The resort now offers service from two lifts and onto more than 50 miles of trails that spider-web through the mountains. Hikers and bikers can choose to travel the existing road system that services the resort or follow narrow single-track routes through the trees, meadows and down mountain slopes.

Steve Graff, resort bike patrol manager, said that over the years there has been a steady increase in summer business, "and I would expect, with two lifts now running, which make access much easier, we'll see an increase this summer."

The resort also expanded its service programs, offering instruction, guide service, clinics, bike rentals and on-mountain safety patrol.

One of the more popular trails for the serious biker is the Mid-Mountain Trail, which is a stunning, scenic single-track trail that traverses Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and The Canyons, connecting all three resorts and offering spectacular scenic vistas, lush forests and beautiful aspen groves.

For the more conservative rider at Deer Valley, there's the Lakeside Trails, which is a one-mile series of paved trails that surround the lakes just past the Snow Park parking lots.

Katie Eldridge of The Canyons said the Mid-Mountain Trail is, indeed, one of the more popular. It's four-mile section within the boundaries of the resort is ideal for intermediates and above, "and the scenery is incredible."

The most difficult ride, called Fantasy, starts from the top of the gondola and ends at the mountain top called "9350," which is the elevation or 9,350 feet.

The Canyons has been running its gondola for mountain bikers for four years.

Among the new features at resorts are practice loops. Deer Valley has one near the base, and encourages the less experienced bikers to use it before heading uphill.

Snowbasin, said Mary Rowland, has two practice loops.

"The one at the base is one we constructed, but logs and rollers and bumps. It has been very popular with riders. We also have one at the top of the gondola. This one features more natural terrain. It, too, has become very popular with riders," she said.

One new service the resort offers bikers is a chance to clean their bikes.

"What we've found is that people like to ride on the mountain, then ride the practice loop a few times, then ride over to bike-cleaning station and wash off the bike before they leave or sit down for a drink or a sandwich," she added.

Park City Mountain Resort offers mountain access to bikers off two lifts — the Town Lift and PayDay Lift.

The resort will go onto holiday hours this weekend. PayDay will run from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Monday, and the Town Lift from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.