Your mountain bike season will have plenty of ups and downs!

Mountain bike users riding the Bike Park at WinSport are about to have two excellent options for movin’ on up during the 2025 season. 

And that’s not all that’s worth getting up out of the saddle for at the hill.  

To reach the top of the vast network of both freeride and technical trails, many mountain bikers elect for the ‘88 Express Chairlift, the only bike-friendly lift of its kind throughout Wild Rose Country. 

“Being Alberta’s only lift-friendly mountain bike park gives us a unique opportunity to offer progressive riding experiences right in the heart of Calgary,” says Gabe Arias Rosero, Specialist, Outdoor Operations at WinSport. “It means easy access for local riders and allows us to support the next generation of riders through our mountain bike programs.” 

The cardio-focused alternative, meanwhile, is a switchback in more ways than one. 

After a one-year hiatus, the Needatowie trail will once again be WinSport’s designated up-track for passholders to weave their way up by the power of pedalling when the Bike Park opens on Saturday, June 21. 

Strawberry Shortcake, the 2024 up-track, will reopen as a Blue trail due to increased difficulty. Blue trails are designed for intermediate riders who are comfortable navigating rougher terrain, including tighter corners and steeper slopes. 

Any passholder can access Needatowie to kick things into (low) gear by skipping the chairlift availability altogether. 

In lockstep with WinSport’s desire to contribute to the bike industry’s recent trend of better serving riders of various physical limitations, Needatowie is also much more suitable for adaptive bikes compared to Strawberry Shortcake. 

In fact, local adaptive bike manufacturer Bowhead Corp. will be promoting this trail to their loyal customers and supporters who regularly enjoy three wheels’ worth of fun. 

Bowhead has been producing its innovative bikes for more than two decades and has shipped its specialized products to countries all around the world. 

“We’re still finalizing the partnership, but the goal is to collaborate on showcasing Needatowie through community rides and social content to highlight its accessibility and adaptive-friendly design,” Rosero forecasts. 

Another 2025 change to mountain biking at WinSport is a modified route from the bottom of the trails over to the base of the chairlift. Ample such signage will be displayed.  

Plus, twilight passes—for chairlift access from 4 to 8 p.m. at a discounted price—will now be extended to Fridays. 

“This initiative started as a way to support mountain bikers with special pricing for the last four hours every Thursday,” explains Rosero. “It gives riders the chance to hit the trails after work, receive an extra hour of lift access, and enjoy food and beverage specials to take part in community engagement.” 

Click here to purchase your summer season pass and find out everything else there is to know about the WinSport Bike Park.