Fueled by a growing appetite for active travel and outdoor adventure, mountain biking is riding a wave of popularity. From the rugged alpine singletrack of Crested Butte’s 401 Trail to the lift-served flow trails of Whistler and the forested loops of Tweed Valley, we’ve curated a list of the 10 top mountain biking destinations worldwide. Plus, each spot comes paired with a handpicked hotel that participates in Marriott Bonvoy, where you can comfortably recharge and refuel for an epic outdoor adventure.
As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
United States
Snowmass, Colorado
Snowmass Village makes a great base for mountain bikers, with 25 miles of trails at Snowmass Bike Park. You’ll find slow and steady routes for beginners, including the EZ-PZ, as well as technical trails like the Animal Crackers, which serves up steep, weaving singletrack over rock and loam.
From Snowmass you can also access one of Colorado’s icons: the 401 Trail in Crested Butte. This high-alpine ride climbs above 11,000 feet, where wildflower meadows and big mountain views lead into a fast, technical descent. Snow usually clears by early July, making midsummer the sweet spot for wildflowers and prime conditions.
Viewline Resort Snowmass, Autograph Collection, a 100-mile drive from Crested Butte, pairs boutique style with mountain-biker-friendly amenities. You’ll find secure bike storage, while repair shops and rentals sit close by in Snowmass Village and Aspen. Post rides, kick back in the resort’s heated outdoor pool or whirlpool. Some suites come with residential-style kitchens and roomy living spaces, and on-site dining covers both local and global flavors.
Canada
Whistler, Canada
When the snow melts, Whistler, 75 miles north of Vancouver, becomes a dirt playground. Whistler Mountain Bike Park provides lift access to four zones and more than 50 miles of trails, with challenges ranging from flowy berms to wood features and steep descents. Beyond the park, the valley’s singletrack is endless, with Lost Lake Park offering mellow pine-forest loops that are perfect for warm-ups.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites puts you in the center of Whistler, just steps from shops, cafés, and pubs. The full-service, suite-style hotel has secure bike storage, plus a heated indoor-outdoor pool, three hot tubs, and a 24-hour gym for relaxation. Suites range from studios to two bedrooms. The one- and two-bedroom suites come with kitchens, and some even have in-room laundry, for easy post-ride living.
Quebec City, Canada
With five well-established riding hubs offering about 250 miles of singletrack, all within a 90-minute drive, Quebec City is a mountain biking hot spot. Mont Sainte-Anne, roughly an hour drive from downtown, is the star attraction, hosting UCI World Cup events and featuring a mix of downhill, enduro, and cross-country trails.
Another favorite, Sentiers du Moulin, is celebrated for its rocky singletrack, granite slabs, and purpose-built enduro terrain. For confident riders ready to test steep roll-downs and braking control on bare rock, Slab City here is a must-ride. This expert-rated enduro trail links massive natural granite slabs with just a few short dirt patches.
For convenient access to the various mountains, stay in Quebec City’s trendy Saint-Roch district at Hotel PUR, Quebec, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, where minimalist rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows frame views of the city and the and Laurentian Mountains. Plus, recovery is easy with a heated indoor pool and sauna. Refuel at the on-site Table restaurant serving creative Québécois dishes, or unwind with a glass of wine in the lobby bar.
An outdoor adventure in Ecuador promises stunning landscapes and charming hotels. (Photos: Top: Getty Images; Bottom: Marriott International)
Caribbean and Latin America
Cotopaxi, Ecuador
Framed by its snowcapped namesake volcano, Cotopaxi is a thrilling destination for mountain bikers chasing a rugged Andean adventure. Trails wind through high-altitude páramo (alpine tundra), past craters, and along icy lakes. Ease in with a loop around Limpiopungo Lake at Cotopaxi National Park, a mostly smooth, low-gradient trail. For a bigger challenge, the 3.7-mile Holy Ridge Trail starts at an elevation of over 15,000 feet, mixing steep volcanic gravel descents and technical singletrack on the descent.
Base yourself in Quito, about a 90-minute drive north of Cotopaxi National Park, for the best of both worlds — Cotopaxi’s rugged trails by day and the capital’s nightlife by night. The stylish 12-room Carlota, a Member of Design Hotels, housed in a restored 19th-century home in the UNESCO-listed Old Town, combines historic character with sleek interiors and holds the title of Ecuador’s first LEED-certified hotel. Mountain bikers will value the laundry service and staff who can arrange shuttles and guides.
Europe
Ljubljana, Slovenia
Slovenia has gained a reputation for being one of the top spots in the world for nature-based tourism — and for good reason. Between the Alps mountain range and the Adriatic Sea it packs in lush forests, rugged karst terrain, and a strong biking culture. From the capital city of Ljubljana, it’s just 40 minutes to Bike Park Krvavec, where a gondola whisks you up for six trails and nearly 4,000 feet of descent. Warm up on mellow runs like Bambino. Then tackle the steep Rock’n’Flow and Jezerca lines for a thrill.
Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons is a convenient base for bikers who want trails close by without sacrificing city comforts. Set just off the highway, it’s under 10 minutes by car to the city center. Rooms have plenty of space for gear, and pre- and post-ride perks include a hearty breakfast buffet, laundry services, and secure bike storage. Warm up in the gym, and then recover in the sauna before your next ride.
Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is a prime launchpad for mountain bikers, with Alpine singletrack practically at its doorstep. Head south to Bikepark Leogang (home to UCI World Cup races) for lift-served flow trails, or chase downhill runs at Bikepark Wagrain — both parks are about an hour away. An hour east of Salzburg, the Salzkammergut region is a playground of well-marked routes, where mirrorlike lakes meet jagged limestone peaks.
Just 12 miles from Salzburg on the shores of Lake Fuschl, Arabella Jagdhof Resort am Fuschlsee, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel makes a smart base for mountain bikers looking to balance trail time with recovery. Riders have access to secure bike storage, and amenities include an indoor pool with sweeping views, and an on-site spa with a Finnish sauna, steam rooms, and soothing massages such as the Body Fit, designed to ease muscle and joint pain.
Achnashellach, Scotland
Deep in Scotland’s Northwest Highlands, Achnashellach is a raw, rugged region that’s best for experienced mountain bikers who thrive on the thrills of technical singletrack, long climbs, and unpredictable weather. Expect steep, rocky descents; river crossings; and occasional hike-a-bike sections. A standout ride in the area is the Coulin Pass, a challenging trail weaving through pine forests, mountain passes, and open hillside.
AC Hotel by Marriott Inverness, some 50 miles east, sits on the scenic banks of the River Ness, just a short walk from the city center. The sleek, modern hotel offers charming rooms, many with river views. Mountain bikers will appreciate dedicated bike parking and the conveniently located Beira restaurant serving local flavors and tapas.
Tweed Valley, Scotland
Tweed Valley Forest Park, in the Scottish Borders, is a top spot for mountain bikers, with eight forests spanning 25 square miles along the River Tweed. Within the network, Glentress Forest’s 47 miles of trails range in difficulty, plus it features a skills loop, freeride park, and pump track for added challenges. Innerleithen, another forest in the park, is known for its demanding downhill and enduro trails, including four extreme-grade downhill runs and a tough cross-country loop.
Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa, Edinburgh in the heart of the city roughly 30 miles away, is a luxurious base for mountain bikers exploring the area. After a day on the trails, relax at the award-winning One Spa, which features a 62-foot indoor infinity pool, rooftop Hydropool, and a full thermal suite with hammam, crystal steam room, and dry salt room. After a day on the trails enjoy dinner at One Square Brasserie, serving seasonal Scottish fare with views of Edinburgh Castle.
Sierra Nevada, Spain
The Sierra Nevada Mountain range in southern Spain delights mountain bikers with high-altitude alpine terrain and Mediterranean sunshine. Explore everything from singletrack to technical enduro with rocky descents, flowing forest trails, and panoramic views. For an adrenaline-fueling ride, the Flowtastic Trail, starting from Trevélez, one of the highest villages on mainland Spain, delivers a descent with rock drops, fast turns, and plenty of flow.
Hospes Palacio de los Patos, a Member of Design Hotels, 78 miles west, is a 19th-century palace in central Granada blending historic charm with modern comfort. Recover at Spa Bodyna in the heated pool and sauna, or refuel at the on-site restaurant serving seasonal Andalusian dishes.
Another great option is Hotel Palacio de Santa Paula, Autograph Collection, which occupies a former convent in Granada’s historic center. Mountain bikers will find an on-site bicycle shop, secure parking, and laundry services, while El Claustro restaurant serves dishes inspired by the region’s diverse culinary traditions.
Africa
Stellenbosch, South Africa
Stellenbosch, tucked into South Africa’s Cape Winelands and the country’s second-oldest town, surprises mountain bikers with vineyard views, rugged mountains, and leafy forest trails. The region caters to every style, from cross-country and downhill to trail riding.
Nearby Jonkershoek Nature Reserve is a must-ride. Beginner-friendly routes include the Circle Loop and Up and Over Trail, while moderate options like Never-ending Story and Red Phoenix combine swooping singletrack with roots and rocks. Advanced riders can push their limits on Armageddon, Iron Monkey, and Canary, where steep gradients, drop-offs, jumps, and large berms await.
Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! by Marriott Cape Town, 30 miles from Stellenbosch, sits in Cape Town’s lively Tamboerskloof neighborhood, a stylish base for both exploring the city and hitting nearby mountain biking trails. The hotel has sleek rooms, ranging from twin guest rooms to a two-bedroom loft for four and is close to Cape Town’s best attractions, like the Victoria and Albert Waterfront and Camps Bay.
Related Articles
