. They'd rather slow it down than have you fall off while unloading. Be mindful of punching holes in their ramp when unloading though. Making extra work for lifties is not the way to win friends or access to other ski resorts.
A-Basin doesn't offer skibike rentals but there is a local guy who rents them. Make arrangements in advance if you need a bike. The Brenter reps were at A-Basin recently and did leave a Brenter C6 for demo's. I don't have any contact information for using those skibikes.
Just because the weather is warming up along the Front Range that doesn't mean the skibike season is over. The 2010-11 ski season isn't over yet. Lots of snow fell this ski season in Colorado. It's still falling too.
Photo by Devin Lenz
© 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.
Arapahoe Basin Ski Area (or A-Basin to locals) is open until June 5, 2011 this ski season. The new Black Mountain Express chairlift makes unloading so much easier too. Head over to the Lenawee lift after unloading to access the upper mountain, East Wall, and Montezuma Bowl.
A-Basin is an extremely skibike-friendly ski area. Ski bikes are allowed in the terrain parks and homemade skibikes are also welcome. A-Basin does require that all skibikes be equipped with leashes and are used on the chairlift.
If getting off the fixed-grip chair lifts presents a problem, you can signal the liftie to slow the lift down. They'd rather slow it down than have you fall off while unloading. Be mindful of punching holes in their ramp when unloading though. Making extra work for lifties is not the way to win friends or access to other ski resorts.
A-Basin doesn't offer skibike rentals but there is a local guy who rents them. Make arrangements in advance if you need a bike. The Brenter reps were at A-Basin recently and did leave a Brenter C6 for demo's. I don't have any contact information for using those skibikes.
Just because the weather is warming up along the Front Range that doesn't mean the skibike season is over. The 2010-11 ski season isn't over yet. Lots of snow fell this ski season in Colorado. It's still falling too.
© 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.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Video from the 1st Annual Berthoud Pass Skibike Race
Video from Saturday's skibike racing down the 7-Mile run on Berthoud Pass are starting to filter in.
The course had varying degrees of difficulty. It ranged from deep and steep powder to nearly flat forest service roads. Listening to the participants the number one obstacle were the many tree branches.
Skibikers could choose from a number of lines to take down 7-Mile. It appears that the favored lines had the most tree branches.
In Eric's video, the tree branches slap loudly against his full face helmet. In all, it was a fun time.
The shortest recorded time to descend the length of 7-Mile by skibike was just over 10 minutes by Devin Lenz. He fell twice in the process.
The video also captures the skibikers hucking off the jump that Devin built at his shop.
Video by Eric Internicola
© 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.
The course had varying degrees of difficulty. It ranged from deep and steep powder to nearly flat forest service roads. Listening to the participants the number one obstacle were the many tree branches.
Skibikers could choose from a number of lines to take down 7-Mile. It appears that the favored lines had the most tree branches.
In Eric's video, the tree branches slap loudly against his full face helmet. In all, it was a fun time.
The shortest recorded time to descend the length of 7-Mile by skibike was just over 10 minutes by Devin Lenz. He fell twice in the process.
The video also captures the skibikers hucking off the jump that Devin built at his shop.
Video by Eric Internicola
© 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.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
The First Annual Berthoud Pass Downhill Skibike Race and Huckfest
Fresh powder and cool temperatures greeted skibikers on Berthoud Pass on Saturday April 30, 2011. Cars packed with eager participants in the first ever downhill ski bike race down 7 Mile started arriving at 7 AM.
Devin Lenz and crew arrived around 8:00 am and immediately started shoveling out a spot near the U.S. Forest Service warming hut. After shoveling out a staging area and race start, a stream of skibikes and other equipment erupted from the Lenz Sport trailer.
Around 9 am the first group of skibikers got a tour of the 7 Mile Run by Devin Lenz. The group got shuttle rides back up the pass from volunteers with pickup trucks. Ski bikers had a choice of four guided tours before the racing began.
After touring the race route, participants got to munch down on hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, chips, and beans. A few skiers and snowboarders touring Berthoud Pass came over to socialize and learn more about skibiking.
After eating, most skibikers started prepping their bikes for the afternoon racing. Devin Lenz then gave a run down on the race format, had racers signup, and then issued race bibs.
In all, sixteen people officially signed up for the inaugual run. Participants came from around the Front Range of Colorado, Durango, New Mexico, and Wyoming. There was a strong contingent of skibike instructors from Winter Park Resort, riders from Pedal the Peaks in Durango, and SkiBikeFun.com from New Mexico.
