Jackson Hole Bike Park To Add New Features
1 Apr 2014
Q&A: Jackson Hole Bike Park!!
Who are you and what do you do at Jackson Hole Bike Park?
I am Ranyon d’Arge JHMR Bike Park Manager
How long ago did Jackson Hole become a Bike Park? Who or what was the driving force?
We started with some features hidden in our cross-country trails in the late 90’s. In 2006 we got permission to build small jumps and features on about an acre of terrain. We built on the weekends and in our free time. Gravity Logic came in around 2009 and by 2010, we had a real bike park.
How many visitors do you get in a weekend/season at you bike park? What has been your biggest day on record?
Depends on what part of the summer season, during the weekends in mid July we can see a couple hundred but less in September. Back in the summer of 2005 when we started chairlift bike access we had 5,000 riders all summer. This last summer we had a total of 88,000. Our biggest day ever was 2,300.
What is the most popular trail at your bike park?
Bandit, an intermediate flow trail, with approximately 38 jumps in one run is our most popular trail.
Will there be any new trails added this year or will you be re-developing any existing trails?
Yes. We are adding a large wall ride quarter pipe berm underneath our gondola on Bandit trail and a new beginner skills trail that we’re calling Mini Bandit, but the name may change. Also we will be adding a new high intermediate trail possibly called Antelope Jump trail, which will have large jumps and bridges.
Describe the predominant “style” of riding at your park? (Natural vs. Manmade, DH/Tech/Steep vs. Flow/Features) Typically, what kind of terrain do you have? (Rocky, Dry-dusty, Tacky, Roots)…
We have manmade flow trails with lots of smooth clay capped trails. We water as much as we can to keep dust down. The only disadvantage of the clay, is if we get a bunch of rain we have to close our trails because the clay gets sticky.
What is the mountain bike scene/culture like at your resort?
The scene is fun and mellow, we have all types of riders including kids, lots of ladies, tourists, and the nice thing is it’s not usually too crowded. Friday Night Bikes has become a very popular time to come ride, because from 5 pm – 7pm every Friday during the peak summer tickets are only $10 and a DJ spins tunes.
Tell me a little bit about your town. Where do out-of-towners like to stay while visiting Jackson Hole? Are there any restaurants or bars that mtb-ers like to hang?
Jackson Hole has several million tourists passing through on their way to Yellowstone National Park every summer. There are lots of bars, restaurants and outside stuff to do, i.e., whitewater rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing, and paragliding. There are many nice hotels and camping spots.
Will you have any big events going on this summer at your bike park?
Yes, probably we just don’t know exactly what yet. We’ve had the Red Bull endurance races in the past.
Do you have an opening day yet?
Not exactly, mid June till late September.
What does the future hold for Jackson Hole?
We are currently building hiking trails on our upper mountain that could allow us to expand our bike offerings. Our mountain is steep, so a lot of planning is still needed to see where the bike program will expand too, but there are lots of exciting possibilities off the Gondola in particular.
Big Thanks to the Kemmer family, my boss Tim Mason, my dirt crew team, especially my mini x operators, Rico Aguliar and Matt Iberlin, and everyone here who has helped make it better!
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