The best resorts for winter fat bikes

Fat biking, a discipline of mountain biking suited for snow-packed trails, has taken ski towns across North America by grip. Utilizing tires as wide as four to five inches, fat bikes make it easier—and more fun—to cruise through winter’s elements. From pedaling on a brewery tour in Telluride to venturing on a two-wheeled wildlife safari in Jackson Hole, here’s the lowdown on the best ski resorts for fat biking.

Aspen, CO

The town of Aspen is the tip of the Roaring Fork Valley fat-biking iceberg. With plenty of bike paths and singletrack to cruise, not to mention gorgeous scenery like the Maroon Bells, the Aspen area offers plenty of rides for fat bikers. The Aspen Fat Bike Loop is a 4.5-miler just west of downtown that winds around the Aspen Nordic Center and Marolt Trails. If you’re looking to pack in the miles, the Rio Grande Trail, a 20-mile groomed multi-use path, connects the historic towns of Basalt and Aspen.

Breckenridge, CO

Three days a week—Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays—fat bikers can cruise most of Gold Run Nordic Center’s 30k of green, blue and dark blue Nordic trails. The rest of the week, the center’s easy to intermediate singletrack snowshoe trails are open to fat bikers. Fat bike rentals are available onsite. For a guided experience, take a tour of downtown Breckenridge and the extensive trail network surrounding it.

Crested Butte, CO

New this winter, Crested Butte Mountain Resort offers on-mountain fat biking during non-lift hours. As one of summer’s top mountain biking destinations, it is no surprise the resort was one of the first to allow fat biking on ski trails. Crested Butte is also home to the Borealis Fat Bike World Championships in January.

Jackson Hole, WY

Gorgeous scenery makes Jackson Hole a natural choice for fat biking, where you can take a half- or full-day wildlife or Grand Teton National Park tour. In January, Jackson Hole hosts the Global Fat Bike Summit and Festival, complete with demos, clinics, races and more.

Steamboat Springs, CO

In Steamboat Springs, fat bikers have a vast selection of trails to pedal, including on BLM land, at Lake Catamount Touring Center and throughout Routt County. During non-lift hours, fat bikers can shred Steamboat resort’s ski trails.

Telluride, CO

Voted No. 1 for scenery by SKI magazine, Telluride is best explored by bike. Whether you’re after a leisurely cruise along the valley floor to Telluride Brewing Company or a challenging high-alpine ride, Telluride has fat-biking options for every taste and ability. For a self-guided adventure, check out Jurassic Trail, Alta Lakes Road or the Meadows in Mountain Village.