Here at Hilltop Bike School, we enjoy passing on our love of mountain biking and the outdoors! We will share techniques with you to develop your mountain bike skills in a fun and engaging atmosphere. We offer group and private mountain bike coaching to adults, teens and children. We can’t wait to see you on the trails!
We’re booking all group clinics in-person, over the phone and online. Private coaching sessions or tours can be booked in-person or over the phone. If you aren’t able to reach us by phone at 907-346-2169, leave us a voicemail message and we’ll call you back soon. We prioritize in-person booking.
Last day of Hilltop Bike School will be Sunday September 8th for the 2024 summer mountain bike season.
Booking Desk Hours of Operation:
Wed-Sun, 12 PM – 8 PM
Thank you for supporting your local non-profit bike park!
We accept credit card payment only.
(Updated 8/24/2024)
Free Coaching Fridays
Free 2 hr intro lesson
Free coaching Friday, is a one-time group clinic that is catered to individuals 8+ who are new to mountain biking and want to learn how to use the lift accessed downhill bike park safely. All attendees need to be comfortable riding a bicycle on pavement and on dirt roads, no MTB experience needed.
We are offering this clinic for this ability level:
Level 1: Beginner
These clinics happen:
Every Friday from 6-8 pm
Cost:
Free
2 hr lift ticket included
Free Bike Rental if needed.
These cannot be booked online. You must call 907-346-2169
Limited Space Available
PRIVATE Coaching or Private Tour • AGES 8+ (Bike Park or XC, 1-ON-1 OR Group Private Coaching or Tour)
First Private Coaching Session or Tour is Available June 15
Private Coaching is either a one-on-one experience or can be a private group session for you and your friends and family. You can also request your favorite coach here at Hilltop Bike School! You’ll have the option of a bike park coaching session using the lifts, or a XC coaching session on the adjacent hillside trails. Whether it’s your first time, or you’re looking to take your current skills to the next level; private coaching is a premium learning experience. Give us a call or come visit our office to check availability (private coaching is not available to purchase online).
Private Tour is also a fun option if you want a guide to show you around our lift accessed mountain bike park or use your XC skills on the adjacent hillside trails. We recommend all attendees be a similar ability level. Give us a call or come visit our office to check availability (private tours are not available to purchase online).
These clinics/tours happen:
Everyday Hilltop is open!
Private Coaching/Tour Cost:
2-Hour is $120
Additional Person for a 2-hour is $60
3-Hour is $160
Additional Person for a 3-hour is $75.
Private coaching sessions and tours come with a lift ticket for the whole day for each student, if students don’t already have a season pass. The bike school lift ticket is only valid the day of the clinic/tour and is non-transferable. Lift tickets are complimentary for the student only.
We recommend all attendees be a similar ability level for the best experience.
Private coaching sessions and tours are bookable in-person or over the phone. These cannot be booked online.
For Kids
Bike Park Blastoff! • AGES 8-12 (One-Time Kids Beginner Group Clinic)
Bike Park Blastoff! is a one-time group clinic that is catered to kids, ages 8-12, who are new to mountain biking and want to learn how to use the lift accessed downhill bike park safely. All students need to be comfortable riding a bicycle on pavement and on dirt roads, no MTB experience needed.
We are offering this clinic for this ability level:
Level 1: Beginner
For specific descriptions on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab in the FAQ section below.
These clinics happen:
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This clinic is 3 hours long.
Clinic Cost:
$80
This clinic comes with a lift ticket for the whole day if students don’t already have a season pass. The bike school lift ticket is only valid the day of the clinic/tour and is non-transferable. Lift tickets are complimentary for the student only.
*If two or fewer people attend the clinic, it does get shortened to a 2-hour clinic. With fewer people in a clinic, you are receiving a more premium learning experience as you will receive more individualized attention and feedback. *
Gravity Groms • AGES 8-12 (Kids Season Long Group Camp)
Gravity Groms is a season long mountain bike camp for kids aged 8-12. Kids will learn how to mountain biking safely and will also develop techniques and confidence on the trails while having fun with their group. This program comes with 10 bike school clinics where the student can choose Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays for the season and a season pass so students can ride Hilltop Bike Park anytime the lifts are spinning.
We are offering this program in three ability levels:
Level 1: Beginner
Level 2: Novice
Level 3: Intermediate
For specific descriptions on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab in the FAQ section below.
The camp happens:
Fridays 4:45 PM – 7:45 PM.
or Saturdays 1:00 – 4:00 PM
or Sundays 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Each camp contains ten clinics throughout the season:
Fridays
June 21st, 28th,
July 12th, 19th, and 26th,
August 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th, and
September 6th.
