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THUNDER MOUNTAIN

LESSONS

MEET PEOPLE, LEARN SKILLS, DISCOVER NEW TRAILS

The "Boats and Berms" youth program for ages 12-16 is now ready to book for 2024!  Please check back soon for all other 2024 Lessons & Programs!

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. At this time we do not offer coaching or guiding on Fort Hill.

Lesson Start Times

  • Half Day (3 hours)

    10:00am or 2:00pm

  • Full Day (6 hours)
    10:00am

LESSON PRICE

  • Half Day starts at TBD
    + TBD per additional guest
  • Full Day starts at TBD
    + TBD 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+

Contact Customer Service to book a spot or for more info (413.339.6618 )

Cancellation Policy

We offer a full refund up to 48 hours before the event start time. No refunds will be offered within the 48-hour window, with exceptions for chairlift and bike park closures.

CLINICS & PROGRAMS

SKILLS SPECIFIC CLINICS AND MULTI-DAY PROGRAMS

The Thunder Mountain Bike School is excited to offer a variety of offerings for children and adults. Typical group sizes range from three to six participants. Clinics do not include a lift ticket, however they can be purchased for a discounted rate at checkout. We are currently updating our 2024 calendar. Registration for our youth program, Boats and Berms, is open!

ADULT HALF DAY CLINICS

  • TBD
  • 3 hours
  • Includes coaching and discounts on lift tickets

ADULT FULL DAY CLINICS

  • TBD
  • 6.5 hours
  • Includes coaching, discounts on lift tickets, lunch, an apres drink voucher and Thunder swag!

Contact Customer Service to book a spot or for more info (413.339.6618 )

KIDS PROGRAMS

Boats and Berms (Ages 12-16)

The Boats and Berms Program is the ultimate adventure experience for your kids this summer. Whitewater kayak instruction paired with downhill mountain bike coaching create an outdoor education environment like no other. Children of all skill levels welcome. Choose from either the 4-day program (2 days boating and 2 days biking) or the 5-day program (3 days boating and 2 days biking).

The first two or three days of Boats and Berms are based at Zoar Outdoor. Participants that need equipment will be fitted to boats, PFDs, and paddles at base. After introductions and setting goals with the group, kids will head to the flatwater pond or reservoir. Accompanied all day by our certified instructors at Zoar Outdoor, participants will learn the basics of whitewater kayaking, such as stroke technique, wet exits, and how to read whitewater. Day two will follow a similar format, with students practicing and honing flatwater techniques before running a section of river with class I and class II rapids. Day three (if on a 5 day program) will be a full day of river running in whitewater kayaks giving kids time to develop their whitewater kayaking skills.

The remaining two days are based at Thunder Mountain Bike Park. Certified instructors will split participants into groups based on riding ability. Beginner groups will learn the fundamentals of mountain biking, while upper level groups will explore more challenging jump and technical trails. The final day will culminate with a ceremony at Thunder Mountain Bike Park for parents and participants.

This program includes supervision from 9am - 4:30pm. Lunch is included each day. Zoar Outdoor will provide a lunch on the river, while Thunder Mountain Bike Park will provide food vouchers for the "Backyard" food stand. Participants may bring their own gear for either activity. If the condition or appropriateness of your child's equipment is in question, please contact us. Whitewater equipment (boat, paddle, PFD, sprayskirt, helmet) is included in the base price. Bike park lift tickets are provided. Bike rentals must be purchased separately. Those enrolled in the program may book a rental at 50% off of walkup prices.

Give your child the outdoor experience of a lifetime this summer!

ADULT HALF DAY CLINICS

ADULT FULL DAY CLINICS

Cancellation Policy

In-house bike clinics will run rain or shine. We offer a full refund up to a week out from the day of the event. No refunds will be offered within this one week window, unless lifts shut down or the mountain closes for weather.

101 Learn to Ride

RIDE SCHOOL AT THUNDER MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK

This package includes:

  1. A rental downhill bike
  2. A full face helmet
  3. Protective body armor
  4. A lift ticket
  5. 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

  • Morning ($TBD)

    10:30am - 12:30pm

  • Afternoon ($TBD)

    1:30pm - 3:30pm

LESSON PRICE

Morning lesson, all day lift ticket & rental TBD
Afternoon lesson, afternoon lift ticket & rental TBD

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 30 minutes before the lesson start time. 
  • You may not ride the lift before the 101 lesson. 
  • Minimum age: 10

Contact Customer Service to book a spot or for more info (413.339.6618 )

Cancellation Policy

We offer a full refund up to 48 hours before the event start time. No refunds will be offered within the 48-hour window, with exceptions for chairlift and bike park closures.

THUNDER MOUNTAIN GRAVITY TEAM

YOUTH EASTERN STATES CUP TRAVEL TEAM

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! 

Not sure if this program is right for your family? Join us for a free info session and team ride-around (Date TBA). Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you are interested in attending this session.

COST

$TBD
50% off athlete's season pass

DATE RANGE

Summer Session
TBD

AGES 10-16

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 

  1. Athletes must have prior mountain biking experience and be able to ride black diamond trails at Thunder or a comparable bike park. 
  2. Families must provide their children with pads, a full face helmet and a full suspension bike with disc brakes. 
  3. Bikes should be tuned by a professional mechanic before the first day.
  4. 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 (Date TBA).
  • 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 the athletes 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 (Date TBA)
    • 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

    Eastern States Cup Races

    • TBD - Sugarbush, VT
    • TBD - Mount Snow, VT
    • TBD - Burke, VT
    • TBD - Sugarloaf, ME

    Practice Schedule at Thunder (9:30 AM - 4:00 PM)

    • Every Thursday TBD

    Cancellation Policy

    • You may cancel free of charge up to 30 days from the program start date. Those that cancel within the 30 day window will be charged for the full price of the program. Exceptions to this will be made for injury with a signed doctor's note. We will not prorate missed days or practices.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How do I find out more about the program?

    Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

    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. 

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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 ESC races. 

    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.

    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. 

    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

    • $500
      (Call to book to save on booking fees)
    • 50% off a season pass for participant.
      (Call to book 413-339-6618)

    DATES

    5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16 & 6/23 (Rain date 6/30)

    AGES 8-16

    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 Spring 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

    • Fox and Thunder are teaming up to offer families 25% off pads and helmets. 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: 
    1. Purchase a Junior Season Pass at 50% off (no blackout dates). *Ages 14 and under. $199.50
    2. Purchase an Adult Season Pass at 50% off (no blackout dates). *Ages 14 and older. $284.50
    3. 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

    Cancellation Policy

    • You may cancel free of charge up to two weeks from the program start date. Those that cancel within the two week window will be charged for the full price of the program.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    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. 

    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 handful of kids may advance to Hawleywood. Devo exists to grow the general mountain bike community in Western Massachusetts, not to coach elite-level athletes.  

    What is the typical group size?

    Groups typically range from 4 to 7 kids. 

    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. 

    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. 

    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. 

    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.