By Jo Larkin

LATE September snow blanketed the resorts with 50cm of white winter gold reminding us that mountain weather is dynamic and changeable. But really, as much as the community loves the winter season, it is time now for the snow to melt and to get on your bike for a summer of riding.

The amount of quality trail networks now on offer in the region has come a long way in the past decade and mountain biking now is truly a year-round activity. Even in winter you see people pack their bikes as well as their skis and snowboards.

The growth has been fantastic to see and with a strong emphasis on trail building over the past 10-15 years, plus more to come, the mountain bike enthusiast has a plethora of options to ensure they are in pedalling heaven for days on end.

I vividly remember working for Raw NRG who offered downhill mountain biking in Thredbo 20 years ago. The main trail was the summer fire road and to see the continued development of the trail network in Thredbo today is just so exciting.

Thredbo really was the pioneer in creating the mountain biking tourism experience back then. However, it was limited to those who were more advanced experienced riders and probably represented about 2% of those who rode a bike.

Now all riders of all levels are well catered for, and not just on fire trails, but dedicated purpose-built single track and trails that offer the rider a sense of adventure.

The region now offers a huge selection of trails from Cooma, Jindabyne and Thredbo all coinciding with the growth in mountain biking as a sport in general. Families are now also at the forefront of tourism operators minds and how good is it to see kids out on the trails enjoying the mountain lifestyle.

With the advent of the single trail, the major growth in the sport along with a really committed group of stakeholders, community and passionate enthusiasts, the Snowy Mountains holds its own as a mountain biking destination… dare I say… even year round.

You can find out more about where to ride by visiting the bike shops, perusing the Trail Forks app, booking into a coaching session, a retreat or tour with a local mountain bike operator or simply talking to local mountain bikers on the trails. They really are a friendly welcoming bunch.

Recommended Trails

Thredbo Valley Track (TVT) - The most iconic trail that meanders its way from Thredbo through to Lake Crackenback Resort via the Upper TVT before continuing onto Jindabyne. The Upper TVT is ideal for all levels and ideal mid stopping point is at Lake Crackenback Resort, the wood fire pizza recommended.

The Lower TVT starts from the Skitube Bridge but note the difficulty of this trail is far above the upper section and is ideally suited to “at least intermediate” and advanced riders. The lower section of trail arrives at Gaden Trout Hatchery, where you can either arrange a pickup or ride to the Hatchery Bay trail and into Jindabyne.

Lake Crackenback Resort has numerous trails to suit all levels and are more than worthy of  a dedicated trip. Apart forma  selection of looping trails in the resort, you can ride along a scenic trail on the Thredbo River for an interesting long loop.

Lake Jindabyne - For young families, the foreshore bike path is fantastic. Start at Banjo Paterson Park and ride the path towards the mountains. Divert to the single trail beside the Strzelecki Monument and look for more single trail sections that divert and link back to the bike path.

Past the Lake Foreshore path continue to the single track Hatchery Bay trail via the Big 4 caravan park. This 7km is ideal for all levels and a scenic ride with Lake Jindabyne vistas.

Copper Tom link to Dam Wall and Tyrolean – Ride from Jindabyne towards the Dam Wall and Tyrolean and explore a myriad of green, blue and challenging black trails. Tip – Take the kids to the new jumps section at the top of the Copper Tom link, its lots of fun and easily accessible. Ask about where to find the Pink Trail – a local gravity trail that’s gained momentum this year!

Bungarra Mountain Bike Park – A purpose built trail network just out of Jindabyne is ideal for a day out to experience a great variety of trails to suit all levels. An affordable day pass is required and pack the lunch and water bottles, set up base and off you go to explore.

Cooma Mt Gladstone – An enthusiastic group of riders have continually upgraded this 18km network of existing trails plus newly added trails and signage. This has resulted in an extensive network that must be experienced. Tip – Source the local shuttle operators, Snowy MTB Shuttles (0437 402 800) for loops to the top.

Many visiting riders have been stopping here as a stepping stone into the mountains. It is ideal to spend a few hours lapping the gravity trails with the Gladiator trail popular, just one of many great rides. New features have recently been added for this summer.

Bike Betty
Jo Larkin owns and operates Bike Betty specialising in coaching, women’s retreats and guided tours of Jindabyne, Cooma and Thredbo. Visit www.bikebetty.com.au or phone 0431 247 994.