Saturdays
June 15th, 22nd,
July 13th, 20th, 27th,
August 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, and
September 7th.
Sundays
June 16th, 23rd,
July 14th, 21st, 28th,
August 11th, 18th, 25th, and
September 1st and 8th.
Camp Cost:
Program $895 Now $265
This camp comes with a season pass so students can ride the bike park every day of the bike park season!
For Teens and Adults
Bike Park 101 • AGES 13+ (One-Time Adult and Teens Beginner Group Clinic)
Bike Park 101 For Adults and Teens age 13+, is a one-time group clinic that is catered to teens and adults who are new to mountain biking and want to learn how to use the lift accessed downhill bike park safely. All attendees need to be comfortable riding a bicycle on pavement and on dirt roads, no MTB experience needed.
We are offering this clinic for this ability level:
Level 1: Beginner
For specific descriptions on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab in the FAQ section below.
These clinics happen:
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 3:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
This clinic is 3 hours long.
Clinic Cost:
$80
This clinic comes with a lift ticket for the whole day if students don’t already have a season pass. The bike school lift ticket is only valid the day of the clinic/tour and is non-transferable. Lift tickets are complimentary for the student only.
*If two or fewer people attend the clinic, it does get shortened to a 2-hour clinic. With fewer people in a clinic, you are receiving a more premium learning experience as you will receive more individualized attention and feedback. *
Schralpers • AGES 13-17 (Teens Season Long Group Camp)
Schralpers is a season long mountain bike camp for teens aged 13-17. Students will learn how to mountain biking safely and will also develop techniques and confidence on the trails while having fun with their group. This program comes with 10 bike school clinics where the student can choose Wednesdays, Saturdays or Sundays for the season and a season pass so students can ride Hilltop Bike Park anytime the lifts are spinning.
We are offering this program in three ability levels:
Level 1: Beginner
Level 2: Novice
Level 3: Intermediate
For specific descriptions on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab in the FAQ section below.
This camp happens:
Wednesdays 4:45 PM – 7:45 PM
or Saturdays 1:00 – 4:00 PM
or Sundays 1:00 – 4:00 PM
Each camp contains ten clinics throughout the season.
Wednesdays
June 19th, 26th,
July 10th, 17th, 24th,
August 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, and
September 4th.
Saturdays
June 15th, 22nd,
July 13th, 20th, 27th,
August 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st, and
September 7th.
Sundays
June 16th, 23rd,
July 14th, 21st, 28th,
August 11th, 18th, 25th,
September 1st and 8th.
Camp Cost:
Program $895 Now $265
This camp comes with a season pass so students can ride the bike park every day of the bike park season!
Spoke Sisters • AGES 18+ (One-Time Women’s Group Clinics)
Spoke Sisters is a fantastic way to experience the magic of mountain biking amongst other women on Thursday nights! Whether it’s your first time, or you have been riding for a while; Spoke Sisters may just be the highlight of your summer! This is a one-time clinic that is offered several times in the season.
We are offering this program in these three ability levels:
Level 1: Beginner
Level 2: Novice
Level 3: Intermediate
For specific descriptions on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab in the FAQ section below.
These clinics happen:
Thursday evenings, 6:00 pm-8:00 pm.
Each clinic is 2 hours long.
Clinic Dates:
June 27th
July 11th
July 25th
August 8th
August 22nd
September 5th
Clinic Cost:
$60 per session
This clinic comes with a complimentary lift ticket for the whole day if students don’t already have a season pass. The bike school lift ticket is only valid the day of the clinic/tour and is non-transferable. Lift tickets are for the student only.
Skillz Sundayz • AGES 18+ (One-Time Adult Group Clinic)
Skillz Sundayz is a one-time adult 18+ group clinic with a weekly rotating focus. This program was designed for people who are already have some mtn bike skills, but want to focus on specific areas of their riding and take those skills to the next level.
We are offering this program in this ability level:
Level 3: Intermediate, or higher.
For specific descriptions on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab in the FAQ below.
These clinics happen:
Sunday evening, 5:00 pm-7:00 pm.
Each clinic is 2 hours long.
Clinic Dates and Topics:
June 30th Jumps & Drops
July 28th Trail
August 11th Jumps & Drops
August 25th Trail
September 1st Jumps & Drops
Jumps & Drops – Learn, or refine, the basics of getting air, on our selection of beginner & intermediate tabletops and drop-offs.
Trail – Learn skills to tackle tree roots, rock gardens, skinnies, cornering through banked turns and carrying speed in loose flat corners.
