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Downhill biking in the mountains

Downhill is the most extreme form of lift assisted mountain biking, offering speed, technical riding and challenging descents in varied mountain terrain. Here you can learn what downhill involves, who it suits and where to experience it with SkiStar.

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What is downhill?

Downhill is the most specialised and demanding form of lift assisted mountain biking, where the focus is on speed, technical skill and steep descents in challenging terrain.

When riding downhill, you follow trails built for high speed and technical challenges, often featuring roots, rocks, jumps, drops, berms and demanding line choices throughout the ride.

Downhill is considered its own discipline within mountain biking and is best suited to riders looking for a more extreme and physically demanding riding experience.

Who is downhill for?

Downhill is ideal for riders who already have experience with mountain biking or lift assisted mountain biking and want more speed, bigger challenges and more technical terrain.

If you are completely new to the sport, we often recommend starting with our guide on getting started with mountain biking or building basic skills in SkiStar Trail Park before trying downhill.

The difference between downhill and lift assisted mountain biking

Although downhill is a form of lift assisted mountain biking, not all lift assisted mountain biking is downhill.

Lift assisted mountain biking includes everything from family friendly flow trails to technical downhill-style runs, while downhill is the most extreme and demanding variation within the category.

Downhill usually involves steeper terrain, higher speeds and greater technical challenges than other Bike Park riding.

Where can you ride downhill?

At SkiStar, you can experience different forms of downhill and gravity-inspired riding.

Åre – for experienced downhill riders

Åre Bike Park is Scandinavia’s most renowned downhill destination and offers some of the most demanding and technical downhill trails in the region.

Here you will find a wide range of trails and terrain suited to both experienced and highly advanced riders.

Sälen – family friendly introduction

Sälen Bike Park offers family friendly downhill-style trails and easier gravity-inspired riding, making it ideal for those who want to try a similar riding experience at a gentler pace.

It is a great place to build confidence before progressing to more demanding downhill terrain.

Equipment for downhill

Downhill places greater demands on both your bike and protective equipment than regular trail riding.

Downhill bike

A downhill bike or robust full suspension bike is recommended for downhill riding, as these are designed to handle heavy impacts, rough terrain and steep descents.

Protective equipment

Extra protection is always recommended for downhill riding.

  • Full face helmet for maximum head and face protection.
  • Knee and elbow pads for added safety.
  • Back protector or upper body armour for demanding trails.
  • Gloves for improved grip and control.

Tips before your first downhill ride

The most important thing when starting downhill is to build confidence gradually and focus on technique before speed.

  1. Start slowly: Begin on easier trails and progress gradually.
  2. Look ahead: Keep your eyes up and plan your lines early.
  3. Maintain the right position: Bend your arms and knees and keep a low centre of gravity.
  4. Brake smoothly: Avoid sudden braking in technical sections.
  5. Ride at your own pace: Do not rush into harder terrain too quickly.

Learn downhill with a guide or lesson

If you want to improve your technique faster or get a safe introduction to the sport, SkiStar offers both guided sessions and downhill lessons.

Our private bike guides can help with everything from body position and braking technique to line choice and riding technical terrain.

For beginners, we also recommend Intro to downhill, where you learn the fundamentals of downhill riding together with an instructor.

Cycling in the forest on a guided trail with views of forests and mountains in the background, summer
Two cyclists in protective gear ride mountain bikes on a forest trail surrounded by purple flowers and green trees
Cycling down the mountain trail in Åre with a view of the lake and forest landscape
Two cyclists with helmets talk and smile while sitting on their mountain bikes, with a vast landscape view in the background
Bike guides and participants in Åre Bike Park are discussing mountain biking adventures in a gondola with bikes
Two mountain bikers are riding on a mountain trail with a panoramic view of the valley in Åre, Sweden, under a cloudy sky
  • Cycling in the forest on a guided trail with views of forests and mountains in the background, summer
  • Two cyclists in protective gear ride mountain bikes on a forest trail surrounded by purple flowers and green trees
  • Cycling down the mountain trail in Åre with a view of the lake and forest landscape
  • Two cyclists with helmets talk and smile while sitting on their mountain bikes, with a vast landscape view in the background
  • Bike guides and participants in Åre Bike Park are discussing mountain biking adventures in a gondola with bikes
  • Two mountain bikers are riding on a mountain trail with a panoramic view of the valley in Åre, Sweden, under a cloudy sky