Downhill Days & Race Support
Downhill Days
Full day program brings athletes to local resorts (e.g. Trestle, Granby Ranch, Keystone) where skill development and progression can be quickly achieved through lift service access and repetitive practice on challenging terrain. Athletes interested in all disciplines of mountain biking will learn to master the art of descending confidently and safely on purpose-built trails. Rides are organized around a progression of trails based on each rider’s demonstrated ability level and goals each day.
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2026 Dates TBA
Summer DH Days - Fridays, 7am-5pm
Fall DH Days - Sundays, 8am - 5pm
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10 years of age and up
Skill Requirements:
Intermediate - Advanced riders. Must demonstrate mastery of foundational bike handling skills including balancing & pedaling, shifting, braking, and comfortably standing up on their pedals on downhills with technical features (Blue/Black rated trails).
Must be comfortable riding a lift and loading bike on lift (with resort staff assistance)
Must be prepared to start the ride with a coach and the group; and stay with the coach and group for the duration of the ride.
This is not a “learn to ride” program and not suitable for beginner mountain bikers.
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Lift serviced bike park - may include one or more of the following locations: Trestle (Winter Park), Granby Ranch, or Keystone.
Athletes will ride a variety of trails and sections of trails at the bike park ranging from Blue to Black rated sections.
Some examples from Trestle include: Shy Ann, Lower Boulevard, Trestle DH Tater Patch, Rainmaker, Middle Boulevard, Bear Arms, Free Speech.
Athletes meet at the SMBA office at in the morning and ride in the van with coaches to their ride location. The van returns to the office in the late afternoon.
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Must bring:
A properly fitting, trail-ready mountain bike in good working condition with disc brakes and suitable tires for rugged singletrack. We recommend a minimum 24” wheels.
Full face helmet and goggles
Knee and elbow pads
Any additional protective gear that athlete normally uses on downhill days.
Comfortable hydration pack or backpack with a water reservoir (e.g. camelback) and enough space to hold snacks, water, a jacket for colder weather conditions, and equipment necessary to change a flat tire and make minor trail-side repairs/adjustments.
We also recommend that athletes bring $10 for snack purchases at the resort or ice cream after the ride.
Full face helmets, pads, and additional protective gear can be rented at the resort for a fee.
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DH Day: $150
Includes: van transportation to and from ski area, full day coaching, and fun!
Program fee does not include lift ticket
Race Support
SMBA offers comprehensive race support for select races each season, catering to both novice and experienced racers. Our athletes benefit from dedicated mechanical support, professional coaching and pre-rides, and the camaraderie of a supportive team atmosphere. Every race provides a unique opportunity to create lasting memories while honing racing skills.
Race day support is offered through add-on sign ups for each race, or a full race series.
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The SMBA Race Support Crew will be at the following races in 2026:
Session Series -TBA
Ned Gravel - 7/11
Revolution Enduro - Dates TBA
Winter Park XC - Dates TBA
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Ages: 8 years & up (age/skill categories & requirements vary by race)
Minimum Skill Requirements:
Must have basic foundational bike handling skills including balancing & pedaling, shifting, braking, and comfortably standing up on their pedals on uphill and downhill sections of trail with technical features (Level 3 or higher)
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Must bring:
A race-ready, properly fitting, mountain bike with disc brakes in good working condition. We recommend a minimum 24” wheels.
Properly fitting helmet in safe working condition (no cracks, sun damage, dents, or broken straps and/or buckles).
Bike shoes
Bike shorts and jersey
Sunglasses
Full finger bike gloves
Additional protective equipment required for some DH and enduro races.
Tube, multitool, pump
Race fuel (hydration, snacks).
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Add on race support pricing - TBA