Racers were then lined up according to race bib and started every 2 minutes. Final times were recorded at first curve at the bottom of Berthoud Pass. Each racer got one run. While helmets were not required, everyone wore one for self preservation.
Racers battled 2 feet of fresh powder, some narrow lines, steeps, trees, tree branches, and all manner of backcountry skibiking. Most survived unscathed while one rider trimmed a 1.5 inch diameter tree branch with his full face helmet.
Riders were shuttled back up to the top of the pass for the jumping contest. After moving and setting up the ramp in the area below the warming hut, contestants worked up the courage to ride the ramp. Skiers and snowboarders tried out the ramp too.
About seven ski bikers decided to enter the jumping contest. There were a few backslaps, a handlebar ejection, and some tomahawks. No one got hurt.
Everyone then retired to the Berthoud Pass parking lot for the awards ceremony. Devin Lenz won the DH and Cliff from Pedal the Peaks in Durango won the jumping contest.
More photos from the event can be found here.
© 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.
Devin Lenz and crew arrived around 8:00 am and immediately started shoveling out a spot near the U.S. Forest Service warming hut. After shoveling out a staging area and race start, a stream of skibikes and other equipment erupted from the Lenz Sport trailer.
Around 9 am the first group of skibikers got a tour of the 7 Mile Run by Devin Lenz. The group got shuttle rides back up the pass from volunteers with pickup trucks. Ski bikers had a choice of four guided tours before the racing began.
After touring the race route, participants got to munch down on hot dogs, brats, hamburgers, chips, and beans. A few skiers and snowboarders touring Berthoud Pass came over to socialize and learn more about skibiking.
After eating, most skibikers started prepping their bikes for the afternoon racing. Devin Lenz then gave a run down on the race format, had racers signup, and then issued race bibs.
In all, sixteen people officially signed up for the inaugual run. Participants came from around the Front Range of Colorado, Durango, New Mexico, and Wyoming. There was a strong contingent of skibike instructors from Winter Park Resort, riders from Pedal the Peaks in Durango, and SkiBikeFun.com from New Mexico.
Racers were then lined up according to race bib and started every 2 minutes. Final times were recorded at first curve at the bottom of Berthoud Pass. Each racer got one run. While helmets were not required, everyone wore one for self preservation.
Racers battled 2 feet of fresh powder, some narrow lines, steeps, trees, tree branches, and all manner of backcountry skibiking. Most survived unscathed while one rider trimmed a 1.5 inch diameter tree branch with his full face helmet.
Riders were shuttled back up to the top of the pass for the jumping contest. After moving and setting up the ramp in the area below the warming hut, contestants worked up the courage to ride the ramp. Skiers and snowboarders tried out the ramp too.
About seven ski bikers decided to enter the jumping contest. There were a few backslaps, a handlebar ejection, and some tomahawks. No one got hurt.
Everyone then retired to the Berthoud Pass parking lot for the awards ceremony. Devin Lenz won the DH and Cliff from Pedal the Peaks in Durango won the jumping contest.
More photos from the event can be found here.
© 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.
Saturday, April 30, 2011
The Brenter C4 Enduro skibike review
When I started skibiking a few years ago the first thing I noticed was a lack of information about skibikes. There was really very little information on the internet and elsewhere. Trying to Google the term 'ski bike' was not very helpful.
As a result I started taking out the skibikes in the Winter Park Resort ski bike rental fleet and taking them through their paces. Three models of Stalmach ski bobs were also taken through their paces on a variety of terrain.
I soon discovered each brand and type of skibike has its own performance characteristics. While riding them I began to document the differences.
The Brenter C4 Enduro skibike has been around since the 1940's and is the staple rental bike at the few ski resorts that rent ski bikes.
I took out the Brenter C4 skibikes when they were brand new to the rental fleet at Winter Park Resort. I wrote up my results in an article entitled "Ski Bike Reviews: Brenter Snowbike C4 Enduro".
After being in the rental fleet at Winter Park a few years now, I have further opinions about the Brenter C4 skibike based upon a few years of direct observation.
1) The Brenter C4's are not very durable. They tend to shake apart with moderate useage. The seat screws, the ski screws, and the headset require constant adjustment and tightening.
2) The frames give a very bouncy ride. This left my lower back aching some days. Other brands of skibikes had much better shock absorption.
3) The skis on the Brenter C4 skibike started delaminating after one season.
4) The bindings on the Brenter foot skis are poorly constructed. They wear out quickly and don't stay adjusted correctly. The skis then fall off your ski boots unexpectedly. I don't know if the ski binding type binding are more durable.
