Fat Biking in Colorado

Fat biking is the ultra-fit Coloradans’ answer to biking year-round. It’s a must-try Colorado winter activity for those seeking an aerobic winter challenge. The amusingly wide tires, monster tread, and enlarged frame may look intimidating, but fat bikes roll nicely over-packed and a few inches of fresh snow, providing a new mountain biking experience.

Nordic centers and ski resorts have created dedicated pathways for these two-wheeled beasts.  Event organizers have created friendly competitions centered around the quad-burning sport.

Where to go Fat Biking

Here’s where to go to pedal over the hills and through the snowy woods.

Fat bikes have been wheeling around for a while in Crested Butte, and area trail access is expanding as more and more shops offer rentals. The Crested Butte Mountain Bike Association secured permits for fat bike trail grooming along classic mountain biking trails like Strand, Canal, Strand Bonus, and Farris. Crested Butte is also home to the Fat Bike World Championships each January. If you’re not entirely up to the challenge of racing at Fat Bike Worlds, you might consider spectating and checking out this fun winter scene. Bring your fat bike or rent one, of course!

Resorts with Fat Biking Groomed trails

Winter Park Fat Biking

Sticking to hard-packed or groomed trails helps ease the powder pedaling challenge, and Winter Park offers up hundreds of miles of trail options. Most paths are easily accessed right from downtown, making it clear why Winter Park has been dubbed Mountain Bike Capital USA™. Find fat bike rentals at Beavers Sports Shop and Epic Mountain Sports.

Devil’s Thumb Fat Biking

Nearby Devil’s Thumb Ranch in Tabernash rents fat bikes to riders accessing their 20km of pristine trails, and Latigo Ranch guests near Kremmling enjoy 50km of snow-cat-groomed Nordic trails.

Leadville Fat Biking

Tackle more than 50 miles of free groomed trails around Leadville and the bike-friendly network at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center. Winter bike until your legs turn to jelly while taking in panoramic views of the Sawatch Range on the 11.6-mile Mineral Belt Trail.

Vista Verde Ranch and Steamboat Springs Fat Biking

Vista Verde Ranch near Steamboat Springs has a fleet of fat bikes ready to hit the packed-down winter trails. Learn about Steamboat’s trail systems and fat biking best practices from the Routt County Riders.

Boulder Area Fat Biking

Locals ride fat bikes year-round in Boulder, and area winter biking trails span some seriously spectacular scenery, including Walker Ranch, Magnolia Road, Brainard Lake, and Peaceful Valley.

Fat Biking First-Timer Guides

First-timer? That’s great. Plenty of Colorado outfitters (bike shops) rent fat bikes and will help you get going. Many shops offer guided fat bike tours tailored to your group’s ability level. Bike tour companies will cater to your group’s needs in many ways, such as Front Range Ride Guides, in Fort Collins, provide custom gear, a local guide, a trail-side lunch, photos of your ride, and a post-ride happy hour featuring locally crafted beer.

Modify Your Boost Mountain Bike for Winter Fat Biking (or any bike)

If you haven’t already figured out that you don’t have to buy a dedicated fat bike, you don’t have to. Bikes aren’t cheap and purchasing another bike to add to your fleet might just not fit the budget, especially since fat bikes have a very dedicated use. I am not saying that fat bikes aren’t the Cadillac for snow riding because they are. But if you like the idea of riding on snow-covered trails and packed snow surfaces, you can try modifying your regular mountain bike.

Old School Mountain Bikes

If all you got is an older mountain bike (narrow rim wheels), try putting a bigger tire (2.2 max) on and riding a lower air pressure. You’ll be limited to packed trails but that will get you out there. Ridged mountain bikes make better snow bikes for various reasons. So, consider modifying your old non-suspension bike before taking apart your newer one.

Boost Mountain Bikes

If you have a modern boost frame and wheels, you can get away with a much larger tire, but you still want to run a low tire pressure under 10 psi. You might have noticed that Fat Bikes don’t have any suspension. That’s because the big pillowy tires act as suspension, plus the snow rides smoother than dirt. If you want to transform your mountain bike, it’s best to lock out the rear suspension (and front) or switch out your fork for a ridged one.

Find more Colorado winter activities.

By Lisa Blake