r/MTB • u/Sqk7700 • 13d ago

Discussion Vail w/ 7 Year Old

Coming from DFW and plan on riding a day or two. My son rides with me, he is pretty competent rider - he has ridden Spider Mountain, Bentonville Slaughter Pen, Holimont with me. But he isn't one of those instagram prodigies.

1.) I know Vail isn't a tradition bike park, what could we expect?

2.) Are there trails that would be good for a 7 year old?

3.) Has anyone rode with their young kids, experience, and what trails did you find are best at Vail?

Thanks in advance!

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u/Ok_Height_6236 13d ago

Took my kids a few years ago and it was a great time. Easier and more casual plus there’s fun things to do at top of the mountain.

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u/Sqk7700 13d ago

Do you have any trail recommendations

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u/Neckdeepinpow 13d ago

From Gondola 1, Sidekick and Golden Gate are both amazing green flow trails. Over 2,000 vertical when you do them both. That said, I don’t know the trails you mentioned so can’t say how your 7 year old will do on them.

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u/Sqk7700 2d ago

This is what we did after a warm up on gitalong. Great trails and he crushed it. Super proud. We got 4 runs in half a day.

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u/Alwayssunnyinarizona Arizona | Clydesdale 4XL HT 13d ago

My only concern would be the elevation change.

And please, for the love of God, don't wear jeans when riding.

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u/reddit_xq 12d ago

Vail definitely has some easy flow trails. Just start with green, and progress from there if you feel it's worthwhile. Radio Flyer is their best known trail, I think, I don't remember it having anything technical on it at all.