Just because the ground is covered in snow doesn’t mean you have to give up biking until summer. In Colorado, two types of winter biking: fat biking and snow biking, are a popular way to enjoy the white stuff. Ski resorts around the state offer this type of biking like Winter Park Resort near Rocky Mountain National Park, Steamboat Resort in the town of Steamboat Springs and Purgatory Resort in Durango, near Mesa Verde National Park.

Fat Biking in Colorado

Sporting extra-wide tires that are usually at least 3.8-inches wide, fat bikes have traction like an all-wheel-drive car, making them perfect to ride through the snow. Like skis or snowshoes, you’ll be able to float across the most powder-filled trails without sinking.

Be sure to check regulations before setting out on a fat bike because not all winter trails allow them. Near Rocky Mountain National Park and Winter Park Resort, try fat biking at Devil’s Thumb Ranch or Snow Mountain Ranch. You can also fat bike on Aspen Snowmass’ Nordic Trail System, at the Durango Nordic Center at Purgatory Resort and in several locations near Steamboat Ski Resort.

Ski Biking in Colorado

Ski bikes have front and rear skis and are ridden standing up on pegs like a dirt bike. Equipped with downhill mountain bike suspension with 6-7-inches of travel, ski bikes are capable of handling all terrain from groomers to moguls, terrain park to powder.

Most Colorado resorts allow Type II ski bikes, with hot spots at Purgatory Resort, Winter Park Resort and Steamboat Ski Resort, with lessons and rentals available.