5) Parts on the Brenter C4 appear to wear out quicker than on other snow bikes or ski bobs.
The Brenter C4 is a good entry level snow bike or skibob but if your budget allows, buying a higher quality skibike will be less expensive in the long run.
© 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.
As a result I started taking out the skibikes in the Winter Park Resort ski bike rental fleet and taking them through their paces. Three models of Stalmach ski bobs were also taken through their paces on a variety of terrain.
I soon discovered each brand and type of skibike has its own performance characteristics. While riding them I began to document the differences.
The Brenter C4 Enduro skibike has been around since the 1940's and is the staple rental bike at the few ski resorts that rent ski bikes.
I took out the Brenter C4 skibikes when they were brand new to the rental fleet at Winter Park Resort. I wrote up my results in an article entitled "Ski Bike Reviews: Brenter Snowbike C4 Enduro".
After being in the rental fleet at Winter Park a few years now, I have further opinions about the Brenter C4 skibike based upon a few years of direct observation.
1) The Brenter C4's are not very durable. They tend to shake apart with moderate useage. The seat screws, the ski screws, and the headset require constant adjustment and tightening.
2) The frames give a very bouncy ride. This left my lower back aching some days. Other brands of skibikes had much better shock absorption.
3) The skis on the Brenter C4 skibike started delaminating after one season.
4) The bindings on the Brenter foot skis are poorly constructed. They wear out quickly and don't stay adjusted correctly. The skis then fall off your ski boots unexpectedly. I don't know if the ski binding type binding are more durable.
5) Parts on the Brenter C4 appear to wear out quicker than on other snow bikes or ski bobs.
The Brenter C4 is a good entry level snow bike or skibob but if your budget allows, buying a higher quality skibike will be less expensive in the long run.
© 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.
Friday, April 29, 2011
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.
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.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Skibike buyer's guide
Those who are new to skibikes and skibiking are faced with an onslaught of information when first looking into this winter sport.
There are several types of manufactured skibikes and ski bike kits that allow one to construct their own. How does one choose the right bike for the new rider?
I put together a very basic guide about ski bikes and their characteristics. It will help beginner skibiker's understand most of the equipment out on the ski slopes today.
One can find it by following this link "Buyer's Guide to Ski Bikes: What's Important?"
© 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.
There are several types of manufactured skibikes and ski bike kits that allow one to construct their own. How does one choose the right bike for the new rider?
I put together a very basic guide about ski bikes and their characteristics. It will help beginner skibiker's understand most of the equipment out on the ski slopes today.
One can find it by following this link "Buyer's Guide to Ski Bikes: What's Important?"
© 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.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Ski bike manufacturer Devin Lenz interviewed by Vail Plum TV
Back in 2008, Vail Plum TV managed to score an interview with the camera-shy skibike builder Devin Lenz.
In the interview Devin reveals how he got interested in riding and making skibikes. Along the way, one interviewer learns how to ski bike on the ski slopes of Copper Mountain.
Ray Suder also explains his skibiking history and how he transitioned from 'foot-ski' skibikes to 'peg' skibikes.
While the guys play around and do some crashing around in the video, they are all really expert skibikers and can hit everything on the hill.
Unfortunately, peg ski bikes are now banned from Copper Mountain. Too bad. Lenz Sport skibikes are available for lessons and rental exclusively at Winter Park Resort.
Private lessons and demos are available through Lenz Sport representatives with prior arrangement at select Colorado ski resorts.
© 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.
In the interview Devin reveals how he got interested in riding and making skibikes. Along the way, one interviewer learns how to ski bike on the ski slopes of Copper Mountain.
Ray Suder also explains his skibiking history and how he transitioned from 'foot-ski' skibikes to 'peg' skibikes.
While the guys play around and do some crashing around in the video, they are all really expert skibikers and can hit everything on the hill.
Unfortunately, peg ski bikes are now banned from Copper Mountain. Too bad. Lenz Sport skibikes are available for lessons and rental exclusively at Winter Park Resort.
Private lessons and demos are available through Lenz Sport representatives with prior arrangement at select Colorado ski resorts.
© 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.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
More action from the 2008 Durango Skibike Festival
In 2008 skibikers and skibike manufacturers descended upon Durango Mountain Resort to ride the fresh powder. Really deep and fresh powder.
Skibikers on Koski Monotracs and Lenz Sport Alpine Brawlers tackled the steeps, moguls, half pipe, and jumps. Since they were laughing alot, one can assume they had a fun time.
