The growing popularity of mountain biking around the nation has prompted many ski areas around the United States to take a good hard look at the state of their summer trails, as well as find ways to significantly improve and grow existing mountain bike trails. Jackson Hole Resort in Wyoming is the latest to announce significant plans to enhance trails found on their extensive mountain biking system.
Once completed, Jackson Hole will be home to more than 25 miles of trail that have been constructed or reconstructed. Including the Teton Pass, Greater Snow King, and Teton Village trail systems. The two-year project received a sizable grant that will total about $1 million.
The grant was awarded to them after a study by the University of Wyoming concluded that mountain biking and related activities generated more than $18 million for the state. Additionally, employment and wages relating to the trail system in Teton County totaled $3.6 million in 2010, which is huge, given the country’s staggering unemployment rates.
Newly completed trails include the Teewinot Biking Park at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Additionally, projects have been completed on Game Creek, Josie’s Ridge, Snow King Nature Hike, the Phillips Ridge Trail, History Hike, and Horse Trail, and downhill bike trails on and along Teton Pass. The Jackson Hole Trails Project seems to be a sign of things to come as government and private businesses join forces to bring about sustainable change and improvements to some of America’s most challenging and fun trails.