How to Take Snow Biking Lessons

Learning to ride on snow roads can take more than just practice. Sometimes, despite your best intentions, you may need to attend classes. If that's the case, there are some options on where to look and what to do to learn the proper techniques for snow biking.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

FInd the Right School

1. Look for mountain bike lessons. Because snow biking is mostly done on back country roads, learning to handle rough terrain, hills and hard turns is essential, even if you are practicing on a different type of ground. Many mountain biking schools offer classes late in the fall, which will help you deal with water streams, mud and changes in weather.

2. Inquire at skiing resorts and back-country riding schools about the chance for snow biking in the area. Even if they don't have a formal school, they may be able to partner you with a professional who can teach you how to handle the local roads.

3. Go to Vermont, which is considered the capital of snow biking. The base for the annual championship organized by the National Off-Road Bicycling Association, the state features several routes equipped with chair lifts and other amenities. Most of the places work year-around, and offer classes and workshops to avid bikers and beginners alike.

4. Search for a snow biking workshop that is at least a day long. While the basics of mountain biking can be learn in a few hours, dealing with snow and ice takes longer. A course that lasts at least 6 hours will be ideal for introducing you to the sport and may teach you how to deal with obstacles and navigation.

5. Take a course that includes lessons beyond the basics of how to maneuver a bike. You want an instructor who will teach you how to deal with basic off-road repairs, cold weather and packing an emergency kit.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't find a place to take lessons near home, consider practicing in local parks and back country roads on your own. This is especially helpful if you've never tried snow biking before, as it will help you land the basic skills to maneuver on the uneven surfaces.
• Many snow biking schools are actually organized as trip providers. Instead of simply joining a workshop, you go along on a multiple-day journey with other riders and a professional biker. This is a great opportunity to get hands-on experience and come out of the trip with real-life learning.

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[daysailer1]

on 12/24/2008 I think the author is confused about what a snow bike is. Here's a great Youtube video demonstrating it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf2F5TC5kjc

[daysailer1]

on 12/24/2008 I think the author is confused about what a snow bike is. Here's a great Youtube video demonstrating it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jf2F5TC5kjc