This is Devin Lenz's favorite video from that skibike festival.
© 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.
Skibikers on Koski Monotracs and Lenz Sport Alpine Brawlers tackled the steeps, moguls, half pipe, and jumps. Since they were laughing alot, one can assume they had a fun time.
This is Devin Lenz's favorite video from that skibike festival.
© 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.
Monday, April 25, 2011
An Introduction to Skibikes
In Colorado, people are becoming more aware of skibiking as more skibikers take to the slopes. A few years ago most skibikers were asked about their bikes in the ski lift line and out on the ski slopes.
While visitors to Colorado ski resorts may know more about skibikes, there are still many more people who are curious about them. Some want to know how they are controlled while others are trying to figure out if it is their next winter sport.
To educate people about today's modern skibiking and traditional 'foot ski' skibikes, I wrote up an article in 2009 entitled "An Introduction to Ski Bikes and Board Bikes". It gives a brief rundown of the sport and skibikes.
The article addresses the frequent questions skibikers encounter while out on the slopes. After talking to people who've struggled with skiing or snowboarding, they're ready to dump it and just take up skibiking.
© 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.
While visitors to Colorado ski resorts may know more about skibikes, there are still many more people who are curious about them. Some want to know how they are controlled while others are trying to figure out if it is their next winter sport.
To educate people about today's modern skibiking and traditional 'foot ski' skibikes, I wrote up an article in 2009 entitled "An Introduction to Ski Bikes and Board Bikes". It gives a brief rundown of the sport and skibikes.
The article addresses the frequent questions skibikers encounter while out on the slopes. After talking to people who've struggled with skiing or snowboarding, they're ready to dump it and just take up skibiking.
© 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.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Where to go skibiking in Colorado
Skibikes have come a long way in the past five years. Just a few years ago the number of Colorado ski resorts where it was legal could be counted on one hand.
It takes at least two hands now to count the Colorado ski resorts where ski biking is permitted or allowed to some degree. The rules and bikes allowed vary from ski resort to ski resort.
Exploring a ski area or ski resorts website may give clues if they are ski-bike friendly in Colorado. Then again it may not. Contacting the resort may just be the best way to find out.
In 2009, I wrote a piece entitled "The Best Places to Ski Bike in Colorado" As ski resorts have change their policies on ski bikes, it's been updated. So if you want to know where to take a skibike for a ride in Colorado, it's all there.
If a ski resort/area isn't included - please let me know.
© 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.
It takes at least two hands now to count the Colorado ski resorts where ski biking is permitted or allowed to some degree. The rules and bikes allowed vary from ski resort to ski resort.
Exploring a ski area or ski resorts website may give clues if they are ski-bike friendly in Colorado. Then again it may not. Contacting the resort may just be the best way to find out.
In 2009, I wrote a piece entitled "The Best Places to Ski Bike in Colorado" As ski resorts have change their policies on ski bikes, it's been updated. So if you want to know where to take a skibike for a ride in Colorado, it's all there.
If a ski resort/area isn't included - please let me know.
© 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.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Skibikes love the moguls, trees, terrain parks, jumps, and much more
Most people out on the slopes are so unfamiliar with skibikes that they don't understand what they are capable of unless they see it for themselves. A common misconception that I find is that 'skibkes are only ridden on green slopes'. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Just riding skibkes on easy green ski slopes gets boring pretty quickly. Most skibikers transition to other terrain once they are solid in their stopping and weight placement skills.
In 2007, Team Lenz Sport headed into the moguls, jumps, and terrain parks at Winter Park Resort and Arapahoe Basin. The video below shows how they fared. After watching it, you'll realize skibiking offers the same level abilities as skiing and snowboarding.
© 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.
Just riding skibkes on easy green ski slopes gets boring pretty quickly. Most skibikers transition to other terrain once they are solid in their stopping and weight placement skills.
In 2007, Team Lenz Sport headed into the moguls, jumps, and terrain parks at Winter Park Resort and Arapahoe Basin. The video below shows how they fared. After watching it, you'll realize skibiking offers the same level abilities as skiing and snowboarding.
© 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.
Friday, April 22, 2011
Looking for a used skibike?
Finding a used skibike can be a challenge if one doesn't know where to look or is new to the sport. After several years of searching around and becoming active in the local Colorado skibiking community, I've discovered a number of places.
1) The oddball listing on Craigslist.
2) On the Skibike Forum on Yahoo! Groups.
3) SkiBikeFun.com sells used skibikes.
