THUNDER MOUNTAIN
MEET PEOPLE, LEARN SKILLS, DISCOVER NEW TRAILS
The Bike School is closed for the winter. Thanks for a great season! 2025 lessons will open up on Memorial Day Weekend
PRIVATE LESSONS & TOURS
Private coaching and guiding tailored to your goals.
Looking for a personal tour of the mountain? Do you want one on one coaching tailored to you and your group? Sign up for a private lesson! Our experienced instructors will help you progress your riding to the next level.
Private lessons are designed for 1-5 riders of a similar ability (minimum age 6). We have certified staff that is trained to teach everything from introductory lessons, to double black technical trails and everything in between. If you are just looking for a tour of our incredible trails, hiring a guide is the most efficient way to see the mountain.
We do not offer coaching or guiding on Fort Hill.
Lesson Start Times
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Half Day (3 hours)
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Full Day (6 hours)
10:00am
LESSON PRICE
- Half Day $220
+ $25 per additional guest
- Full Day $400
+ $40 per additional guest
- Lift Tickets are sold separately and are available at checkout
MEETING LOCATION
Bike Shop on the Main Floor of the Berkshire East Ski Resort Main Lodge
AGES 6+
Book Lesson
Contact Customer Service to book a spot or for more info 413.339.6618
Cancellation Policy
We retain a 5% cancellation fee for any cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance of your scheduled program. All reservations are non-refundable 48 hours or less to your scheduled program with exceptions for bike park closures.
101 LEARN TO RIDE
RIDE SCHOOL AT THUNDER MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK
This package includes:
- A rental downhill bike
- A full face helmet
- Protective body armor
- A lift ticket
- A two hour group lesson
Are you new to mountain biking? Have you ever ridden at a bike park? The 101 is your all inclusive entry package to the sport. You will get a lift ticket, rental bike, body armor, helmet and a two hour lesson for an unbeatable price.
Instructors will teach participants the basic fundamentals of downhill mountain biking at our designated skills areas. Coaches will focus on body positioning, braking, shifting, descending and cornering. The goal of each lesson is to successfully ride one lap on our green trail, Sugar Line. Students that are excelling may progress to blue terrain, however they will not have access to Gronk, our blue jump trail. Those interested in learning to jump should sign up for a jumping clinic or a private lesson.
Lesson Start Times
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Morning $165
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Afternoon $135
LESSON PRICE
Morning lesson, all day lift ticket & rental $165
Afternoon lesson, afternoon lift ticket & rental $135
MEETING LOCATION
Bike Shop on the Main Floor of the Berkshire East Ski Resort Main Lodge
AGES 10+
- Participants must know how to ride a bike prior to the 101 lesson
- You may only take ONE 101 lesson
- This is a beginner lesson only
- Participants cannot pick up their rental until 15 minutes before the lesson start time.
- You may not ride the lift before the 101 lesson.
- Minimum age: 10
Cancellation Policy
We retain a 5% cancellation fee for any cancellations made more than 48 hours in advance of your scheduled program. All reservations are non-refundable 48 hours or less to your scheduled program with exceptions for bike park closures.
ADULT CLINICS
FIND YOUR FLOW
We strongly encourage taking Find Your Flow before our Jumps and Drops clinic. Those who take both clinics in the same weekend are eligible for 20% off of one clinic.
This clinic includes lunch. When signing up please alert us of any allergies or dietary restrictions. We will take food orders the morning of the clinic.
Call us to book at 413.339.6618.
Achieving that seemingly effortless flow may not be as hard as you think. This full day clinic will focus on how to carry speed down blue flow and mild tech trails by riding smoothly, choosing good lines and maintaining (even generating) speed through the corners. We will practice riding flat, rocky and bermed corners with techniques to generate traction and speed while staying composed through it all. This clinic will take place on mostly blue rated trails. Typical group sizes range from three to six participants.
FIND YOUR FLOW
- Ages 17+
- June 28th & September 27th.
- $185
- 9:15am to 4:00pm
- Includes coaching, discounts on lift tickets, lunch, an apres drink voucher and Thunder swag!
- 20% off Jumps & Drops offered after purchase online.
Book Clinic
Contact Customer Service to book a spot or for more info 413.339.6618
Cancellation Policy
We retain a 5% cancellation fee for any cancellations made more than 14 days in advance of your scheduled program. All reservations are non-refundable 14 days or less to your scheduled clinic with exceptions for bike park closures.
