The world’s best mountain biking spots

Some say mountains are there to be climbed. Others argue that slopes aren’t for scaling, but for speeding down in a cloud of dust and gravel. For those who like it fast and furious, we’ve put together a list of the six best mountain biking destinations on the planet.*

Riva del Garda, Italy

Stunning mountain views? Check. Routes for all skill levels? Check. Wonderful Italian food? Double check. Riva del Garda is a biker’s dream, with tons of trails going along the River Adige, up slopes, and out onto views over the lake itself. The town doesn’t lack for nice places to stay, but one of our guests’ favorites is Du Lac Et Du Parc Grand Resort, with indoor and outdoor pools set in idyllic parkland.

Moab, Utah

The desert has never been so plentiful. The dusty, rust-colored terrain around Moab is scattered with tons of mountain biking trails. There are routes for all skill levels, but if you’re after something challenging, try the Slickrock Trail – full of adrenaline-pumping drops and incredible valley views. For the full Moab experience, check out Red Cliffs Lodge, complete with its own winery and a hot tub for night-time dips under the stars.

Winterberg, Germany

For death-defying downhill trails, Winterberg can compete with anywhere in Europe – but it’s the profusion of drops, rolls, and gaps that sets it apart. If you like to do tricks, these slopes can challenge even the most experienced riders. For an all-around “play hard, relax hard” experience, the Vakantiehotel Der Brabander is the ideal place to unwind. This four-star hotel has a spa offering massages, five saunas, a relaxation room, and a pool.

Finale Ligure, Italy

Beginners beware. Above this sleepy town lies a network of paths that will test even the best bikers. Many set off from an abandoned, graffiti-covered NATO base. The rewards are great, with trails running past ruins before a beautiful finish down on the beach. One of Finale Ligure’s highest-rated properties is La vie est belle, a charming bed and breakfast with remarkable views.

Whistler, Canada

Whistler is one of the best ski destinations in winter, but in the spring it transforms into the world’s top mountain biking spot. Nowhere else has as many miles of downhill biking. With backdrops this dramatic, it’s easy to see why so many bikers love Whistler. For a relaxing lakeside base, how about Nita Lake Lodge? It hits the spot for views, on-site massages, and hot tubs.

Leogang, Austria

The peaks around Leogang are the Alps at their best – pretty and perfect for biking. The area is so full of trails and freeride routes that you’ll never finish them all. There’s also Leogang Bikepark, an all-levels complex that hosted the 2017 UCI Mountain Bike World Championship. Leogang has plenty of places to rest tired legs, but it’s hard to look beyond Kleintödlinggut, a rural property with bike storage and mountain views.

*These destinations were the top-rated cities for “mountain biking,” according to Booking.com travelers. Destinations had to have over 500 endorsements for “mountain biking.”