4) Ski areas that are discontinuing their ski bike program.
5) Direct from the builders - especially at the end of the ski season.
The list is almost endless on how to find a used ski bike. Used skibikes also offer a great price break too.
© 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.
1) The oddball listing on Craigslist.
2) On the Skibike Forum on Yahoo! Groups.
3) SkiBikeFun.com sells used skibikes.
4) Ski areas that are discontinuing their ski bike program.
5) Direct from the builders - especially at the end of the ski season.
The list is almost endless on how to find a used ski bike. Used skibikes also offer a great price break too.
© 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.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Lenz Sport Skibikes goes skibiking in 2008
Back in 2008, Lenz Sport Skibikes traveled to Buttermilk, Snowmass, Arapahoe Basin Ski Area, Winter Park Resort, and Copper Mountain and documented their activities. In some scenes you'll see some of the Winter X Games banners at Buttermilk.
Peg skibikes are still welcome at all the above Colorado ski resorts except for Copper Mountain. Skibikes were banned from Copper Mountain starting with the 2010-11 ski season.
The below video captures Devin riding in moguls, over jumps, and in the half pipe.
© 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.
Peg skibikes are still welcome at all the above Colorado ski resorts except for Copper Mountain. Skibikes were banned from Copper Mountain starting with the 2010-11 ski season.
The below video captures Devin riding in moguls, over jumps, and in the half pipe.
© 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.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Biskit teaches skibiking at Winter Park Resort in February 2011
Biskit took a few never-evers out on the Lenz Sport ski bikes in February 2011 on the slopes of Winter Park Resort. Winter Park Resort is the only ski resort that teaches and rents Lenz Sport ski bikes.
© 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.
© 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.
Footage from the 2011 Durango Ski Bike Festival
The local TV station in Durango covered the latest Skibike Festival at Durango Mountain Resort in Durango, Colorado.
They covered a great deal of where skibiking is headed to in Colorado. Great job of distributing information on ski bikes by the crew at Pedal the Peaks.
© 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.
They covered a great deal of where skibiking is headed to in Colorado. Great job of distributing information on ski bikes by the crew at Pedal the Peaks.
© 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.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Jason Wilber goes skibiking at Winter Park Resort
In 2008, Jason Wilber and the gang from Lenz Sport Skibikes went skibiking around Winter Park Resort on a powder day. They hit the trees, jumps, and maybe snuck into the terrain park.
Skibike lessons and rentals are now available through the Ski & Ride School at Winter Park Resort. Lessons and a skibike license are required before one can rent a skibike.
Skibikes are currently allowed everywhere but the terrain park at Winter Park Resort. There are plenty of hits and features if you know where to look.
© 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.
Skibike lessons and rentals are now available through the Ski & Ride School at Winter Park Resort. Lessons and a skibike license are required before one can rent a skibike.
Skibikes are currently allowed everywhere but the terrain park at Winter Park Resort. There are plenty of hits and features if you know where to look.
© 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.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
2008 Skibike Festival at Durango Mountain Resort
Devin and the gang headed down to Durango, Colorado in 2008 for the annual Skibike Festival that is held there. It is the largest festival of its kind. Skibike manufacturers come and let the public demo their skibikes with a valid ski bike license.
Durango Mountain Resort allows skibiking on most of its slopes. They aren't allowed in the terrain parks now. The skibikes are only allowed on specific chair lifts too.
There was fresh snowfall in 2008 for the festival and the guys made the most of it. This is one of two video's documenting their adventures.
© 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.
Durango Mountain Resort allows skibiking on most of its slopes. They aren't allowed in the terrain parks now. The skibikes are only allowed on specific chair lifts too.
There was fresh snowfall in 2008 for the festival and the guys made the most of it. This is one of two video's documenting their adventures.
© 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.
Saturday, April 16, 2011
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.
© 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.
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.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Skibiking on Berthoud Pass - 7 Mile
In the spring of 2010, Devin and a bunch of friends went skibiking on Berthoud Pass near Winter Park Resort in Colorado. Yes, they went backcountry on ski bikes.
After working on their skibike technique at Winter Park Resort, they loaded up the ski bikes and went to the top of the Pass. From the results, I'd say they had alot of fun.
Lenz Sport Skibike - 7 Mile Run from Trevor Martin 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.
After working on their skibike technique at Winter Park Resort, they loaded up the ski bikes and went to the top of the Pass. From the results, I'd say they had alot of fun.
Lenz Sport Skibike - 7 Mile Run from Trevor Martin 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.
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