By Michael Ferguson
Downhill thrill seekers don''t have to wait for snow to get their adrenaline fix.
When there''s no snow, many Utah ski resorts open their chairlifts to downhill mountain bikers looking for a rush.
'I''m a risk taker and this is definitely thrilling,' said Dane Lewis, a mountain biker and bike patrol employee at Sundance Resort.
Mountain biking at a ski resort is a lot like skiing there. You show up, buy a lift ticket, ride the lift to the top, tear down the mountain as fast or slow as you like and then do it all over again.
'It''s amazing exercise in a serene environment,' said Dave March, events manager at The Canyons Resort in Park City. 'There''s a real thrill in challenging yourself.'
For some, the thought of flying down a steep, rocky trail without any fluffy, white, frozen water to cushion a fall seems a little dangerous. But, resort employees say, skiers are injured more frequently than bikers.
'The good thing about mountain biking is that you have breaks and can control your speed,' Lewis said. 'When people do fall they usually don''t even get hurt.'
But just in case, most resorts require bikers to wear helmets and recommend additional protective gear.
Along with the adrenaline, bikers say they come away from their mountain experience with a sense of satisfaction.
'There''s something empowering about overcoming whatever the mountain can dish out,' said Ryan Meyers, a theater education major from Philadelphia, Pa.
But before you grab your helmet and Huffy and head for the hills, make sure you have the right gear.
Downhill mountain biking requires a downhill bike. They are usually full suspension bikes with a specially designed frame. Brand new bikes can cost anywhere from $800 to $5000, if not more.
Fortunately, the resorts that offer chairlift service to mountain bike trails also offer bike rentals for affordable prices.
Even still, downhill mountain biking is not for everyone.
If someone''s not a thrill seeker looking for an adrenaline rush they should try cross-country mountain biking, said Ken Jenson, mountain bike park manager at Brian Head Resort.