1. When is your main MTB season?

Queenstown’s main MTB season runs September to May, with peak conditions from October to April.

Although we coach year round. Our busiest months are October to April. With December, Jan and Feb being fairly busy. During this time we run after school term programs, women’s progression sessions, school holiday lessons and lotsof multi-day private lessons for individuals and groups.

2. Do I need a pass for the bike parks?

Yes, for uplift-based parks:

• Queenstown Bike Park (Skyline): Requires a 25, 50, 100run or a Season Pass.

• Cardrona: Lift pass required (summer season only). We offer complimentary transport to Cardrona.

• Coronet Peak: Lift pass required, although their sunset passes are inexpensive and quite popular.

• 7 mile: Pedal access. Drive to Wilsons bay car park.

3. What level of riding experience do I need?

Queenstown's trails are generally on the harder side. The terrain here is fairly challenging, and most of the trails cater to riders that are intermediate and above. That being said, places like Separate Mile are very beginner-friendly. There's a larger variety of Grade 4 trails and Grade 5 trails than there is of green trails, mainly due to the terrain of Queenstown also playing a role. So we highly recommend learning stability tips like body position and cornering so you can set yourself up for success when tackling Queenstown's terrain.

If unsure, book a skills lesson or guided ride to choose the right trails safely.

4. Where can I rent a bike?

High-quality rentals are available in town: Outside sports bike shop, shotover street.

Treadmark’s e-bike adventures and Master the bike park product include premium rentals + setup according to your weight and height.

5. What should I bring for a day of mountain biking?

• Helmet (full-face for bike park laps)

• Knee pads

• Gloves

• Water (1–1.5L minimum)

• Snacks

• Weather-appropriate clothing

Instructors and guides usually carry full safety kits.

6. Do I need to be very fit as a rider, or what sort of fitness levels do I need to try mountain biking?

Well, moderate fitness levels are generally good, although you do need a certain level of balance and an inherent level of stability when mountain biking. Most people think mountain biking is the same as riding a regular bicycle, but as soon as you’re presented with g-forces or braking forces, your stability on the bike can be challenged.

One way to check if you feel stable or not is to stand up and ride the bike for about 100 meters. See if your legs shake or if you can maintain that position. Under braking forces, do your feet start to shake, or do they stay in that level-pedals position? This helps you understand whether you have that inherent stability and are generally a good biker. From here, we can start teaching you fundamental skills for mountain biking

7. Do I need travel insurance?

Highly recommended. Ensure your policy covers mountain biking and bike park riding as some basic policies do not.

15. What transport options exist for trails?

While self driving is the most flexible option we would like to mention that we do offer complimentary transport for select services in Queenstown.