JUMPS & DROPS
We strongly encourage taking Find Your Flow before our Jumps and Drops clinic. Those who take both clinics in the same weekend are eligible for 20% off of one clinic.
This clinic includes lunch. When signing up please alert us of any allergies or dietary restrictions. We will take food orders the morning of the clinic.
Are you new to jumping and want to gain confidence in the air? Do you regularly hit jumps and drops but want a fresh set of eyes to look at your form. This clinic will take your air awareness to the next level. Come learn proper drop and jumping technique that will carry through to the rest of your riding career. Typical group sizes range from three to six participants. The clinic will be split into intermediate and advanced groups based on ability and your survey answers.
JUMPS & DROPS
- Ages 17+
- June 29th & September 28th.
- $185
- 9:15am to 4:00pm
- Includes coaching, discounts on lift tickets, lunch, an apres drink voucher and Thunder swag!
Book Clinic
Contact Customer Service to book a spot or for more info 413.339.6618
Cancellation Policy
We retain a 5% cancellation fee for any cancellations made more than 14 days in advance of your scheduled program. All reservations are non-refundable 14 days or less to your scheduled clinic with exceptions for bike park closures.
THUNDER MOUNTAIN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
The Devo program meets for five consecutive Sundays and is for young mountain bikers—ages 8-16—looking to progress their skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. The goal of the Development program is to inspire the next generation of riders to build a love for mountain biking. Sunday sessions will include instruction in small groups along with tons of supervised bike park riding! Have your kids join us for a memorable season at Thunder!
If the program is filled, please call 413-339-6618 to be placed on the waitlist.
COST
- 50% off a full price Thunder Mountain Bike Park Season Pass for participant. Discount excludes the Unlimited Bike & Ski Season Pass.
(Call to book 413-339-6618)
DATES
5/25, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15 & 6/22. 6/29 will be the rain date
AGES 8-16
Sign Up Here
DEVO PROGRAM OVERVIEW
Each day will run from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM with a lunch break supervised by our instructors. At the first session kids will be matched up into smaller groups based on age and ability. For continuity, your child will ride with this group and the same coach throughout the program. Instructors will teach basic skills such as body positioning, cornering and braking on easier terrain, before practicing up on the hill. More advanced groups will progress into skills such as finding speed in technical terrain, pumping, jumping and drop technique.
*Participants must know how to ride a mountain bike prior to joining the Devo program and be comfortable riding a green trail such as Sugar Line.
Equipment Requirements
- Participants must provide their own bike with working disc brakes. We strongly encourage parents to get their child’s bike tuned before the first session.
- Full suspension bikes are strongly encouraged but not required.
- Children must wear a full face helmet.
- At a minimum, knee pads are required to participate. Chest, back, neck and elbow protection are encouraged but not required.
- Mountain bike specific pedals are required for safety. Flat pedals are encouraged as they promote proper technique.
Rentals
- An extremely limited supply of kids bikes will be available for rent through the online reservation system. There are no guarantees that a bike will be available each week. Parents are responsible for walking their child through the rental process and must arrive at 9 AM to pick up their reserved bike.
Equipment Discounts
- Leatt and Thunder are teaming up to offer families 25% off protective equipment. An order sheet will be sent out a few weeks prior to the program start date.
Lift Tickets
- Lift tickets are not included in the program cost. Families may choose one of the following options:
- Purchase a Junior Season Pass at 50% off (no blackout dates). *Ages 14 and under.
- Purchase an Adult Season Pass at 50% off (no blackout dates). *Ages 14 and older.
- Purchase individual lift tickets for each day of the program. *Pre-purchase online for best pricing.
Lunch
- Lunch is not included. Please send your children with a bag lunch or money for the snack shack.
Daily Schedule
9:30am Drop off
~Noon - 1:00pm Lunch
3:00 Pick up
Financial Assistance
- We understand there are significant financial barriers of entry into mountain biking and want it to be accessible to as many local kids as possible. We are limited in what we can offer, however, we want to help where we can. If you are struggling to afford gear, please email Luke@thundermountainbikepark.com.
Spring Devo Scholarship Opportunities
For the 2025 Spring Devo session we are excited to offer a scholarship opportunity for families in need.
If you'd like to apply, please email luke@thundermountainbikepark.com with a description of why you think the child you are nominating deserves the scholarship. Kids are also welcome to submit their own application letters. Our scholarship committee will choose winners based on financial need, lack of access and underrepresentation in the sport. In the application, feel free to include pertinent financial information as well as a description of what the barriers are for your family. Applications are due on Friday, May 9th by midnight. Winners will be notified no later than Friday, May 16th.
