Start at the top of 5 Mile
Valemount Bike Park is indeed emerging as a world-class mountain biking destination, blending adrenaline-pumping downhill runs, family-friendly flow trails, and rugged technical features—all set against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. Here’s why it’s a must-visit, along with key details about its proximity to Mica Mountain Lodge (just 20 minutes away) and its diverse trail offerings:
1. Trail Diversity for All Skill Levels
Valemount’s trail network boasts 67 trails spanning beginner to expert levels, with highlights including:
- Family-Friendly Flow:
- Bacon by NDIT: A 2-km gravity-assisted flow trail with berms, rollers, and manageable jumps, perfect for skill-building and family rides.
- Provincial Down: Beginner-friendly downhill trail with mellow grades and scenic views.
- Technical & North Shore-Style Features:
- Tech Zone: A compact network of rocky, elevation-heavy loops with optional technical features like ladder drops and wall rides.
- Turducken: A double-black downhill trail with natural rock lines and tree features, delivering an “adrenaline rush” for experts.
- Jump Lines & Downhill Thrills:
- High Roller: Rebuilt with 20+ jumps and unique features, starting at 1,500m elevation 2.
- Tinfoil Hat: Intermediate jump line with tabletop hits and ride-arounds for drops.
2. Proximity to Mica Mountain Lodge
- Located 20 minutes from the lodge, the park’s main staging area is easily accessible via 5 Mile Road (a well-graded shuttle route).
- Shuttle Options:
- Peak Shuttles offers weekend services (April–October)
- Self-shuttling is possible with 2WD vehicles, though 4×4 is recommended to reduce road wear.
3. Family-Friendly Amenities & Community Vibe
- Staging Area: Picnic sites, outhouses, and parking (no overnight camping).
- Local Support:
- VARDA maintains trails and offers memberships to fund development.
- Rentals/repairs at Bikes & Bites and District Bicycle Co., including kids’ gear.
- Post-Ride Eats: The Ale Trail connects riders to Three Ranges Brewing Co. in town.
4. Seasonal Access & Safety
- Season: Mid-May to mid-October (check Valemount Bike Park Facebook for real-time updates) 26.
- Safety Tips:
- Helmets mandatory; body armor advised for downhill.
- Bear-aware protocols (carry spray, make noise).
5. Why It’s World-Class
- Scenery: Trails weave through alpine forests with views of Mount Robson and Kinbasket Lake.
- Progression Focus: Trails like Inversion (novice XC) and Stinger (intermediate tech) cater to skill growth.
- Affordability: Free to ride, with optional shuttles/memberships supporting trail upkeep.
For a full trail map or to support the park, visit VARDA’s website. Whether you’re staying at Mica Mountain Lodge or passing through, Valemount promises an unforgettable ride for all ages!
5 Mile
5 Mile Road Overview Purpose: Primary access road for the Valemount Bike Park, serving as a shuttle route to gravity-assisted downhill trails and the Selwyn Traverse Trail north trailhead. Stats: Length: 7.5 km (4.6 miles) of doubletrack forest service road....
