Bike School Camps & Programs
Learn to Mtn Bike, become an instructor or just develop your skills!
Click through to pages below for specific information.
Bike School Camps and Clinics
Ladies Gravity DH
Weekend Camp
CALLING ALL FEMALE identifying RIDERS! Mount Washington is proud to team up with GRAVITY MTB to offer a lift-access “Ladies Only” weekend at Vancouver Island’s mountain bike destination resort!
The clinic is geared towards ladies who are novice mountain bikers as well as experienced riders who are looking to improve their skills while experiencing the thrill of riding in a bike park. It will focus on the Green and entry-level blue trails and teach skills such as body position, cornering, braking/accelerating, line choice, trail maneuvers, drops and intro to jumps as well as Bike Park etiquette and safety.
The weekend is made up of professional instruction by PMBIA-certified female coaches, stunning views and a laid-back atmosphere. Riding with like-minded ladies on flowy trails makes for a very memorable weekend!
SATURDAY – Welcome & Intro to the Mt. Washington Bike Park!
Our clinic will kick off Saturday morning with check-in and a light breakfast of coffee, tea and pastries between 9:00am and 10:00am. During breakfast you’ll get a chance to meet your fellow riders. After breakfast we’ll be led through a quick morning stretch and warm up as well as get group assignments for the weekend. We’ll then split into pre-assigned groups and head out on the trails for some FUN!!
SUNDAY – More biking!
Breakfast is served once again before heading out on the trails, putting our “Day 1” skills to use. All participants will get entry into a fun, ladies only race, which will take place at the end of day 2. Immediately after another successful day of riding and racing, we’ll regroup on the patio for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres as well as some awesome giveaways before saying “See you later!”
Passholder
(13+)
Non-Passholder
(13+)
Bike rental and armour rentals can be added at a 20% discount
*Includes:
2-day Adult Bike Park ticket
Subject to availability
Ride Time: 10:30am to 4pm, but allow time before and after for other activities!
Program Length: July 27th & 28th
Location: Mt. Washington Alpine Resort
Ability Levels: Novice – Advanced
Price Includes:
- Two days of professional coaching
- Lift tickets for non-passholder
- Continental breakfast on Saturday and Sunday morning
- Après on Sunday afternoon
- Draw prizes and giveaways
- FREE t-shirt!
- Fun ladies only race entry at the end of Day 2
- A pocket full of Good Times!
Step Up
Mtn Bike Program
Step Up is our follow-up session catered to guests who have completed our Learn to Ride lesson or have little experience in downhill mountain biking (but not first-timers) and are looking to improve their basic skills and techniques.
Includes:- Full-day lift ticket
- 2-hour lesson
- 2-hour bike rental*
- 2-hour armour rental*
- DAILY at 12 pm & 2:30 pm
- Lessons are based on Guide availability
*Bike & armour is picked and returned at lesson end, upgrade options available.
Youth/Adult
(13+)
Child
(7-12)
Family
(7+ - max 4 ppl**)
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
- Position & Balance skills through the “Climbing”, “Neutral” and “Ready” Positions, as well as how to achieve a good range of movement.
- Proper braking techniques using both brakes.
- Effective trail scanning for smooth, efficient riding. Can begin to show bike-body separation through some angulation and rotation skills.
WHERE YOU’LL RIDE
- Mt. Washington Skills Park
- Greenline
- Panda Garden
- Highway 19
UPGRADE to full-Day Adult Bike/Armour - $84.
UPGRADE to full-Day Child Bike/Armour - $62.
**Family lessons can include 2 adults and 2 children under 13, or 1 adult and 3 children under 13 and may add an additional 2 people- max 6. Family lessons are private and will not be combined with other bookings
Reservations are strongly encouraged. To book, or call 250-338-1386 ext. 384 to speak with a lesson specialist.
