Women-only mountain biking offerings see growing demand – six places to get started

PARK CITY, Utah – From beginner clinics to advanced trail sessions, local organizations and bike shops are offering more opportunities for women to ride together, build skills, and connect over a shared love of this traditionally male-dominated sport. 

The growing demand highlights both the strength of the local mountain biking community and an appetite for spaces where women can feel empowered on the trails. Avid mountain-biker Jess Moran attributed some of the increased interest to female role models in the sport. “Having people to look up to, like Haley Batten, who is a Park City local and an Olympian in the sport, and having women participate in the Red Bull Rampage last year, those types of things are bringing awareness,” she said. “Also, Park City is the perfect location for it. We have over 250 miles of trails available, so it’s a fun way to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.”

For women who are hoping to improve their bike skills, clinics are a great way to learn and build on the basics and find a community of riders at a similar skill level, according to Delaney Noyes, who is leading the women’s White Pine Touring clinics. “We’re just stoked to have an open and welcoming area for women to work with female coaches and have a sense of community and a really approachable way to get into the sport,” she said. 

Along with clinics, there are a few women-only ride group options around town. The Moms on Bikes group, which Moran founded nearly two decades ago, meets weekly in the summers to hit the local trails. “The best way to meet your goals is to find your people,” said Moran. “Don’t let doubts, like thinking you’ll be too slow, keep you from participating, because that’s where a community is built and where you’ll find your tribe.” 

Learn to ride

White Pine Touring | Intro to Mountain Biking Women’s Clinic

This two-session clinic is designed for women who are new to mountain biking or just getting started. The course takes riders on single-track dirt trails where they learn essential techniques such as bike balance, braking, and trail riding basics. 

The women-only offering is new this year, and they’ve already added a second group due to the high demand. They are planning to add more intermediate and skill-specific courses for women later this summer, according to Noyes. 

Discounted bike and helmet rentals are available for participants. 

Basin Recreation | Women’s Mountain Bike Clinic

For women ready to take it to the next level, Basin Recreation is hosting an intermediate-level clinic on May 31. Located at the Trailside Bike Park, women will practice navigating rocky terrain and obstacles on the trails while PMBIA-certified coaches teach riders how to improve technical riding skills.

Participants need to bring their own bike and helmet. Elbow and knee pads and a bike-repair kit are encouraged. 

Park City Recreation | Mountain Biking – Women’s Clinics

Park City Recreation hosts small group classes for women hoping to learn basic riding techniques and get tips to improve their skills. Classes are limited to six participants and taught by certified BICP instructors.

Both beginner and intermediate women-only classes are available. Park City Recreation also offers co-ed skill specific courses and bicycle repair and maintenance classes. 

Hit the trails

Deer Valley | Women’s Ride Series

The Deer Valley Women’s Ride Series is tailored for intermediate and above riders and led by professional female bike coaches. The rides are “designed to build confidence, foster community, and keep things fun,” according to their website. 

At least four group rides will be offered throughout the summer. Participants are eligible for 25% off a Summer Lift Ticket and 25% off a bike rental on the day of the clinic. 

Park City Recreation | Moms on Bikes (MOB)

The Moms on Bikes group is a weekly drop-in mountain bike ride that explores trails throughout Park City. The group was first started 17 years ago by Jess Moran, a recreation division manager. Despite the name, the group is open to any women, regardless of motherhood status. 

MOB is a social ride group for those who are advanced beginners and above. They ride on mostly blue and sometimes black trials, and riders can choose a group depending on their speed and level of comfort. Rides vary between 6-10 miles. 

The group typically meets at the same starting location, but will occasionally plan field trips to farther trails. Riders must have a helmet, water, and a functional mountain bike. 

Women MTB Utah | Women’s Group Rides

Women MTB offers a club-structured group, where a membership gets participants access to regular rides, monthly events, and a social network. Riders of all levels are welcome on the rides, which are “no drop,” meaning they don’t leave anyone behind. 

Group rides happen every first Tuesday and third Wednesday of the month throughout the season. The program uses a Unicorn rating system to convey the fitness and riding level of the ride to help riders select the best fit for their abilities.

While rides occur throughout Utah, many events and rides are held in Park City or throughout the Wasatch Back.