If you're looking to do some fatbike downhill this winter here in Minnesota you have a couple of opportunities. One of which has a two-day bike celebration in addition to lift-served downhill fatbiking on Sundays through March and the other is a one-time event.
Spirit Mountain
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| Image Credit: Spirit Mountain |
Spirit Mountain in Duluth opened January 13th for their Fat Sundays lift-served downhill fatbiking. The 2019 season will continue through the end of March, weather and trail conditions permitting. Sunday hours are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm for riding on slopes and bike park trails. A mandatory bike check, helmet, minimum tire width of 3"-3.5" depending on weather or trail conditions and a regular lift ticket ($59) or winter season pass are required to ride. For updates on conditions visit the Spirit Mountain Snow Report page.
The Frosted Fatty is Spirit Mountain's yearly winter fatbike festival that is to be held the weekend of January 19-20. Festivities include bike demos, food, beverage and music. Races include "Fat Bike XC, Staged Downhill and Head to Head Dual Slalom, where bikers, skiers and snowboarders race it out for a $500 cash prize!!" with male and female categories for each race except the Head to Head Dual Slalom which will name one winner as the "King of the Hill!" Check for updates on the Frosted Fatty Facebook event page. Online registration for the Frosted Fatty is available until January 18, 2019 at 5 pm.
Mount Kato
Mount Kato and the Mankato Area Mountain Bikers will be bringing back Gravity Fest on February 3rd after a several year hiatus. This year's event is set to be bigger and better with a dedicated chair lift to haul bikes and riders up to the top, two ski runs and some groomed singletrack to ride, weather permitting. Gravity fest will be from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for an open free riding session format. Participants will need to sign a waiver and pay $25 for a lift ticket.
If you've never experienced winter downhill riding on a fatbike, don't miss these chances. It will be the funnest time you've had on two wheels.
