Fat Biking in Colorado
Colorado consistently ranks as one of the healthiest states in America. It is no surprise, then, that Coloradans are smitten with an outdoor winter activity that sounds insane to those in less active climes: fat biking.
Colorado consistently ranks as one of the healthiest states in America. It is no surprise, then, that Coloradans are smitten with an outdoor winter activity that sounds insane to those in less active climes: fat biking.
This snow-season innovation allows exercise-zany Coloradans to keep their wheels spinning, no matter the season. Find out where to fat bike in Colorado below.
Fat bikes are becoming fixtures on groomed multi-use trails throughout Colorado, and many Nordic centers and ski resorts are now allowing them on their trails. Crested Butte, always ready to adopt biking innovations, is home to the Alley Lop Fat Bike Race; Sunlight Mountain Resort in Glenwood Springs and Copper Mountain both host races and rides guided by moon and bike lights; the Cloud City Wheelers bicyling club in Leadville coordinates its Winter Mountain Bike Race Series throughout the snowy season; and the 10-hour Silverton Whiteout race debuted in 2015. (Many events are in January; check our events page for details.)
The comically wide tires bring back memories of clunky first-generation mountain bikes, when weight and agility weren’t main priorities. With fatter tires and handlebars and not-kidding-around treads, these new bikes aren’t speedy, but they can go just about anywhere, floating on the snow and giving people of all skill levels a new mode of exploration. Many ski areas offer lessons with staff instructors; the bikes’ three-point stance and low center of gravity make it an easy activity to pick up.
Fat-Bike Rentals
These are just a few of the shops that cater to those wanting to spin their wheels atop the powder:
- Ridgway Wrench in Ridgway
- Broadmoor Outfitters in Colorado Springs
- Orange Peel Bicyle Service in Steamboat Springs
- Pagosa Mountain Sports in Pagosa Springs
- Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash
- Adventure West in Golden
- Vail Nordic Center in Vail
- Kokopelli Bike & Board in Cortez
- University Bikes in Boulder
- Cycles of Life in Leadville
Fat-Bike Tours
There's no need to go it alone! These outfitters can give you as little or as much guidance as you're seeking on your first fat-bike outing:
- Front Range Guides gives guided half- and full-day custom tours in Boulder, Denver and Fort Collins that include a “cycling ambassador,” rentals, transportation, lunch/trail snacks and a video of your tour.
- Beer & Bike Tours in Fort Collins leads the way during fat-bike adventures on snow-packed trails or singletrack at Lory State Park and surrounding areas. Rent from their fleet or bring your own ride, then look forward to a local craft brew at the day's end.
- Ignite Adaptive Sports in Nederland offers adaptive fat-bike lessons near locally loved Eldora Mountain.
- Breckenridge Gold Run Nordic Ski Center offers day and full-moon tours on their network of trails.
View more listings for bike outfitters in Colorado >>
Where to Fat Bike
Some of the spots that allow fat biking on their trails:
- Aspen Snowmass Nordic Trail System
- Latigo Ranch in Kremmling
- Durango Nordic Center at Purgatory Resort
- Howelsen Hill Nordic Center, Emerald Mountain and Lake Catamount Touring Center in Steamboat Springs
- Sunlight Mountain Resort
Find more Colorado Nordic Centers >>
Ski Bike Down the Slopes
Ski biking (sometimes called snow biking) is another way to experience the beauty of a Colorado winter and also get your adrenaline flowing. It’s simply a bike with the wheels replaced by skis. Many ski areas offer lessons with staff instructors; the bikes’ three-point stance and low center of gravity make it an easy activity to pick up.
Ski Resorts That Rent Ski Bikes
Want more?
Check out adaptive winter sports in Colorado.
Explore the coolest places to aprés ski (or aprés fat bike).
