As Summer "Indy Pass" Equivalent, Loam Pass Appeals To Traveling MTBers
Introduced this season, the Loam Pass currently covers 40 lift-served bike park destinations in the U.S. and nine in the West, including top-rated Angel Fire and Woodward Tahoe.
Organizers hope to pencil in more resorts as the MTB pass settles into the market. For a price of $249 for adults and $199 for children 6-11 years old, the Loam Pass gets riders two days at each of the lift-served U.S. parks -- plus half-off on a third day. In addition, the pass is good for rides on 10 shuttle services in the West and non-resort two bike parks.
Upon purchase, pass holder gets a digital QR Code with a user ID number that resorts use to confirm Loam Pass status. For an additional $20, purchaser can get a physical pass that works the same way.
Most do not require reservations. Here's a list of the Loam Pass destinations in the West with park and operation details:
Angel Fire.The northern New Mexico mountain has long been a racing venue for national mountain bike competitions. Open daily, 60 miles of established downhill runs challenge the best. A new learning center is under development.
Tamarack.A fast-growing venue, the Idaho resort's MTB continues to add to its downhill repertoire. Its 39 miles of trails with 1,700 vertical drop runs Saturdays and Sundays.
Soldier Mountain.The Idaho MTB park literally has risen from the ashes of a 2020 wildfire. Operating Thursday-Sunday, a modest nine miles of trails includes the two-mile Hooah jump run.
China Peak. The central California resort has built an extensive MTB system of 21 miles and a trails network evenly rated for all skill levels. Chairlift spins Saturdays and Sundays.
Woodward Tahoe. Located at Boreal Mountain north of Lake Tahoe, two bike parks are part of the Woodward action sports complex and its progression mantra. Lifts run daily.
Mt. Bachelor. The central Oregon mountain boasts a MTB park known throughout the region, especially for its gravity-fed, feature-filled routes. Thirty-one miles of trails take advantage of 1,200 vertical feet. A pair of chairlifts run daily.
Timberline Lodge. Ride in the morning, ski in the afternoon at Oregon's year-round resort on Mount Hood. Its 6,000 feet of vertical is best in the West. Plus, five-mile run down to town is end-of-day feature. Express chair runs Wednesdays through Sundays.
Hilltop Ski Area. Anchorage's home hill now offers MTB riding down its modest 300 feet of vertical drop. Ideal for kids and beginners, the non-profit mountain runs Wednesday through Sunday afternoons.
