More accurately, let’s go to the mountains, climb for several hours, and then do as the skiers do, only with our bikes. What can go wrong? Nothing actually. We’ve done it countless times, and we’re fine and dandy. There are even races that start on top of glaciers and ski slopes. That’s not to say there are no dangers. In fact, even seemingly minor mistakes can cost you a lot on the snow. So, let’s talk about that, shall we?
Riding with clipless pedals
Riding in the snow is not even close to anything you’ve tried so far. Some will tell you it’s like riding in the mud but there are significant differences. Firstly, mud is predictable – terrible, but predictable. Snow is not.
It’s uneven in every way possible – hard, soft, wet, dry, deep, shallow. Most importantly, it’s slippery in a particularly nasty way. You can slide out for any reason at any time. Moreover, although it looks as comfortable as a cloud, this white powder is surprisingly hard upon hitting it.
So, it would be best if you have your feet free to, you know, prevent crashing. Otherwise, you will invent a brand new sport where your bike rides you like a snowboard. Clipless pedals are great for summer rides, but in snow? Not so much. Snow loves to pack itself into your cleats, turning every dismount into an icy wrestling match. And if you do manage to clip out, your frozen toes will thank you for the extra few seconds they spent marinating in slush.
Do yourself a favour and switch to flat pedals for snowy rides. Yes, you won’t have the same power transfer but you’re not really on a race – you’re there to have fun. So don’t worry about watts. Worry about bailing out and looking less like Bambi on the ice during those awkward moments when you stop and promptly tip over.
Dressing just for the ride
We get it. You don’t bring a backpack on your rides. Well, you need one. Why? Well, you need to change your clothes. No, it’s not for the Instagram session once you reach your gloriously snowy destination. It’s about staying warm once you stop pedalling. Now, we’re not talking about the short stops you will inevitably do. Heck, there will be a lot of them. Instagrammable photos don’t do themselves, you know. Those are not a huge problem if you don’t allow your body to lose heat.
However, if you want to catch your breath for a bit longer, you need something warm. Furthermore, before the descent, you will have to change your clothes entirely, as your sweat-soaked jersey will become a pretty nasty icicle while you’re speeding down.
So, make sure to dress in layers. Wear a moisture-wicking base layer, preferably from wool or merino, an insulating middle layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Bonus points for a balaclava that makes you look like a bank robber for the descent. Because nothing screams “MTB pro,” like avoiding frostbite and giving fellow riders a mild heart attack.
Underestimating how slippery it can be
Snow. It’s beautiful, magical, and… oh-so-treacherous. Unlike mud, which gets a bad rap for being a slippery nuisance, snow operates on a different level of unpredictability. You might think, “Oh, it’s just a bit of snow, how bad can it be?” Well, let me introduce you to its alter egos: ice patches, slushy streaks, and the dreaded crust-over-powder combo.
While you’re cruising along confidently, your tyre kisses what you thought was a grippy patch of snow, and BAM! Suddenly, you’re in an unplanned pirouette that would make an Olympic figure skater jealous. The audience? Your riding buddies doubling over in laughter.
The key to avoiding your own blooper reel is to approach every surface as if it’s out to get you. Because, let’s be real, it probably is. Ride with finesse, not brute force, and keep your weight balanced. Lower your tyre pressure to increase grip, and use those brakes gently. This isn’t the time to beat that downhill record on Strava. It can wait till the summer. The alternative is not something you want to think about.
Overlooking the snow conditions
Speaking of the snow, you know the Inuit have 100 words for the different types of snow. Yeah, not all snow is created equal. There’s the fluffy powder that makes you feel like a hero until your tyres sink halfway to oblivion. There’s the packed snow that feels solid… until it doesn’t. And then there’s the icy stuff that could probably double as a hockey rink.
The problem? Many riders don’t bother to scope out the conditions before diving in. They assume all snow is “just snow”. Wrong. It’s a shape-shifting beast that can turn your dream ride into a comedy sketch in an instant.
So, take a moment and check your trail’s condition. Are there ice patches? Are there bald spots? What type of snow will you have to deal with? Fresh powder? It’s fun but exhausting. Wet, heavy snow? Good luck with that. Crusty ice? Welcome to the Slip ‘n Slide Championship. If in doubt, stick to trails where the snow is groomed or at least packed down by hikers or other riders. And whatever you do, avoid any patch that sparkles in the sunlight.
And one pro tip. If you actually go through one of these sparkling snow patches, better known as ice, resist the urge to panic and brake hard. Instead, just focus on guiding your bike until you find grip again, helping with a foot or two on the ground. Screaming is optional.
Forgetting to hydrate
Now, that sounds ridiculous. Why would anyone forget about hydrating while riding their bike? Well, let me remind you that “baby, it’s cold outside”. Indeed, where there is snow, usually people are not in their bathing suits. It’s cold, and so is your water, especially if you keep it in your bidon basket. The whole idea of drinking ice-cold water while your body is heated and literally steaming in the surrounding cold air is not very attractive. Moreover, cold weather tricks your body into thinking it’s not thirsty, even though you’re sweating buckets under all those layers. Combine that with the altitude and effort of climbing snowy trails, and you’re a dehydration disaster waiting to happen.
So, what’s the solution? Well, you can either use an insulated water bottle or go for a camelback. The camelback will absorb some of your heat and will stay relatively warm. Moreover, make sure you have some huts along the way where you can drink tea or two and warm yourself near the fireplace.
Most importantly, however, don’t forget to drink. Your body will insist it’s all fine until it isn’t. Don’t trust it. Drink every 15 minutes or so. A couple of sips is all you need. This will prevent your calves from cramping and making it look like your legs are auditioning for a zombie movie.
Forgetting why you’re out there
Riding in the snow is an adventure like no other. It’s thrilling and challenging but can also be terrifying if you are unprepared. The rules are simple. Know where you’re going, know what to expect, and expect the unexpected. Sounds easy enough, doesn’t it?
However, there is one rule that you must remember before you hit the mountains – it’s all for fun. So once it stops being fun and becomes suffering, it’s much wiser to get back home.