Thunder Mountain Bike Park Scholarship
Applicants living anywhere with access to the Bike Park are welcome to apply. The scholarship includes the following:
- A season pass to Thunder Mountain Bike Park
- Free Tuition to the Fall Devo Program
DEVO Program Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is the program called Devo?
The Thunder Mountain Development program is designed to give young riders a strong foundation of the fundamentals of mountain biking. Many will take these skills and go on to race XC, Enduro or Downhill, while others will continue on as recreational riders.
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What if my child wants to race?
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My child is already riding Hawleywood and Fort Hill. Is this the right program for them?
Congrats on raising the next phenom, however, Devo is probably not the right fit for your family. Most groups will max out their jumping progression on Gronk, our blue jump trail. A couple of groups typically advance to Hawleywood. Devo exists to grow the general mountain bike community in Western Massachusetts, not to coach elite-level athletes.
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What is the typical group size?
Groups typically range from 4 to 7 kids.
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Can we request that my child be placed in the same group as their friend?
Yes, we will do our best to accommodate these requests when possible. Please remember that learning is more conducive when kids are with peers of a similar ability. If friends request to be together, the stronger rider will be placed in a group that is the best fit for the weaker rider. Ultimately, we will put the students' safety and learning potential before requests to be with friends.
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As a parent can I ride along with my child's group?
We ask that you please give our coaches and your child space. This is a great opportunity for parents to explore the bike park and the Deerfield River Trails free of kids.
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Does the program need volunteers?
Yes. We like to pair one parent volunteer with each group. Please let us know if you are interested in helping out.
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Should I tip my child's instructor?
If you feel like your child's instructor did an exceptional job, it is appropriate to tip them at the end of the season.
Cancellation Policy
We retain a 5% cancellation fee for any cancellations made more than 30 days in advance of your scheduled program. All reservations are non-refundable 30 days or less to your scheduled program. Exceptions to this policy will be made for injury with a signed doctor's note. We will not prorate missed days.
The Bement School Camps
Looking for an exciting mountain biking experience this summer?
Bement’s Mountain Biking Camp is a week-long program for riders entering grades 3–9, offering both day and residential options. Hosted at Thunder Mountain Bike Park, this camp is independently run by Bement. Bement has contracted the Thunder Mountain Bike School to run clinics focused on fundamental skills, confidence building, and all-around fun on two wheels.
From beginners learning the basics to experienced riders tackling jumps and drops, the camp delivers a well-rounded and supportive experience—just not through Thunder directly. Learn more and sign up through The Bement School’s summer programs below!
Learn More and Register with Bement School
THUNDER MOUNTAIN GRAVITY TEAM
YOUTH EASTERN STATES CUP TRAVEL TEAM - 2025 Information Coming Soon
The Thunder Mountain Gravity Team is a competitive mountain bike program for young athletes ages 10-16. With a focus on gravity riding, this program will train athletes for enduro and downhill racing on the Eastern States Cup circuit.
The Gravity team serves everyone from first time “racing curious” kids to podium level athletes. This year's coaching staff will be led by racing standout and professional rider Ellen Noble. Practices will run every Thursday at Thunder during school summer break. Coaching and race support will be provided at the July 20th and 21st ESC weekend at Thunder Mountain. Gravity Team coaches will train athletes on everything from mountain bike fundamentals, to high speed cornering, jumping, drops, line choice, finding speed, race tactics and more. Join us for another season of racing with the Thunder Mountain Gravity Team!
COST
- Price TBA
(Call to book to save on booking fees)
- There will be a free meet and greet session to ride with the team and see if it is a good fit for your family. Date TBA.
- 50% off a full price Thunder Mountain Bike Park Season Pass for participant. Discount excludes the Unlimited Bike & Ski Season Pass.
(Call to book 413-339-6618)
DATE RANGE
TBA
10am-4pm each day
AGES 10-16
Sign Up Here
GRAVITY TEAM PROGRAM OUTLINE
Practices will be held at Thunder Mountain Bike Park every Thursday during the summer. Athletes will ride with coaches and team members, focusing on a combination of drills, freeriding and timed practice runs. Although we will target race specific training, the overarching goal of the program is two fold. One, we want young athletes to progress their riding by developing sound fundamentals. Two, we want kids to simply love mountain biking and racing. Not only will the program challenge your child, it will put them in a social environment that could lead to lifelong outdoor friendships.
