Ski bikers to rally at Purgatory Resort near Durango

By Jay McKinney

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Skiing and snowboarding may still dominate the slopes, but ski biking is rapidly becoming a fun alternative. This February the annual Ski Bike Rally is returning to Purgatory Resort outside of Durango for a weekend of friendly competition and casual riding.

The modified bikes fastened with skis date back over 60 years ago, with the Austrian ski company Brenter spearheading most production and technology efforts during the 1950s. It became relatively popular during the 60s and 70s, and even the Beatles were seen riding them in the film “Help”. However, mainstream acceptance has been an uphill battle similar to what snowboarding faced during the 1980s. Thankfully, there is a passionate community that is dedicated to growing the sport and sharing the joy that one can have on a ski bike.

Jim Cameron, president of the American Ski Bike Association, has been an avid skier for years but embraced ski biking after his first time. “I saw the ski bikes and was like, those things look awesome, I’m going to go out and try it,” Cameron says. “At the end of the first day, I’m like, ‘where can I buy one.’ It opened up a whole new realm in the mountain world for me.”

With an increasing number of resorts that allow ski bikes, a fast learning curve, and the ability to stand or sit (making it less strenuous), ski bikes are appealing for all age groups and skill levels. Cameron jokes about how he can still race for last chair on a ski bike, but traditional skiing is much more taxing on his body, and he typically has to call it quits in the early afternoon.

This will be the 19th year that Purgatory Resort has hosted the Ski Bike Rally, and riders from across the country relish the Southwestern Colorado retreat. Cameron loves the town of Durango and believes February is an ideal time to host the rally because people are starting to get burned out on their local resorts.

“The town is so cool,” Cameron says. “They welcome us, the hotels give us deals, it’s just been a cool place to do it. It’s just the vibe that the town gives off, it’s not a Vail or an Aspen or a Park City. You walk around the town and it’s just friendly.”

So what does the weekend Ski Bike Rally entail? Starting Saturday, people will be able to link up with fellow ski bikers and head out to various parts of the mountain. Participants can keep it mellow or ski the trees, ride steep runs and even practice tricks. Afterward, the main event will be a timed race on a guided course that is easy enough for all skill levels. However, there will be different classes so that competitors with a similar amount of experience can see how they measure up against one another.

Another activity on Saturday will be a poker run, which is a type of race common in motorcycle rallies. It requires the riders to check in and get a stub signed at different locations on the mountain. For those who rank high in the poker run race, prizes will be awarded at the end of the day when the ski bikers gather in the lodge.

On Sunday, ski bikers will have a chance to do NASTAR racing down the mountain. NASTAR stands for National Standard Race and is the largest public ski racing program in the world. The program scores racers by giving them a handicap number that represents their ability based on how they compare to a set pace. It’s a way of measuring ability against others across the nation.

Cameron lives in Utah and was pleasantly surprised with his NASTAR rank after participating in the program at Park City.

“I’m a pretty good rider but I’m not one of the best and I was ranked against probably a couple dozen other ski bikers and I had a really good ranking nationally and I qualified to go to the national championship that they do in the springtime in Snowmass,” Cameron says.

Hopefully some of the ski bikers at this year’s rally will be able to lock down a spot in the national ranking.

When not on the mountain, ski bikers are encouraged to check out the various tents located by the main lift. There will be manufacturers and a museum tent showing old models and highlighting the sport’s history. The American Ski Bike Association will also have a booth with information about ski biking and how to get involved. After a day on the slopes, ski bikers can drive 30 minutes south and hit the streets of Durango for well-deserved food and libations.

Cameron acknowledges that ski biking may still have a way to go before it’s as popular as skiing and snowboarding, but the rally is no doubt growing the sport, providing an opportunity for riders to connect with each other and share their love of ski bikes with those who are just getting started.

Jay McKinney is a Colorado native who recently graduated from Metro State University of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in communications. He loves spending time outdoors, playing golf and hiking.