Downhill Mountain Biking for Serious Thrill Seekers

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”

- Helen Keller

Remember when as a kid you’d drop and roll down a hill for the thrill of speed? How giddy you’d get with laughter and excitement.

Well, downhill mountain biking gives you that same rush multiplied a million times over. If you’re thinking ‘jump on a bike and ride down a hill’, think again. Downhill mountain biking is a new entrant in the field of adventure sports. It requires a great deal of physical endurance and usually months of training.

Not exactly an amateur sport but if you’re up to exploring more, here’s where you should be heading…

1. Mt. Buller, Australia

A winter wonderland with snow-clad slopes in the winter, Mt. Buller, Australia transforms itself in the summer. With downhill tracks filled with their share of ramps, jumps and drop-offs, the tracks are accessible by chairlift. The trails, which include Abom Downhill, Home Trail and Yellow Post vary from intermediate to advanced, depending on your skill level, and range between 1 to 2.5 kilometers in distance.

Best Time to Visit: Christmas to mid-April. All riders must have a valid pass to cover all the mountain tracks and chairlift access

Cost: Starting at 15 Australian Dollars (AUD) for Adults

2. Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Canada

Some downhill mountain bikers prefer natural terrains over those that are man-made. However, Whistler Mountain Bike Park proves otherwise. Whistler has a staggering 4,900 vertical feet of descending mountain bike trail spanning Fitzs, Garbo and Peak zones. Collectively, the three zones cover 76 kilometers and range from Pro Line to Easy trails, filled with thrilling terrain variations.

Best Time to Visit: Early May to mid-October. All lift and operation timings are weather dependent and subject to change

Cost: Starting at 249 Canadian Dollars (CAD) for a 5-day Adult Pass.

3. Les Gets, France

In the heart of the picturesque French Alps, Les Gets offers 21 tracks across 650 kilometers of marked terrain that spreads across two countries in the Portes du Soleil area. Now, that’s something for mountain bikers to really get a kick out of! Les Gets offers challenging courses for beginners and experts alike along with a jump park, kids’ zone and mountain biking circuits for families.

Best Time to Visit: June 28 to September 1

Cost: Starting at 23 Euros (€) 

4. Dirt Park, New Zealand

Less than an hour’s drive from Queenstown will get you to Dirt Park, New Zealand’s premier mountain biking park in the South Island. Cateringto experienced daredevils, the track is steep and rocky with stomach churning gaps and drops. The two kilometre run is divided in to two sections, the upper and lower, aptly named Lode Runner and Gravity Separation.

Best Time to Visit: December 27 to January 18

Cost: Starting at 50 New Zealand Dollars (NZD)

5. Cancha Carrera, Chile 

Located in Santiago in Chile, Canch Carrera is a trail recommended for advanced mountain bikers. The trails are rewarding in every way with incredible views of the vast Chilean mountain ranges. At an elevation of 999 meters spread across 13 kilometers, the trail is technically challenging with loose gravel paths and sharp curves giving way to zigzag paths and gaps to jump. It’s recommended that even the most experienced bikers ride with someone familiar as there are plenty of dead ends to run in to!

Safety Tips to Keep in Mind:

Like all adventure sports, downhill mountain biking requires all bikers, irrespective of their skill level, to consider the following safety measures before setting off.

#1 Equipment Check: Most downhill mountain biking parks and trails have bikes that you can rent. However, if you choose to ride your own bike, make sure it’s in excellent working condition. Check these off your list - working brakes, correct tire pressure and an oiled chain. Carry a basic bike repair kit if you can.

#2 Protective Gear: Protective gear is the most critical and necessary facet for all bikers to keep in mind. Besides the shirt on your back, protective gear includes a helmet, gloves, body armour and appropriate eyewear.

#3 Stay on Track: Even if it’s a trail that you may have ridden before, it’s important to stay in control and on the right track at all times. Follow trail signs and don’t let your sense of adventure get the better of you by deviating off a marked trail.

#4 Basic First Aid: Along with a water bottle and energy bars, which you may need along the way, pack a basic first aid kit for the nicks and bruises you may get. A tube of antiseptic ointment and bandages are essential.

Off you go!