Mountain biking is a fast-growing sport. Vermont has become a destination for mountain bikers across the country!

Recently, Real Rutland hosted a weekend getaway for mountain bikers. The weekend winners stayed two nights at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel and spent the day biking the trails at Killington Bike Park. Keep reading to learn more about the weekend getaway and mountain biking in our region.

Mountain Bike Weekend Getaway

Jack D. and Megan H. were two of our Real Rutland Mountain Bike Weekend Getaway winners! Friday night, Jack and Megan met with some of the Real Rutland concierges to receive a warm welcome. On Saturday, they braved the rain and hit the trails on Killington Mountain.

Megan told us, “I had such a blast! Thank you so much for setting everything up, it was wonderful. The area is so beautiful, and even with the rain it was a 10/10 weekend getaway!”

No off-season at Killington Mountain

As more people become mountain bikers, the trails on mountains throughout Vermont are switching over to cater to wheels instead of skis and boards.

Killington Mountain is well known for its skiing and riding, but in the summer months, Killington turns into a mountain biking destination. The resort opens three lifts, giving you easy access to over 30 miles of trails. The trails suit all bikers, Snowshed is for beginners, Ramshead is home to signature freeride trails with intermediate and advanced terrain, and the Killington Peak area offers classic New England trails featuring plenty of rock and roots. Look at the trail map here!

According to a Killington representative, the mountain has hosted mountain bikers for decades, but it continues to expand. Last year the resort surpassed 50,000 mountain bike visits for the first time, and the sport is now the resort’s “main focus” during the summer. Since adding trails in 2016 and 2017, the growth of the sport has continued. Read more about mountain biking in Killington and across Vermont here.

Photo courtesy of Slate Valley Trails.

Vermont is the best state for mountain biking

It’s true! In a study of all fifty states, Vermont ranked number one. Vermont has a total of 2,520 bike trails. That is equal to 402 trails per 100,000 people, which is the highest percentage of any state. To top it off, 80% of the state has hilly terrain. Read more about the study here!

Slate Valley Trails

The Slate Valley Trails weave their way through the southwestern portion of Rutland County in Vermont. There are multiple trails within the network. Some trails are on private property but are open to the public through the landowner’s generosity and their partnership with Slate Valley Trails. Because of this, you will want to research each trail before you go, the trails have different guidelines and rules for parking at the trailhead. Each year, the network blazes new trails, attracting more visitors from across the country. Learn more about the trails here!

If you are not a mountain biker, no worries! There are many beginner downhill trails and flatter trails. Connect with us here! We are always happy to discuss opportunities in our region and introduce you to fellow mountain bikers. And stay on the lookout for our upcoming Real Rutland Weekend Getaway, October 12-15!

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