Kids Mountain Bike Camps in Fernie, BC

Absolutely. Many of our Fernie summer camps are designed for beginners and strong beginners. Our coaches focus on building confidence through fun instruction before progressing to more technical riding.

Choose a camp based on both your child’s age and current riding ability. If your child is between levels or you’re unsure which program is the best fit, choose the camp that fits their riding abilities today, not the ones they’d like to achieve.

Ridetheory coaches teach the six core mountain bike skills recognized by PMBIA, and GMSBCbuilding a strong foundation that helps kids ride safely and confidently for years to come.

Throughout camp, riders develop:

• Position & Balance for stability and control.
• Braking to manage speed safely on different terrain.
• Wheel Lifts to roll over roots, rocks, and trail obstacles.
• Shifting to climb and pedal efficiently.
• Cornering to carry control and confidence through turns.
• Pressure Control to pump terrain, absorb impacts, and generate momentum.

As riders progress, these core skills are combined and applied to technical trails, drops, jumps, line choice, and more advanced trail features. Every lesson is tailored to each rider’s age, ability, and confidence level, ensuring they progress at a pace that’s both fun and safe.

Yes. Every rider should bring a properly fitting mountain bike in safe working condition. The bike should have working front and rear brakes, appropriate tires for trail riding, and gears for most camps. Dirt jump bikes are welcome for dirt jump-specific programs but aren’t required.

Before camp starts, we recommend giving your child’s bike a quick safety check:

• Tires inflated to the correct pressure
• Brakes working properly
• Chain clean and lubricated
• Shifting functioning smoothly
• Bolts tightened and wheels securely fastened

A well-maintained bike helps your child spend more time riding and learning, and less time waiting for repairs.

If you’re visiting Fernie or don’t have a suitable bike, you can rent a mountain bike from GearHub Sports.

Bring a helmet, water, snacks, weather-appropriate clothing, and a bike in good working order. Knee pads are mandatory for most age groups, while gloves and elbow pads are strongly recommended. A spare tube that fits your child’s bike is also required.

Our camps run in most weather conditions. Fernie weather can change quickly, so riders should come prepared with layers and rain gear when needed. If severe weather creates unsafe riding conditions, we’ll communicate any schedule changes directly with registered families.

Yes. Ridetheory coaches are experienced mountain bike instructors with professional coaching certifications from PMBIA, and GSMBC. Our coaches hold a 40 hours wilderness first aid training. Safety, progression, and creating a positive learning environment are at the centre of every session.

Yes. We group riders by age and ability so kids can learn alongside others with similar experience. Coaches introduce new skills progressively, and riders are never pressured to attempt features they aren’t comfortable with.

Yes. Participants in Fernie programs require a Fernie Trails Alliance membership or trail pass (maintenance clinics excluded).

If siblings and friends fall within the same age and ability group, they can ride together. If they’re in different groups, our coaches will ensure each child is placed where they’ll learn safely and progress at the right pace.

If your preferred camp is full, contact us to be added to the waitlist. We regularly hear from families if plans change, and additional spaces may become available.