The Rise of Fat Biking in Leadville: Fun in the Snow

Fat biking has surged in popularity over the past decade, and nowhere is this more evident than in Leadville. With stunning mountain landscapes and groomed winter trails, Leadville has become a premier destination for fat biking enthusiasts.

Its growing reputation helped bring the Fat Bike World Championships back to Colorado in 2024. This year, the event is staying in Colorado for a second year in a row, returning  to Crested Butte (where it all started), marking its 10th anniversary.



Winter Mountain Bike Series: A Community-Driven Celebration of Snowy Fun

Leadville’s Winter Mountain Bike Series has become a cornerstone of the local fat biking scene. Presented by the Cloud City Wheelers—a local bike organization dedicated to building, maintaining, and grooming area trails—the series features five unique events that draw riders from across the country. Each race offers unforgettable experiences, whether under the stars or the bright Colorado sun.

Photo by @runjennjenn

2025 Winter Mountain Bike Series Events:

1. Colorado Cup ITT
January 18 at 10:00 AM
An individual time trial on the Timberline Trails, featuring 95% singletrack. Racers start at 30-second intervals, covering 8.2 miles of exhilarating terrain.

Course Details

2. Tennessee Pass Night Jam
February 8 at 6:15 PM
Experience real climbs and real descents under the night sky at Tennessee Pass. Expect a thrilling, heart-pounding adventure.

Course Details

3. Mineral Belt Mayhem
March 1 at 6:15 PM
Starting and finishing on Leadville’s iconic Harrison Avenue, this 11.6-mile race loops through the historic Mineral Belt Trail, spiced up with a dash of singletrack.

Course Details

4. Fatty Patty 50K
March 15 at 8:00 AM (Individuals) / 9:00 AM (Teams)
Participants wind through the Mineral Belt Trail and the Historic East Side, enjoying climbs and exhilarating descents. Teams can race together, with the fastest combined time taking home the win.

Course Details

5. East Side Epic
April 5 at 9 AM
The season finale lives up to its name with unpredictable conditions—anything from perfect snow to rugged dirt. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss.

Course Details

REGISTER TODAY!

Photo by @JustinTalbot

WHERE TO BIKE ON YOUR OWN: WINTER FUN AWAITS!

With 60 miles of groomed winter trails, Leadville offers unparalleled fat biking adventures year-round. Explore these top trails for snowy fun:

1.)  East Side Mining District: Ride through historic mining structures and enjoy above-treeline views on groomed county roads. Trails include Evansville Loop, Like Diamonds, Silver Spoon, and Stumptown Loop. Groomed by High Riders Snowmobile Club

2.)  Mineral Belt Trail: A 12-mile groomed loop encircling Leadville, weaving through historic sites and evergreen forests. Groomed by Lake County

3.)  Tennessee Pass Nordic Center:  Over 16 miles of groomed tracks with stunning Sawatch Range views. Groomed by Tennessee Pass Nordic Center

4.)  Timberline Trails at Colorado Mountain College: Nearly 10 miles of rolling single-track forest trails, perfect for fat biking and other winter sports. Groomed by Cloud City Wheelers

5.)  Turquoise Lake Road: A 14-mile loop around the frozen lake, offering spectacular views of peaks and canyons. Groomed by High Riders Snowmobile Club

Photo by @scottandersonphoto

STAY INFORMED: CHECK TRAIL CONDITIONS FOR MAXIMUM FUN

Leadville now uses the Nordic Pulse app for real-time trail conditions. Check grooming updates from Lake County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Department and Cloud City Wheelers on Nordic Pulse. The High Riders Snowmobile Club posts grooming updates on Facebook.  Tennessee Pass Nordic Center posts grooming reports on their website. Check ahead of time to plan your perfect fat biking adventure.

Leadville’s fat biking community continues to thrive, offering unique winter experiences and unforgettable memories. Come ride the trails and experience unparalleled fun in the snow!