Summer Safety

Mountain biking is a fun way to experience Jackson Hole Mountain Resort but it's also important to remember that injuries are a common and expected part of the sport. We strongly suggest that full face helmets, full length gloves, biking armor and a full suspension bike be used in the Bike Park. If you are new to mountain-biking, or the parent or guardian of a younger rider, please familiarize yourself with the bike park and the mountain-biking activities we offer. Introductory mountain-biking lessons and beginner mountain-biking terrain are available and recommended. More challenging terrain and features should not be attempted unless the rider has the appropriate skills, experience and equipment to effectively negotiate such trail sections.

• Be sure that your suspension is tuned properly and is set up for your body weight and riding ability.
• Full suspension Enduro style and downhill bikes are strongly recommended. If you don't know what these are you should look into our rentals and lessons.
• All bikes riding in the bike park must have one functioning brake per wheel. This keeps dirt jump bikes, BMX, kids with coaster brakes and beach cruisers off the trails but allows regular mountain bikes to ride on the hill.
• All riders must sign a waiver. Riders under the age of 18 must have their waiver signed by a parent or guardian.
• It is the riders responsibility to ride within their level. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort provides trail difficulty designations. A rider can expect any number of challenges on the trail pursuant to the trail designation level.
• Know before you go! Understand the trail level you are about to ride and be prepared for it!
• Inspect each trail: Pre-ride at a slower speed to get a feel for the terrain. Don't hammer your first run. Take it easy and look for changing conditions.
• First time? No worries. Hire a guide.

We have Black Bears and Grizzly Bears, and encourage you to carry and know how to use bear spray.

How to Avoid Bears While Hiking: Your main task will be to hike without startling a bear at close range, especially a mother with cubs. Here are some guidelines that are particularly important to follow.

• Avoid hiking at dawn or dusk. That's when bears are most active.
• Hike in a group of four or more and stay close together; groups of that size are less likely to be attacked.
• Make noise as you hike in order not to surprise a bear. Try shouting "Hey, bear!" every so often, talking or singing loudly, clapping hands, and clacking trekking poles together. Most bells sold as "bear bells" are not loud enough to be useful. Also, be aware of your surroundings at all times. Noisy streams, wind in the trees, bends in the trail and dense vegetation can prevent a bear from being aware of you.
• Bear spray. Bear spray contains red pepper derivatives that affect the eyes and respiratory system. It's designed to rebuff an attacking bear (but can affect your own breathing and eyesight, too, if the wind blows it in your face), and empties in only 7-9 seconds. It's typically effective at a distance of 12-30 feet.

Carry it directly on your person in a holster, not in your pack (not even in an outside mesh pocket-it could get knocked out). Bear spray makes an excellent deterrent about 90 percent of the time. Know how to use it, as you may only have seconds to do so. Usually you must flick off the safety clip before you can depress the nozzle. Practice pulling it out of the holster at home before your trip.
It's an aerosol, so you will not be allowed to bring it on commercial airlines.

Warning: In camp, never preemptively spray your tent or pack with bear spray; it's NOT like mosquito repellent. It may actually attract bears. If you spray yourself, you will never forget the pain of the experience.