Ladies Night
Mtn Bike Program
The first Saturday of every month this summer is for the ladies at Mt. Washington! Summon your best gal pals and come on up to enjoy discounted 2-hour lift tickets. Spend the evening reminiscing with a beer and plan for future rides with new and existing friends while taking in the spectacular views of Strathcona Park.
If you are new to the sport of downhill mountain biking, why not register for our ladies-only Evening Learn to Ride package at 50% off while you’re at it? Pre-booking the lesson is highly recommended as spaces are limited.
Our Ladies Nights will be offered July 1st, August 5th & September 2nd
2-hour night ticket
(13+)
Bike Rental
Package
(50% off **)
Reservations are strongly encouraged. To book, or call 250-338-1386 ext. 384 to speak with a lesson specialist.
Thursday Night Race Series
at Mtn Washington
Back for another season is the ever-popular Mt. Washington Thursday Night Race Series! Races are held every Thursday night in August with a new course every week. Race starts at 6:30pm sharp and afterwards be sure to stick around for results, a craft beverage from Vancouver Island Brewing and great prizing from our local Island mtb partners.
Consider yourself a “race junkie”? The more Thursday Night Races you attend, the better your chances are of winning the grand prize at the end of the series!
Race Details:
- 2:00pm to 5:15pm - Sign-up at the ticket window outside of Outdoor Elements
- 6:00pm - Race Starts
- Approx 7:30pm - Awards in courtyard
Race Entry
(13+)
Reservations are strongly encouraged. To book, or call 250-338-1386 ext. 384 to speak with a lesson specialist.
4-Day Alpine
Adventure Camp
Get ready for an exhilarating 4-day adventure camp tailored for kids aged 7-12! From heart-pumping mountain biking to thrilling hikes, engaging games, and creative crafts—there's something for everyone and so much more! Our dynamic camp leaders are dedicated to ensuring every young adventurer experiences the time of their lives in a safe and controlled environment. Join us for an unforgettable journey packed with excitement and fun!
Dates: July 22th – 25th, August 12th -15th 10am-3pm daily
Camp Breakdown:
- Day 1: Marmot Centre, disc golf, outdoor activities.
- Day 2: Sports, crafts, chairlift ride to the top of the mountain and more fun!
- Day 3: Cross country bike ride on finger trail.
- Day 4: Bike Park Day
What to Bring:
- Hiking boots or good quality runners (daily)
- Proper clothing for daily weather (daily)
- Backpack with sunscreen, water bottle, sun hat, medication, and snack if necessary (daily)
- Please come sun screened (leaders will help to re-apply throughout the day)
- Those choosing bike option, bike, helmet and all other protective armour (days 3 and 4 – Bikes can be left overnight)
- Full face helmet strongly recommended for riding the bike park.
Please Note:
- Washington Alpine Adventure Camps will meet their leaders at the picnic tables between the skills centre and the Bradley building courtyard. This is also where parents/guardians will pick children up at the end of the day.
- To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend advanced reservations for all children's programs.
- On the first day of participation, a parent/guardian will be required to complete waivers for each child as well as provide any outstanding information for emergency purposes. Please ensure the camp leaders are made aware of any health concerns and/or allergies for the child.
- To effectively participate in the bike option children must have basic bike skills.
3607 Small Rd #101, Cumberland, BC V9N 3Z8
4-Day Adventure Camp
(non-passholder)
4-Day Adventure Camp
(SeasonPass Holder)
Transportation
(add-on)
Bagged Lunch
(add-on)
Reservations are strongly encouraged. To book, or call 250-338-1386 ext. 384 to speak with a lesson specialist.
FreeRide Kids
Bike Program
Welcome to our Free Ride Program—an exhilarating opportunity for kids to hone their riding skills, forge new friendships, and embark on adventures within the Mt. Washington Bike Park, all within a dynamic and structured environment! Led by our PMBIA-certified coaches, this program offers a safe, engaging, and enjoyable learning journey, propelling young riders to the next level of biking proficiency.
