Mountain biking at Utah ski resorts

What was a bonus to skiers this past winter has been a hardship to mountain bikers at Snowbird. The ski season didn't end until July Fourth. And, as might be expected, there is still snow in the upper basin, which is keeping mountain bikers off the Tram.

There is biking available around the base on both paved and dirt roads and single track.

Laura Schaffer, public relations director, said mountain crews hope to have the upper trails open for mountain bikers by the end of July.

There are more than 20 miles of single track running through the stands of pines and meadows at Solitude.

For the beginner there's the single/double-track road off the Sunrise lift. The first quarter mile is single track, becoming a wide road, with the lower portion paved. There are also a number of intermediate and advanced trails.

Along with mountain-bike rentals, several resorts also offer mountain scooters. The scooters have large tires and brakes both front and rear, as well as a suspension system that makes them easy to ride.

The best part of all, of course, is that ski resorts make it possible for riders to skip all the work and the huffing and puffing that goes into an uphill climb, and simply sit and enjoy the scenery, the openness and the ride downhill.

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