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Kootenay Dirt launches mountain bike season
Trails built by local riders, Kootenay Dirt is home to world-renowned mountain biking located within beloved BC travel destinations.
Kootenay Dirt, a consortium of nine destination marketing organizations in the Kootenays, is excited to officially launch the 2024 mountain biking season with the announcement of some great events. With more than 680 world-class trails for all levels of experience, including people with disabilities, three bike parks and incredible mountain culture to offer visitors, these destinations are sure to satisfy any bike enthusiast or beginner biker alike.
On the west side of the Kootenays is Revelstoke, Arrow Lakes and the Slocan Valley, Nelson and Rossland. The east side is home to Golden, Invermere, Kimberley, Cranbrook and Fernie. All with amazing trails and stunning views to enjoy.
“The Kootenay Dirt consortium was created out of a passion for mountain biking in the BC Kootenays and each consortium partner shares a desire to invite people from around the world to experience it,” said Christine Grimble, Manager of Media, Travel Trade & Projects for Tourism Fernie.
This season, a number of biking events will be taking place across the Kootenays:
In Golden, the newly named Golden Rush endurance race challenges riders on beautiful singletrack from June 14-16, and one of downhill mountain biking’s most iconic races, Psychosis, will be returning on June 22 to Mount 7 for its 25th anniversary. 200 riders will descend over 1100 meters of vertical on what Red Bull dubbed “the world’s most demented downhill race.”
In addition, there are also some great new trails opening in the region this season.
The Boulder Climb Trail is brand new in Revelstoke, with an opening ceremony scheduled for June 9.
Fernie Alpine Resort will open for the season on June 22 and welcomes the return of the Timber Chair, which will run on Saturdays beginning July 13. It will provide access to advanced and expert technical downhill terrain with more than 2000 vertical feet of elevation.
The Fernie BC Cup downhill race will be returning this summer on July 6 and 7.
Also, after three years of moving dirt, the town of Kaslo is celebrating the completion of its newest trail. ‘The Friendly Giant,’ is an 18 km, green out and back trail that tops out at nearly 2000 meters above Kootenay Lake.
Revelstoke will be home to the Big Three race on June 23 and the Revelstoke Bike Fest from September 6-8. The Kaslo iDIDaRide will happen on June 30, and the Transrockies SingleTrack 6, a six-day mountain bike adventure showcasing the best riding across several communities, takes place July 11-16.
In Rossland, the 15th annual Huck ‘en Berry Jam Dirt Jump Competition will usher in the fall biking season on September 7.
Each region is also prioritizing accessibility and ensuring that trails can be accessed by people of all abilities. The Kootenay Adaptive Sport Association (KASA) provides lessons, resources, rentals and more to people with disabilities, with the goal of promoting physical activity, outdoor recreation and making the sport enjoyable for everyone.
The Kootenay Dirt region is also home to many alluring attractions for non-bikers.
Joanne Sweeting, Executive Director for Tourism Golden said, “Golden is surrounded by six national parks and is on the doorstep of the Rocky Mountains, offering a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can experience world-class hiking, sightseeing and other adventures before ending the day in a friendly, authentic mountain town.”
Other amazing attractions in the Kootenay Dirt region include the Halcyon Hot Springs in Arrow Slocan to the vibrant restaurant scene in Nelson.
Lead image: Kootenay Dirt is made up of nine mountain biking destinations in the BC Kootenays, offering world-class adventures for people of all ages and abilities. Kootenay Dirt photo
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