Kimberley Youth Programs
Why Choose Ridetheory Youth Programs?
Ridetheory’s Youth Mountain Bike Programs in Kimberley, BC are designed to help young riders build confidence, develop lifelong mountain bike skills, and foster a passion for riding that lasts well beyond a single season. Running from spring through fall, our weekly programs combine professional coaching, guided trail rides, and plenty of time on the bike in a fun, supportive environment.
Led by PMBIA-certified mountain bike coaches, every session is tailored to the group’s age, experience, and goals. Riders begin by developing strong fundamentals such as body position, balance, braking, cornering, pumping, and front and rear wheel lifts before progressing to climbing, descending, line choice, and navigating natural trail features. As confidence grows, coaches introduce more advanced skills in a safe, progressive way, ensuring every rider develops at their own pace.
Beyond learning technical skills, our youth programs encourage teamwork, perseverance, independence, and respect for others. Riding alongside new and familiar friends, kids build confidence, challenge themselves, and create lasting friendships while spending time outdoors exploring Kimberley’s incredible trail network. They’ll head home each week with new skills, big smiles, and even more excitement for their next ride.
We also believe great riders become great trail stewards. Throughout the season, riders learn the importance of trail etiquette, responsible decision-making, and respecting their limits by understanding that it’s always okay to walk a feature they’re not ready to ride. They’ll gain an appreciation for the volunteers, trail builders, mountain bike clubs, landowners, and local community who make mountain biking possible. During our dirt jump programs, riders also help maintain the jumps, learning firsthand that “No Dig, No Ride” is more than a saying—it’s part of being a mountain biker.
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.
Benefits of learning amongst other youth:
- Make new friends/bond with current friends
- Build confidence
- Inspire each other
- Learn the payoff that comes from dedication and commitment
- Be a team player
Why Mountain Bike in Kimberley?
Kimberley is one of British Columbia’s premier mountain bike destinations, with more than 200 km of purpose-built singletrack winding through forests, granite ridgelines, and flowing descents. From the scenic trails of the Kimberley Nature Park to the technical terrain of Lois Creek and the jumps of the Kimberley Bike Park, there’s no better place for young riders to build confidence and develop their mountain bike skills.
Our youth programs use Kimberley’s diverse trail network as a classroom, giving riders the opportunity to practice new techniques on real terrain while exploring some of the best mountain biking in the Kootenays.
Why Families Choose Ridetheory Bike Camps
Learning to mountain bike should be fun, encouraging, and rewarding. Every Ridetheory youth program is led by PMBIA-certified coaches who create a safe, supportive environment where kids can develop skills, build confidence, and make new riding friends.
- PMBIA-certified mountain bike coaches
- Small groups for personalized instruction
- Programs matched to age and ability
- Progressive skill development
- Positive, confidence-building coaching
- Local knowledge of Kimberley’s trail network
- A focus on safety, fun, and lifelong riding
Mountain Bike Skills Your Child Will Learn
Our youth mountain bike programs in Kimberley are designed to help riders build strong fundamentals that last well beyond camp. Coaches tailor instruction to each rider’s ability, ensuring every child is challenged while feeling supported throughout the program.
Skills may include:
- Body position and balance
- Braking and speed control
- Cornering with confidence
- Climbing and descending
- Trail awareness and line choice
- Riding roots, rocks, and technical terrain
- Pumping and generating speed
- Jumping and drops (advanced programs)
- Trail etiquette and rider safety
A Day at Camp
Every day combines coaching, trail riding, and plenty of time on the bike.
Bike Check & Warm-Up
Start the day by checking bikes, warming up, and getting everyone ready to ride.
Skills Session
Learn new techniques through games, drills, and fun coaching activities.
Guided Trail Ride
Put new skills into practice on Kimberley’s trails with support from your coach.
Snack Break
Recharge and connect with new riding friends.
Challenges & Progression
Finish the day by building confidence through fun trail features, games, and group riding.
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 Weekly After School Lessons
- 7 week Jumping and Pumping Ages, 6-13 Beginner/Intermediate. May 5 – June 16. Tuesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
- 7 week Learn to Pedal Ages 4-6. May 4 – June 22. Mondays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm (no lesson Victoria day, May 18)
- 7 week Trail Ages 5-7 Beginner/Strong Beginner. May 6 – June 17. Wednesdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
- 7 week Trail Ages 7-10 Beginner/Intermediate. May 4 – June 22. Mondays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm (no lesson Victoria day, May 18)
- 7 week Bring Your Own Parent. Ages 8-13 Dirt Jumps. May 7 – June 18. Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
Summer Camps
- July 2-4, 9 am – 12 pm. Ages 5-7 Beginner
- July 2-4, 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Ages 7-10 Strong Beginner. Trail & Intro to Dirt Jumps
- July 14-16, 9 am – 3 pm. Ages 10-13 Strong Intermediate
- July 25-26, 9 am – 3 pm. Ages 10+ Advanced/Expert Dirt Jumps
- August 11-13, 9 am – 12 pm. Ages 8-11 Strong Intermediate
- August 11-13, 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Ages 7-11 Dirt Jumps
- August 18-20, 9 am – 12 pm. Ages 5-7 Strong Beginner/Intermediate
- August 18-20, 1:30 – 4:30 pm. Ages 7-9 Strong Beginner/Intermediate
- August 22-23, 10 am – 12 pm. Ages 8-13 Bring Your Own Parent to Dirt Jumps
Book Here:
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which youth mountain bike program is right for my child?
Our programs are organized by age and recommended riding ability. Each program description includes guidance on the ideal experience level. If you’re unsure which program is the best fit, get in touch and we’ll happily help you choose.
Does my child need previous mountain biking experience?
No. We offer youth mountain bike programs for a wide range of abilities, from riders just beginning on the trails to experienced youth looking to develop more advanced skills. Please choose a program that matches your child’s current riding experience.
What will my child learn?
Our PMBIA-certified coaches teach the fundamental skills needed to ride confidently and safely on the trails. Depending on the program, riders will work on body position, balance, braking, cornering, climbing, descending, line choice, trail etiquette, and technical trail features. Advanced programs may also include jumps and drops.
What bike and equipment does my child need?
Participants should bring a mountain bike in good working condition, a properly fitted helmet, gloves, water, snacks, and weather-appropriate clothing. Knee pads are strongly recommended, especially for intermediate, advanced, and dirt jump programs.
How are riders grouped?
Riders are grouped by age, experience, and ability whenever possible. This allows coaches to provide appropriate instruction while creating a fun and supportive environment where everyone can progress at their own pace.
What happens if my child is nervous?
That’s completely normal. Building confidence is at the heart of every Ridetheory program. Our coaches never pressure riders to attempt features they’re not ready for and encourage every participant to progress at a pace that feels comfortable.
Do programs run in bad weather?
Programs run in most weather conditions, provided it is safe to ride. If severe weather or unsafe trail conditions require changes or cancellations, we’ll communicate updates as soon as possible.
Are your coaches certified?
Yes. Ridetheory’s youth programs are led by experienced PMBIA-certified (or equivalent) mountain bike coaches with first aid training, ensuring a safe, fun, and professional learning environment.
What makes Ridetheory different?
Our youth mountain bike programs combine professional coaching, personalized feedback, and real trail experience in one of British Columbia’s best riding destinations. Beyond teaching mountain bike skills, we help young riders build confidence, develop trail awareness, make new friends, and foster a lifelong passion for riding.
How do I register?
Simply choose the program that best matches your child’s age and riding ability, select your preferred date, complete the online registration, and sign the required waivers. We’ll send everything you need to know before the first day of riding.