Clinic Cost:
$60 each session
This clinic comes with a complimentary lift ticket for the whole day if students don’t already have a season pass. The bike school lift ticket is only valid the day of the clinic/tour and is non-transferable. Lift tickets are for the student only.
Wheelie Wednesdays • AGES 18+ (One-Time Adult Group Clinic)
Wheelie Wednesdays is a one-time adult 18+ group clinic with a focus on fun tricks and maneuvers in the base area of the bike park. Come level up your front and rear wheel lifts, wheelies, manuals, stoppies, pivots, bunny hops, and more with a great crew and coach!
We are offering this program in this ability level:
Level 3: Intermediate, or higher.
For specific descriptions on our different ability levels, please visit the HOW DO I DETERMINE MY ABILITY LEVEL? tab in the FAQ below.
These clinics happen:
June 19th
July 17th
August 14th
September 4th
These clinics happen:
Wednesday evenings, 5:00 pm-6:30 pm.
Each clinic is 1.5 hours long.
Clinic Cost:
$30
This clinic does not come with a lift ticket. The clinic will take place in the base area of the bike park.
*If two or fewer people attend the clinic, it does get shortened to a 1-hour clinic. With fewer people in a clinic, you are receiving a premium learning experience as you will receive more individualized attention and feedback. *
BIKE SCHOOL POLICIES, TERMS, AND CONDITIONS
- All clinics, private coaching sessions and tours are final and non-refundable.
- Absences will not be refunded or made-up.
- If you are late for a clinic, private coaching session or tour, that time will be forfeited from your clinic, private coaching session or tour.
- Parking here at Hilltop Ski Area can be challenging at times. We recommend arriving early to experience the full clinic/tour time.
- If Hilltop Bikes School cancels a group clinic for any reason, a makeup clinic will be offered at the discretion of Hilltop Bike School. If you cannot attend the makeup clinic we provide, you will forfeit the value of that clinic.
- We do not guarantee weather or conditions, open terrain or number of lifts operating.
- If you are renting equipment here, we recommend arriving here at least thirty minutes to an hour ahead of time to collect your rental gear and to experience the whole clinic, private coaching sessions or tour time. Earlier on weekends and holidays.
- Every student will need to fill out a “Bike School Liability Waiver” and a “Bike Park Liability Waiver” for the current bike season. Students under the age of 18 years will need a parent or guardian to sign for them for the current bike season.
- Students in group clinics will ride the lift unaccompanied.
- Parents/guardians are required to pick up children at the end of clinics, private coaching sessions, and tours, unless the child is age 8 or older and the parent/guardian has signed a “Permission To Stay Late” form that allows the child to “free ride” unsupervised.
- Students age 13+ will be dismissed at the end of their clinic, coaching session or tour regardless of whether a parent/guardian is present.
- A minimum of 24-hours’ notice is required to change a private coaching session/tour time and date.
- All private coaching sessions/tours must be completed before the end of the current bike season.
- Most clinics come with a complimentary lift ticket for the whole day if students don’t already have a season pass. The bike school lift ticket is only valid the day of the clinic and is non-transferable. Lift tickets are for the student only.
FAQs
How do I Determine My Ability Level?
Mountain Biking
What bike rental options does Hilltop offer?
How do I book a clinic, camp, coaching session or tour?
We book all bike school clinics, camps, coaching sessions and tours over the phone or in person. We also have a few offerings online.
To reach us by phone, please call the Bike School booking desk at (907) 346-2169.
Why book a clinic or coaching session, I already know how to ride a mountain bike?
Having an experienced coach watch your performance in real time and give you relevant feedback to get you closer to your goals, is something you just can’t get from watching a tutorial video. A coach will challenge you by putting you on terrain that is at your ability level, give you new skills and help you tweak your existing skills to help you get to the next level.
Why choose Hilltop Bike School for my mountain bike skills education?
We have a dedicated staff of coaches that are well trained using the highest level of industry standards. Our mountain bike coaches are passionate about the sport and deeply connected in the mountain biking community. Also, if your descending skills are what you feel like need more focus, using a chairlift accessed bike park will give you the opportunity for many repetitions and you can use your energy for the fun part, going downhill! Our bike coaches will help you navigate this sport in a way that is fun, safe, and tailored to you.
Do you have protective equipment we can borrow.
Yes, we have full face helmets and padding that you can borrow when you book any Hilltop Bike School product. Because safety is our #1 priority, we recommend using our protective equipment, unless you have your own.
What is the coach to student ratios in a group clinic?
