Mountain biking in the mountains … at ski areas; ski lifts whisk you and your bike up for an exhilarating descent. The ideas is spreading in the West

Sunset, July, 1991

As any skier could tell you, there's more than one way to get down the mountain these days. Snowboarders, telemarkers even monoskiers are gaining on traditional alpine two-boarders, whose numbers leveled off years ago. Now ski areas are promoting another downhill option for after the snow melts: they're offering their lifts, trails, accommodations, and appealing mountain settings as enticements to mountain bikers.

Though still in its adolescence, mountain biking has become one of the most popular pursuits in the West: on any sunny weekend, near any urban area, you're likely to encounter the knobby twowheelers on any trail open to them. Ski areas expand the potential of outings beyond these brief forays onto trails just outside the city limits. In fact, you can plan an entire vacation pedaling around the kind of lofty terrain from which the bikes take their name.

Shuttles or ski lifts with special cars or racks to carry bikes) take most of the work out of gaining elevation for exhilarating downhill rides on unpaved snowcat tracks and adjacent Forest Service roads and trails. Barbecue lunches on open summit decks and at midmountain chalets offer the same chances to relax and soak up the mountain air and sunshine as they do during the spring ski season.

And on-site lodging, priced substantially lower than in winter, eliminates the need for hauling bikes around. These resorts often also have easy access to golfing, tennis, and horseback riding, as well as hot tubs and other niceties, adding to ski resorts' appeal for bikers who want a wellrounded vacation with equal measures of exertion and pampering.

California and Colorado lead the way in providing full-service vacations to mountain bikers. The 10 resorts we describe (including one in Montana, another in British Columbia) have enough marked or mapped trails close at hand for at least two or three days of biking, lots of rental bikes, and tours or lessons to introduce you to the sport or improve your skills. Daily lift tickets range from free to $15. Many resorts offer two- or three-day packages that combine lodging, bike rental, lift pass, and a lesson or tour (typical cost is about $150 per person for a two day package). Some also have day-care centers that can keep your children happily occupied while you're taking a spin.

For each resort, we list a telephone number for mountain biking information, followed by a number for lodging. Because accommodations were built with larger winter crowds in mind, you should be able to reserve for almost any time during summer. In fact, if you like to be where the action is, you might feel a little lonely at some resorts, which can seem almost deserted. On the other hand, hordes of mountain biking enthusiasts do roll into town occasionally for races and festivals sponsored by many of the resorts; ask about any such events when you reserve, so you can join the pack or avoid it. Listings (turn page) are north to south. CALIFORNIA

Northstar, Box 129, Truckee 95734; (916) 587-0248, (800) 533-6787. This North Lake Tahoe resort offers mountain biking on maintenance roads criss-crossing the downhill runs and trails of its cross-country ski area, as well as on logging roads maintained by Fibreboard Corporation, the resort's owner.

This year, for the first time, Northstar will operate a chair lift to take mountain bikers halfway up Mount Pluto. Free clinics on riding techniques, basic bike repair, and safety are given each morning. Participants on guided 3-hour tours stop at picturesque Watson Lake for a box lunch.

Accommodations consist of several condominium complexes in or near a central village. Rates include use of a recreation center's swimming pool, hot tubs, tennis courts, and exercise room; golfing and horseback riding cost extra.

Mammoth Mountain, Box 353, Mammoth Lakes 93546; 619) 934-0606, (800) 228-4947. Last year, this aptly named Eastern Sierra ski area unveiled its summertime alter ego, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park. Several new single-track trails and beginner routes extend the trail system to 75 miles this season.

A gondola lifts cyclists more than 2,000 feet to the 11,053-foot summit, where they can test their skills and courage by descending the notorious Kamikaze Trail (sandtrap-like "pumice pits" make for tricky riding on this and many other trails in the Eastern Sierra). Less-confident cyclists might want to first join a guide for a park orientation.

Challenging alternatives to trail riding include a timed slalom course, an obstacle arena, and a children's BMX course (like a dirt-bike course but for mountain bikes) with tight turns and big bumps.

Van-assisted tours can take you to lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, and ghost towns in the vicinity. Or tour nearby public lands on your own, using maps with detailed descriptions and difficulty ratings of unpaved road routes, and arrange for a van to pick you and your bike up at the end of your ride.

Mammoth Mountain Inn has 214 rooms at the base of the mountain. Snow Summit, Box 77, Big Bear Lake 92315; (714) 866-4565, (800) 445-2223.