Let the thrills begin at Snowmass Bike Park

Cyclists looking for an easy ride up and a thrilling, warp-speed descent will welcome news that the Snowmass Bike Park opened for the season June 24.

The bike park is open every day through Sept. 5 and on weekends through Oct. 1 and 2. The Elk Camp Gondola runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last ride down at 4:15 p.m. The Elk Camp Chairlift runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with the last ride down at 3:15 p.m.

The park, operated by Aspen Skiing Co., will host Bonus Bike Nights on Tuesdays from July 19 through Aug. 23. Lift-served biking continues on those evenings until dusk.

The park features trails for all levels of riders, and bike pros teach clinics that help riders master the basics. Intermediate to advanced riders will find twisting routes on the Valhalla, Viking and Vapor trails deep in the aspen trees at Snowmass Ski Area. All of them are about 2.7 miles. The Verde Trail — a 3.5-mile flow trail — is good for beginners to practice their skills and for intermediates trying to sharpen their cornering and fundamental skills.

The bike park also provides access to several cross-country ski trails at the ski area. The network has more than 50 miles overall, including the Expresso, Government, Cross Mountain and Tom Blake trails.

A bike-park ticket is $42 for a full day and $29 for late arrivals after 2 p.m. Premier season-pass holders can access the bike park for $10. Other winter-season passholders pay $20.

For all the information on the Snowmass Bike Park, go to http://www.aspensnowmass.com/plan-your-stay/biking/bike-snowmass.

This weekend also is Snowmass Demo Days, where the latest equipment will be available for rent over the weekend.