5 students to 1 coach. There may be some fluctuation with these numbers as students progress, but we will do our very best not to go over this ratio.
Will my child ride the chair lift with a coach?
In group clinics the majority of the time students will be partnered with other students for chair rides. The coach coordinates the students getting on the lift and will train students to ride the lift properly. The coach will load the chair with the last student if there is space. If there isn’t space, the coach will ride on the chair behind the group.
What type of bike do I need for Hilltop Bike School clinics, coaching sessions, tours, and camps?
You are required to have hand operated brakes for each wheel.
You are required to have flat soled ankle high shoes.
We recommend having some suspension, full suspension in the front and rear of the bike is recommended.
For a XC clinic, tour, or coaching session a modern trail bike would be ideal.
Are lift tickets included with clinics, coaching sessions, camps, and tours?
Lift tickets are included in the price of most clinics, coaching sessions, camps and tours. Read about each bike school product above. The lift ticket is good for the whole day to encourage student to practice afterwards.
Do I need to be with my child for Bike School check-in?
Yes, students 12 and under must be checked in with a parent or guardian. All bike school students will check-in at the bike school booking desk.
Do I need to check-out my child from Bike School?
Parents are required to pick up children at the end of all Hilltop Bike School programs unless a parent release has been signed and is on file allowing students to “free ride” unsupervised. Kids age 13+ will be dismissed at the end of the clinic, camp, coaching session or tour regardless of whether the parent/guardian is present.
Can I stay with my child during clinics, coaching sessions, camps and tours?
During the actual clinic, coaching session, camp or tour time we recommend that parents observe from a distance to prevent disrupting the class.
Can I tip our Coach?
Tips are always appreciated, but never expected. Tips are a great way to show your appreciation of your coach’s hard work!
What happens if we are late for a clinic, coaching session, camp or tour?
If you are late for your clinic, coaching sessions, camp or tour; we will help the student find their coach. Time is not made-up from tardiness.
What ages do you offer clinics, coaching sessions, camps and tours for?
We offer private coaching, tours, camps and clinics for ages 8+. Kids group clinics are for ages 8-12.
Teen group clinics are for ages 13-17. Adult group clinics are for ages 18+.
How early should I arrive before my clinic, coaching session, tour, or camp?
If you have your own gear, you should arrive 15 minutes before your clinic, coaching sessions, tour or camp. If you’re renting a bike or protective equipment, we recommend showing up 45 minutes to an hour ahead of time to grab all your equipment.
What happens if there is bad weather?
The main weather reasons that Hilltop Bike School will cancel clinics, tours, coaching sessions, and camps are high winds and heavy rain.
As soon as the decision to cancel is made, we will reach out to you, and it will be posted on our website/social media.
Can I cancel a clinic, coaching session, tour, or camp?
Private coaching sessions or tours cannot be canceled but can be rescheduled if it is 24 hours before the time of the coaching session/tour.
Group clinics, tours, and camps cannot be cancelled or rescheduled.
How should I dress for my clinic, coaching sessions, tour, or camp?
Students should arrive fully dressed and ready to go for their clinic/tour. Here is a suggested list of clothing for bikers. Cotton is not recommended.
- Long sleeve shirt
- Rain jacket (Alaska has very unpredictable weather. Come prepared!)
- Athletic shorts or pants
- Full-face helmet for riding in the bike park, half shell for XC.
- Gloves
- Grippy, flat soled, ankle high shoes (required)
- Knee-length socks
- Goggles/sunglasses
What should I bring for a private xc tour or a clinic on the adjacent hillside trail system?
A private XC tour could potentially take you a few miles away from your vehicle and the Hilltop chalet.
We recommend bringing:
Water
Snacks
Bear spray
Charged cell phone
Spares/Tools for your bike if you have them and know how to use them
What waivers do I need to sign to participate in bike coaching or tours at Hilltop?
There are 2 waivers that are mandatory for every student, and they can be filled out digitally using the links that follow:
HILLTOP BIKE PARK LIABILITY WAIVER: HERE
HILLTOP BIKE SCHOOL LIABILITY WAIVER: HERE
If you would like your child aged 8-12 be able to ride the bike park without a parent or guardian picking up the child after the clinic,
then you will need to sign a permission to stay late form that can be found at the bike school booking desk.
Are helmets required for clinics and tours?
Yes, all students are required to wear helmets in Hilltop Bike School clinics, coaching sessions, tours, and camps. A full-face helmet is recommended for riding in the bike park. Half shells are good for XC clinics, coaching sessions or tours on the adjacent hillside trails. Hilltop rents and sells helmets.
