Mountain Bike Beginner Guide To Thredbo

THREDBO have the best mountain bike terrain and all accessible via their lift network that whisks you to the top of the mountain. In February they also hosted Australia’s biggest mountain bike event, the Cannonball Festival plus the Australian championships where thousands of riders competed.

Not everyone is at that level to ride the advanced trails and compete, although many do aspire to improve their skill and eventually hit the exciting gravity trails.

The MTB Beginner Guide on the Thredbo website has all the important information to get you started riding mountain bikes. The Guide takes you through all stages so you can understand the di erent elements to make your riding more enjoyable. Plus, there is a full breakdown on what bikes are suited to what terrain. You can start by assessing your own level via the mountain bike quiz before planning your next stage. The guide also recommends all the equipment and safety gear you will require so you can plan before you arrive to either purchase or hire what is required. understanding of the di culty rating and trail system.

As with any improvement, tuition is key. Establishing the right technique from the outset is the cornerstone of any sport, and your first two hour clinic will be your starting point. Thredbo certified instructors familiarise you with your bike, and then teach you the basics in a safe learning area.

Practicing your technique in the Beginner Skills Park will gain you confidence to nail the basics before progressing to riding the easier trails around the village.

The easier Pipeline Path and Friday Flat Loop will allow you to gain confidence and understand how your bike works before you progress to the next stage. Should you wish to continue with the crosscountry trails, the Thredbo Valley Track is most popular.

This summer Thredbo introduced the new Cruiser MTB Area allowing beginners and intermediates to build up their confidence and skills.

Easy Rider is the new signature beginner gravity trail making its debut this summer and starts from the top of the Cruiser Chair. This is the perfect starting point for those new to mountain biking.

◼ THRILL: Learning correct mt bike technique in a Thredbo lesson

Once you have the fundamentals you are ready for the chairlift to access the easier gravity trails. Reading the ‘Trail Map Explained’ online page or observing the mountain bike map will give you a solid

Take a few Easy Rider laps to gain confidence and experience the gravity sensation. To return the bottom you then either download the Merritts Gondola or move onto the easy Sidewinder flow trail descending from the Gondola to the valley floor. Graded as a beginner trail, Sidewinder o ers a roller coaster experience with little pedalling and braking required. There are various clinics that will help you progress further even if you are a regular mountain bike rider. As you progress you will want to work on the correct body position, braking techniques and master bike control and cornering. The clinics also range in class size and cater to all levels from Intro, Fundamentals, Essentials, Progression and the private and junior race lessons. Bike hire and gear sales are also available at Thredbo via the Thredbo MTB Retail and Rental at the base of Kosciuszko Chair or the Sacred Ride shop in the village. www.thredbo.com.au/activities/biking/

The Thredbo website has all information from first arrival at the resort, where to park, accessing the mountain plus how to purchase tickets and book any required guides or lessons.