• Pedal Through the Powder

    Learning to Fat Bike

Fat Biking

Looking to make the most out of winter? Want to try out a unique snowsport? Love spending time outdoors in the mountains? Give fat biking a try! In recent years, this snow-season innovation has become a staple in our mountain communities, nordic centers, and winter-access trails. Named for their oversized tires, fat bikes provide extra surface area and traction for biking on snow.

Fat Biking 101

Trying out a new sport can feel daunting, but don’t let that stop you! Here are a few tips to make your first day on a fat bike enjoyable.

Trail Etiquette:

  • Fat bikers yield to other trail users. Fat bikes have brakes- skis don’t!
  • Fat bikes are a new sport on the trails- please be courteous to other trail users.
  • Avoid a trail if you are leaving a rut deeper than one inch if you are struggling to ride in a straight line, or if you are post-holing

What To Bring: 

  • Thermal, quick-drying baselayers and a warm, water-resistant outer layer
  • Lightweight ski pants
  • Hat, balaclava/face mask, gloves
  • Waterproof winter hiking shoes
  • Bring a daypack with extra layers, snacks, water, sunglasses, and sunscreen!
LEARN MORE

Gold Run Nordic Center

200 Clubhouse Dr. Breckenridge, CO 80424

Gold Run Nordic Center, located at the Breckenridge Golf Course off Tiger Road, is a winter-lovers paradise! They are known for their extensive network of cross-country and snowshoe trails, but they are the perfect location to try fat biking!

Gold Run offers a fleet of Borealis Crestone fat bikes for your enjoyment! Bikes are $20 per hour or $15 per hour with same-day ski or snowshoe rental. Bikes can also be rented by the half day (9:00-11:30 a.m. or 1:00-3:30 p.m.) for $40. A Gold Run Nordic Center trail pass is required to access their groomed trail system. Daily passes are $30 for adults (13-64) and $25 for seniors (65+). Youth (12 and under) are free.

Fat bikes are allowed on snowshoe trails within the Nordic Center. If you are up for a challenge, there are three green trails, two blues, and two black trails!

  • Green: Blue Moon (1.7 miles), Midas Touch (0.9 miles), and Stardust (1.2 miles)
    Blue: Hoochinoo (0.8 miles) and Peabody Placer (1.7 miles)
    Black: Dry Gulch (0.5 miles) and Overlook Shortcut (1.7 miles)
LEARN MORE

Ridden Beer & Distillery Fat Bike Tour

520 S. Main Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424

Ridden is a locally-owned outdoor outfitter located in downtown Breckenridge. They offer everything from ski and snowboard gear to sled rentals, to shuttle transportation- and now- fat bike tours! Their Beer & Distillery Fat Bike Tour takes guests past points of interest and Breckenridge history through town and along the Blue River Rec Path on high-performance Borealis fat bikes.

The journey continues to the best craft brewery in Breckenridge- Broken Compass Brewing! Their original location, located 3.5 north of town, provides a casual atmosphere, family-style seating, and plenty of dogs to pet! Tours of the brewery are scheduled on arrival, and a beer taster is included in the fat bike tour. The next stop on the journey is the world-famous and award-winning Breckenridge Distillery. Fat bikers will partake in a tasting of their award-winning vodkas, gin, spiced rum, bourbon, and bitters.

This tour is a great way to experience much of what Breckenridge has to offer, all while trying out a new mode of winter transportation! Return transportation is included in your tour.

  • Cost: $85 with advance booking
  • Times: 11:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
  • Includes: Bike rental, helmet, guide, tastings, return transportation
LEARN MORE

Pedaling Out On Your Own

You may be looking to grab a bike and head out on your own! The good news is, if you can ride a bike, you can ride a fat bike, and there are several options in Breckenridge to get you moving on two wheels. Grab a bike and get out there!

Groomed Trails: Fat bikers looking for a free, groomed trail experience should head to the Blue River Recreation Path! The nine-mile-long path between the Breckenridge Transportation Center and Frisco is groomed Monday-Thursday throughout the winter season and is a great place for beginners!

Ungroomed Trails: If you are looking for more of an adventure, countless ungroomed trails in the Breckenridge area are accessible, even in winter! Fat bikers should follow fat biking trail etiquette, be avalanche-aware, and follow the winter trail use guidelines.

Where to Rent: 

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