Cranbrook Youth Mountain Bike Programs
Cranbrook has quickly become one of the East Kootenays’ top destinations for youth mountain biking, with a growing network of beginner-friendly trails, flowing singletrack, and progressive terrain that makes it the perfect place for young riders to learn and grow. Ridetheory is proud to offer a limited number of weekly youth mountain bike programs and summer mountain bike camps in Cranbrook, BC, designed to help kids build confidence, develop strong riding fundamentals, and foster a lifelong passion for mountain biking.
Led by PMBIA-certified coaches, our programs combine professional instruction with guided trail rides in a fun, supportive environment. Riders will develop essential mountain bike skills including body position, balance, braking, cornering, climbing, descending, and trail etiquette before progressing to more advanced techniques as their confidence grows. Every session is tailored to the group’s age and ability, giving each rider the opportunity to progress at their own pace.
Along the way, kids will make new riding friends, challenge themselves, and discover the joy of spending time outdoors on Cranbrook’s incredible trail network. Our goal is to help every rider leave with stronger skills, greater confidence, and a love of mountain biking that lasts for years to come.
Please note: Our Cranbrook youth programs have limited spaces and often fill quickly. If a program is full, we’d love to add you to our waitlist.
What to Bring
- Helmet: Full face optional for dirt jumps
- Knee pads: optional for ages 4-5 and 5-7 groups. Highly recommended for everyone else!
- Elbow pads: recommended
- Gloves: recommended
- Bike: in good working order with hand brakes
- Gears are strongly recommended for 5-7 age group and up
- Dirt jump bikes are not mandatory for jump courses
- Repair Kit: Correctly sized spare tube for your child's bike
- Hydration: 1-2L in bottles or a hydration pack
- Snacks
- Sunscreen: Please apply beforehand an send your kids with spare suncreen in full day programs
- Weather-appropriate clothing
Our coaches will carry repair kits and first aid supplies for added support.
What Your Child Will Learn In Our Mountain Bike Camps
They’ll learn:
- Body position and balance
- Braking and speed control
- Cornering
- Climbing and descending
- Line choice
- Trail awareness
- Riding roots and rocks
- Pumping
- Bike handling
- Trail etiquette
- Confidence on technical terrain
- Jumps and drops (advanced programs)
Why Families Choose Ridetheory
Our youth mountain bike programs are about more than learning to ride. We help kids develop confidence, resilience, teamwork, and the love of mountain biking.
- PMBIA-certified mountain bike coaches
- Small group instruction
- Progressive coaching
- Safe learning environment
- Personalized feedback
- Fun games and trail challenges
- Strong focus on confidence and safety
A Typical Day Mountain Biking in Cranbrook
Bike check
Warm-up games
Skills coaching
Trail ride
Snack break
Riding challenges
End-of-day recap
Smiles for the rest of the day
How to book Mountain Bike Coaching Program
Getting on the trails is easy!
1. Choose your location
Select where you'd like to ride: Fernie, Cranbrook, or Kimberley, BC.
2. Find your program
Browse the available programs below and choose the date that works best for you.
3. Complete your registration
Secure your spot online by clicking the date and complete the required waivers during checkout.
4. Get ready to ride
Pack your bike, helmet, and riding gear—we'll see you on the trails!
Before You Ride
Participants in our Fernie and Kimberley programs (excluding maintenance clinics) must have a valid Fernie Trails Alliance or Kimberley Trails Society membership or trail pass.
If your preferred program is full, please contact us to join the waitlist. We'll let you know if a spot becomes available or if additional sessions are added.
Spring After School Lessons
- 7 week Trail Ages 5-7 Beginner. May 7 – June 18. Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
- 7 week Trail Ages 7-9 Intermediate. May 5 – June 16. Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
- 7 week Trail Ages 9-13 Strong Intermediate/Advanced. May 8- June 19. Fridays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
- 4 week Bring Your Own Parents. Ages 4-6 Learn to Pedal. May 6 – 27. Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
- 4 week Bring Your Own Parents Ages 8-13 Trail Jumps. June 3 – 24. Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
Summer Camps
- July 7 – 9, 9 am – 12 pm. Ages 5-7 Beginner
- July 7 – 9, 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Ages 7-9 Beginner/Strong Beginner
- July 21-23, 9 am – 12 pm. Ages 8-11 Intermediate/Strong Intermediate
- July 21-23, 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Ages 5-7 Beginner
- July 28-30, 9 am – 12 pm. Ages 4-6 Learn to Pedal
- August 4-6, 9am – 3 pm. Ages 10-14 Intermediate/Advanced
- August 8, 9 am – 12 pm. Bring Your Own Parent to Jumps Camp. Ages 8-12
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Frequently Asked Questions About Mountain Biking in Cranbrook
How do I know which program is right for my child?
Choose a program based on both age and riding experience. If you’re unsure, contact us and we’ll help you find the best fit.
Does my child need mountain biking experience?
No. We offer beginner through advanced youth mountain bike programs.
What bike should they bring?
A mountain bike in good working condition with hand brakes.
Do they need knee pads?
We strongly recommend knee pads for all riders and require them for some programs.
How are groups organized?
By age and riding ability whenever possible.
What happens if my child is nervous?
Confidence comes first. Coaches never pressure riders into attempting features they’re not ready for.
What certifications do your coaches have?
All Ridetheory coaches are PMBIA-certified (or equivalent) and hold current first aid certifications.
What happens if it rains?
Programs run in most weather conditions provided it’s safe to ride. If there is an extream weather events we will contact you by email to reschedule.