Team members are expected to make 80% or more of the practices at Thunder. Although there is no requirement to race, we hope that your child can attend one or more of the Eastern States Cup race weekends during the summer. Thunder Mountain Bike Park will provide coaching and support at the “home” race on July 20th and 21st. Families will travel to “away” races without the official support of coaches. Typically parents work with one another to create a team atmosphere at races. We encourage families to travel, camp and race together.
About the Coaches
For a second season, we are excited to have Ellen Noble at the coaching helm. As a former Trek Factory Racing and Red Bull athlete, Noble is no stranger to the big leagues. In the first stint of her pro-career, Noble won three U-23 Cyclocross National Championships, a Pan-American Championship and scored a second place podium at the UCI CX World Championships. In addition to dominating cyclocross, Ellen raced on the Cross Country World Cup circuit for a number of years. During “retirement” she dipped her toes into the world of gravity racing, finishing 6th overall in last year's Eastern States Cup Pro Women Enduro category. Recently announcing a return to professional racing, Noble will again race Cyclocross and continue on her quest for Downhill and Enduro podiums. In addition to racing, Ellen announces televised World Cups, coaches for USA cycling and runs her own youth cycling camps for girls. Most of all, she is passionate about inspiring the next generation of riders.
Program Requirements
- Athletes must have prior mountain biking experience and be able to ride black diamond trails at Thunder or a comparable bike park.
- Families must provide their children with pads, a full face helmet and a full suspension bike with disc brakes.
- Bikes should be tuned by a professional mechanic before the first day.
- Parents must be willing to transport their children to races and practices or carpool with other families. Parents are responsible for providing lodging or camping for their kids at races and must be able to cover registration fees and other costs associated with racing.
What Is Included?
- A free meet and greet session on June 8th from 9am until 12pm.
- 8 Thursday practices
- Coaching and support at the July Thule Showdown Race at Thunder Mountain Bike Park
- A team uniform with the athlete’s name printed on the back
- An option to buy a second uniform
- 50% off bike shop labor for team members. *Some exclusions apply
- 50% off a full price Thunder Mountain Bike Park Season Pass for participant. Discount excludes the Unlimited Bike & Ski Season Pass.
- 30% off parts and retail items at the Thunder bike shop
What is Not Included?
- Bikes and equipment
- Lift tickets (we offer 50% season pass for team members)
DETAILS & DATES
Thunder Mountain Gravity Team (Summer Session)
- Ages 10-16
- Free info session / ride with the team on June 8th from 9am until 12pm.
- Practices: June 27th, July 11th, 18th, 25th, August 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd. (No practice on July 4th).
- $900 enrollment (includes one uniform with name on back)
GRAVITY Team Frequently Asked Questions
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How do I find out more about the program?
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Is the program right for my child if they have never raced mountain bikes before?
Prior racing experience certainly will help, however it is not required. If your child is a proficient mountain biker, this is a great opportunity for them to get into racing at a young age.
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I am a parent and I don’t ride mountain bikes. I am worried about supporting my child at races.
Most race venues are easily hikable and only allow spectators on foot. We encourage experienced race families to help less experienced parents at races.
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I am worried my child’s bike isn’t suitable for racing.
Old or under-maintained mountain bikes pose a big safety risk for racing. Parents must provide their children with a suitable full suspension bike. Ask your local shop for help, or come into the service shop at Thunder to ask questions.
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Do I have to accompany my child at races?
No, however Thunder Mountain Bike Park is not responsible for athletes outside of practice times. You may coordinate with other parents for supervision at races.
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Does the Thunder Mountain Gravity Team only attend Eastern States Cup Races?
Athletes may enter any race they like wearing their TMGT jersey, however we only provide coaching at the July 20th & 21st "home race" at Thunder Mountain.
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What is the Eastern States Cup?
The ESC is a race series based in the Northeast that hosts Enduro and Downhill races for people of all ages.
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Does the Thunder Mountain Gravity Team race cross country?
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Should I tip my child's coach?
If you feel like your child's coach did an exceptional job, it is appropriate to tip them at the end of the season.
Sponsors
Cancellation Policy
We retain a 5% cancellation fee for any cancellations made more than 30 days in advance of your scheduled program. All reservations are non-refundable 30 days or less to your scheduled program. Exceptions to this policy will be made for injury with a signed doctor's note. We will not prorate missed days.