This year, we're thrilled to announce a bonus session on the 5th Saturday in August! Tailored for riders aged 7 to 12, ranging from beginner to intermediate levels, this multi-week group ride program promises an unforgettable experience.
Starting August 3rd, participants will benefit from personalized attention, working closely with the same coach each week. From mastering basic to technical riding skills, and engaging in games, to learning essential bike and Bike Park safety and etiquette, every session is crafted for maximum growth and enjoyment.
With a maximum of 5 students per group, our Free Ride sessions strike the perfect balance between learning and socializing, ensuring an enriching experience for all participants. Join us for an adventure-packed journey that promises excitement, learning, and camaraderie!Includes:
- 4 sessions of 5-hour supervised rides from 10am to 3pm (includes break for lunch)
Beginner Rider:
- I am still getting used to my bike and I ride on pavement or wide gravel trails.
- I can ride comfortably on a two-wheel pedal bike and know how to use my hand brakes.
- I am still working at my stamina for longer distances, and I haven't ridden much on dirt trails.
Novice Rider:
- I am comfortable on green and easy blue single-track trails; I can confidently use my hand brakes and change gears.
- I can ride and carry momentum through bumpy, rooty sections without putting my feet down.
- I can ride down some stairs, wide ladder bridges and skinnies on the ground.
- I am comfortable riding longer distances and I don't complain when pedalling uphill.
Intermediate Rider:
- I am comfortable on all blue single-track trails.
- I can maintain my momentum and ride through rocky, rooty sections both up and down.
- I have good stamina both up and down trails and can pedal long distances.
- I can comfortably ride raised ladder bridges and small rock faces.
- I know how to do a front-wheel lift.
FreeRide Camp
(ages 7-12)
Earlybird Season Pass
(add-on)
Armour Package
(add-on)
Bagged Lunch
(add-on)
Reservations are strongly encouraged. To book, or call 250-338-1386 ext. 384 to speak with a lesson specialist.
POLICY INFORMATION
Reservations are strongly encouraged. Please go online to mountwashington.ca for more info and call (250) 338-1386 ext 384, to speak with a lesson specialist and book. Class sizes are limited to ensure fun and safety.
Know before you go! Prepare to make the most of your time with us in the bike park.
- Allow a minimum of 45 mins between your arrival in the resort or departing your condo and the lesson start time (i.e. for a 12 pm lesson, plan to arrive by 11:15 am, especially on weekends).
- Even if you already have equipment we ask that you please check in with us in the bike shop. If you require a pass please visit the Ticket Windows outside of the Alpine Lodge.
- You are responsible for supervising your child (6+ years) prior to meeting the instructor under the white bike shop tent.
- Please be aware that all lessons start promptly at the scheduled start time regardless of weather conditions. There are no refunds for missed lessons.
- You are responsible for meeting your child under the white tent where you dropped off. Mount Washington is responsible for supervising your child during scheduled lesson times only. children will not be released on their own and you may be charged for additional care.
Knowing your reservation number will speed up the check-in process. If possible, please also have this handy upon arrival. Thanks for choosing to visit us at the Mount Washington Bike School! We look forward to welcoming you to the Bike Park.
Lesson Cancellation Policy
- All lessons must be paid in full at the time of booking.
- Lessons can be cancelled or rescheduled more than 48 hours in advance. Please call the Bike School at 250-338-1386 ext. 384 or email bikereservation@mountwashington.ca
- There are no refunds or changes allowed within 48 hours of the lesson time unless due to a medical issue or illness.
- No refunds will be issued due to weather conditions.
- Guests who are late for their lessons will not be able to join. We will do our best to rebook for later that day.
Bike School
Bike School Call Centre
Contact Us
P.O. Box 3069, STN Main
Courtenay, British Columbia, V9N 5N3
1-250-338-1386
Toll-Free: 1-888-231-1499
First Aid 1-250-334-5741
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