Two Kinds of Experiences
   There are two separate mountain biking parks (and experiences) to explore at Snowshoe Mountain. First, the more daring and seasoned mountain bikers come for the Downhill Bike Park. This area includes a number of “experts only” trails that contain steep hills, jumps, sharp turns and natural and manmade obstacles. The massive area, which covers the Basin and Western Territory at the resort, utilizes chairlifts to quickly carry riders back to the top of the mountain after a long run, thus allowing for potentially dozens of rides each day—and very little pedaling!

   While many of the Downhill Bike Park trails are for experienced riders, there are plenty of beginner and intermediate trails as well, including the Easy Street Trail, which zigzags down a mountain through the woods for more than 2 miles, ending at Shavers Lake next to the chairlift. Easy Street is considered a “freeride” trail, meaning it’s relatively wide as compared to a “technical” trail, which is often narrow and lined with trees and other obstacles. A step up from Easy Street, but still intermediate, is the Skyline Trail, which is over 3 miles long and a little steeper and more rugged than Easy Street. 

   The most dangerous trail at the park is called the Lower Hare Ball. At just over a half-mile long, it is described as “The hardest downhill in the state, featuring steep, greasy rocks, roots and drops, finishing with linked double jumps.” It’s where the most injuries occur at the park. 

   As a way to build up to the Hare Ball (and other advanced trails), the resort contains a number of “skill development areas” that provide riders an opportunity to learn and develop new skills away from the trail environment. They contain natural and man-made features and obstacles that riders will encounter on more difficult trails. For a fee, you can even receive lessons from a pro. 

   The second kind of experience (and far safer) is the Backcountry Trail System, which will require pedaling! This section of the resort includes 32 miles of backcountry trails (flat and rolling hills) at various levels of difficulty. Most of the major trails are less than 2 miles long, but are often combined to form giant loops and figure-8s through the vast park. An entire day can be spent among the depths of the backcountry. 

   Probably the most popular backcountry trail at the park is the Cheat Mountain Ridge Trail. Covering 3.8 miles, the trail follows the rim of Snowshoe Basin. It is especially popular in the early morning and evening, when the sun is rising or setting. The sunsets here really are brilliant! 

   The easiest (least dangerous) backcountry trail is called Powder Puff. It is 1.2 miles long and is almost entirely downhill. Likewise, the Fire Tower Trail is 2 miles long and is a steady 816-foot descent.  

   All in all, many days and hours can be spent exploring the vast trail systems at Snowshoe Mountain Resort. In the evening, or in between trail rides, guests at the resort can explore the Mountain Top Village, where award-winning dining, nightlife, shopping and entertainment are available, as are endless lodging options. Best of all, lodging in the summer is much more affordable than during ski season, yet, still equally luxurious. Many rooms come with a Fun Pass, which offers access to indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a climbing wall and other family friendly activities at the resort.