What Is Ski Biking? Everything You Need To Know

What Is Ski Biking?

Ski biking is a winter sport that uses a specific type of bike without wheels, pedals, brakes, or a drivetrain.

Instead, a ski bike frame is typically fitted with small skis that slide along snow. Rather than pedaling, a ski biker uses gravity, similar to downhill skiing or snowboarding, to slide at an established ski area or resort. Ski bikers then take the same uphill chairlifts, gondolas, and other modes of transportation as skiers to rinse and repeat the thrill of sliding downhill on snow.

There are a variety of ski bikes with differing contact points with snow, geometry, suspension, etc., but all work under a similar premise. Rather than using hand brakes like you would on a wheeled bicycle, ski bikers carve into the snow from side to side to slow themselves down.

Which Resorts Allow Ski Biking?

Ski biking is still a relatively new sport, but ski resorts are beginning to accept it at an increasing rate. Americanskibike.com has a list of resorts that permit ski biking but with a disclaimer to "always call ahead and check."

Here are some notable resorts that allow ski biking, according to Americanskibike.com:

• Alyeska Resort, Alaska
• Arapahoe Basin, Colorado
• Arizona Snowbowl, Arizona
• Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
• Big Sky, Montana
• Brighton, Utah
• Breckenridge, Colorado
• Cannon Mountain, New Hampshire
• Crystal Mountain Resort, Washington
• Heavenly Ski Resort, CA/NV
• Hunter Mountain, New York
• Jay Peak, Vermont
• Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
• Saddleback, Maine
• Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Pennsylvania
• Sleeping Giant Ski Area, Wyoming
• Spirit Mountain, Minnesota
• Tamarack, Idaho
• Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico
• Timberline Lodge, Oregon

What Are the Types of Ski Bikes?

There are three types of ski bikes recognized by the American SkiBike Association.

• Type I (Classic): These are the original ski bikes that were first used in the 1960s and '70s in Europe. It's also referred to as 'skibobbing' in some circles. Riders sit down and use small skis attached to their feet to slow down.
• Type II (Freestyle): A newer form of ski biking, these bikes have fixed pedals that keep the rider's feet suspended above the snow. The frame has two contact points, one in the front and one in the rear, and uses modern mountain bike suspension for a smoother ride. Riders can stand up or sit down.
• Type III (Trike): The newest form of ski bike, these frames use three contact points with the snow, similar to a tricycle. The front ski typically has suspension similar to a mountain bike fork. The rear skis are stood on by the rider. Riders typically ride Type III snow bikes standing up.

Is Ski Biking Hard To Learn?

According to most ski biking experts, the learning curve is much quicker than traditional downhill skiing or snowboarding. This is because most children learn how to ride a bicycle at a young age. The sensation of sitting or standing on a snow bike is quite similar and typically only takes a few tries to get the hang of.

How Do Ski Bikes Ride Chairlifts?

Make sure to check with the lift operator before boarding, but most ski bikes are quite light and easy to load onto a traditional chairlift.

SNO-GO, a popular Type III ski bike maker, includes a 'chairlift hook' on their bikes that's meant to rest between your backside and the chairlift. Riders simply sit down on the chair and scoot the hook underneath of them.

Other ski bike brands require riders to hold the frame on the chairlift or to rest it on an empty seat adjacent to them.