Media Contact: Patsy Popejoy 970-922-2285 or [email protected]

PARADISE ON TWO-WHEELS – SNOWMASS DEBUTS NEW BIKE LOOP From Downhill, Cross-Country to Road Biking and New Expanded Trails, Bike Snowmass offers options for everyone

SNOWMASS, Colo., (May 2016) – The same mountain that offers more than 3,300 skiable acres and 4,406 vertical feet in the winter becomes a two-wheel paradise once the snow melts. With an ever-expanding network of more than 75 miles of mountain bike trails and an expansive rental, and instruction program, options abound for everyone from the budding beginner to the thrill-seeking seasoned downhiller. Snowmass is constantly expanding its bike product for travelers. The new Snowmass Loop bike trail debuts in late June, with 24 miles of single track combining over 10 different trails which can be split into three or four different segments.

Whether it’s a gravity-defying rush of a world-class downhill trail or gentle single-track through meadows bursting with wildflowers, Snowmass offers some of Colorado’s best biking options.

Downhill Mountain Biking – It’s all downhill from here Cyclists seeking an adrenaline rush need to look no further than Snowmass Bike Park, where downhill biking trails weave their way from the top of the Elk Camp Chairlift down to the Snowmass Village base — a thrilling descent of 2,893 feet. Advanced downhillers can get their thrills on the 3.2-mile, 1,400-vertical-foot Valhalla freeride trail with jumps, table tops and a wall ride. Additional lift-served options include Vapor and Viking, two trails that offer up a combined 6.2 miles of downhill over bridges and berms and through forest and meadows, from the top of Snowmass’ Elk Camp chairlift to the base of the mountain. Cyclists can ‘go with the flow’ at Snowmass Bike Park on the flowing 3.5-mile Verde Trail descending from the top of the Elk Camp Gondola through spruce and aspen forest.

Cross-Country Biking Snowmass offers more than 40 miles of intermediate bike trails from massive aspen groves that curve along the mountainside shading the Tom Blake Trail to the buffed-smooth single-track through the rolling scrub oak of Sky Mountain Park. For cross-country enthusiasts, the new Snowmass Loop links together 24 miles of varied single-track on a circumnavigation of the Snowmass valley, that can be all done in one day or broken up one section at a time. Novice mountain bikers looking for some flat terrain can get comfortable on the flat, wide, shady Ditch Trail, a two-mile round trip to a spectacular lookout point into the Maroon Bells and Snowmass Wilderness.

Road Biking Options There’s lots to explore in the area’s paved roads and Snowmass’ trails on a road bike. Amateur and elite road cyclists alike travel from all over the world to ride renowned routes: such as the 9- mile climb up Maroon Creek Road to Maroon Bells, with its spectacular views of the red rock cliffs and exhilarating descent; the heart-pumping 12,095 foot climb to the top of Independence Pass (Colorado’s 4th highest paved road); and the 11 mile ride to Ashcroft Ghost Town. Snowmass also offers scenic, paved trails including Brush Creek Trail which connects cyclists to the Rio Grande Trail (over 40 miles of paved trail) that runs along the beautiful Roaring Fork

River and Highway 82. The continuous multi-use trail features many access points – so cyclists can pick the ride that’s right for them. The trail is on the old Rio Grande railroad and is an easy grade up and down the valley.

Take a Lesson New to mountain biking? Not a problem. Bike Snowmass offers dedicated bike pros that help beginners master the basics. And the world-renowned bike culture of Snowmass will get any newbie in the spirit with confidence. Easily connectable to several Bike Snowmass cross- country biking trails, the downhill trails of Snowmass Bike Park are the epicenter of a pedal- powered summer. No matter what experience level, age, or gender, there are no barriers to learn or expand skills.

For more information on biking in Snowmass, visit www.bikesnowmass.com.

About Snowmass, Colorado A vibrant summer playground and renowned winter destination, Snowmass offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, nearly 30 restaurants, 95 percent on-slope lodging and great shopping, as well as exciting special events and music – all year round. Summertime, Snowmass features more than 90 miles of hiking and biking trails; gold medal fly-fishing; Class V white-water rafting and kayaking, and a full lineup of weekly events. Consistently ranking as one of the best ski areas in the world, the area boasts the second longest vertical drop in the United States, with 3,332 skiable acres. Located six miles from Aspen’s airport and with 300 days of sunshine per year, Snowmass is an ideal summer and winter destination. For more information and a complete calendar of events and activities, visit www.gosnowmass.com. Click here for Snowmass images.

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