An Introduction to Ski Bikes and Board Bikes

Snowbikes were first commercially introduced in 1949 with the launch of the original Brenter Snowbike by Engelbert Brenter. Depending upon who you talk to today, they can be called snowbikes, ski bikes, snowcycles, ski bobs, or slopecycles, Ski bikes now come in a variety of designs and are found around the world.

General information:
Despite the name, ski bikes are not bicycles at all. Ski biking is a winter-time only sport enjoyed at select ski resorts around the globe. Generally, ski bikes have a metal frame that have skis attached to it for moving over snow. You use the edges of the skis to steer and control the ski bike.

Body designs:
There are now essentially three different types of body designs for ski bikes. The traditional ski bike body style has a bow like frame, you ride it sitting down, and you wear small foot skis attached to boots. Foot skis are available for ski boots and snowboard boots.

A more recent ski bike body design are foot peg bikes or "peggers". These bikes are mainly ridden standing up on foot pegs attached to the bike frame but can be ridden sitting down. These bikes usually have front and rear mountain bike suspension systems and allow you to use your knees as additional suspension. They can be ridden in snowboard boots or any winter type boot.

A third and less common body style are snowboard-based bikes. These are typically ridden standing up like a scooter.

Safe:
One of the common questions asked of ski bikers is if they are safe. Ski bikes are extremely safe. Despite appearances, ski bikers can control their bikes just like skiers and snowboarders. They can make precise turns, are stable at speed, and can stop quite quickly. They stop by turning, just like skiers and snowboarders. A skilled ski biker can safely maneuver in powder, packed powder, in trees, and in the terrain park.

Easy to learn:
If you can ride a bicycle, it's extremely easy to learn to ride a traditional ski bike. No need to flounder around all-day learning to ski and snowboard. After a 1.5 hour lesson, you can safely be navigating most any beginner ski trail. You won't have to spend the next day recovering in the hot tub either. The foot peg bikes take a little longer to learn and are not ridden like a bicycle. Still, with a few hours of instruction, you should be making linked skidded turns on most any beginner ski run.

Alternative to skiing or snowboarding:
Ski biking is fun for the entire family. It's great fun for kids and adults. Check with the resort to see if they have kid size bikes available. Take a family lesson together and cruise around the ski resort. Those with physical limitations or blown knees will love ski biking. It doesn't take a lot of strength to perform and is very low impact.

Different types of riding:
Just like skiing and snowboarding, there are different types of ski biking. Most recreational ski bikers use all-mountain ski bikes. Many ski bikers like to perform freestyle riding and other race. There are ski bikes specifically made for racing.

Terrain:
Ski bikes can handle any terrain that you can ski or snowboard on. Take them in the trees. Go over table-top jumps. Ride in the half-pipe or onto terrain park features (if permitted). Expect to see foot peg ski bikes in the Winter X Games in the next few years.

Restricted:
Ski bikes are not allowed at many ski resorts. They face the same restrictions that snowboarders did twenty years ago. Call the resort you are visiting to see if they are permitted or have any restrictions. Most resorts will require you to have a ski bike license to ride their ski trails. If you don't have one, you'll need to take a ski bike lesson and earn one. Some resorts allow ski bikes for adaptive purposes. Contact the resorts adaptive program for their permit requirements.

Manufacturers/Brands:
Traditional Ski Bikes - Brenter Snowbike, Stalmach SkiBikes, Flachsmann

Foot Peg Ski Bikes - Geary Snow Bikes, Koski Snowsports, Lenz Sport, Sledgehammer, Schneevelo

Boardbikes - BikeBoard, Funcross, MetalWorx, Slopecycle, Snowscoot, Snowter, Venom, Trikke

Conversion Kits - WinterX Bike kit, Bikes on Snow kit

Reviews of models:
Ski bike reviews: Geary Storm 2009

Ski bike reviews: Lenz Sport Alpine Brawler

Ski bike reviews: Brenter Snowbike C4 - Enduro

Ski bike reviews: K2 SMX snowcycle

Ski Bike Forums:
Yahoo Groups SkiBike Forum

Ski Bike Organizations:
http://www.snowbiker.net/
http://www.ski-bike.org/