Q&A with Joab Olsen, Steamboat Trail Crew Supervisor
As we gear up for another summer of riding, we checked in with Joab Olsen, our Trail Crew Supervisor, to get the lowdown on what’s new in the Steamboat Bike Park this season. From trail revamps to better beginner access, here’s what Joab had to say.
Q: What’s new in the Bike Park this year?
Joab: The biggest thing riders will notice is that Wrangler’s has been completely remodeled—it’s running smooth and should be a ton of fun. We’ve also made some great updates to the upper section of EZ Rider, which will help create a better flow for beginners working their way down from mid-mountain.
Another big improvement is how the mid-station of Wild Blue Gondola connects trails this year. It’s now a solid starting point for riders of all levels. We added a new section of EZ Rider that now splits off from Lasso, giving guests more options and better progression.
Behind the scenes, our team has been catching up on some wood featured projects that needed attention, and we’re focusing heavily on the lower mountain right now. All the trails funnel into that area, so we’re working hard to dial in Buckin’ Bronc and we’re also aiming to finish a brand-new green trail to the base—that’s going to be a game-changer for newer riders looking to ride down confidently.
Q: What trails will be open on Opening Day?
Joab: Pretty much everything will be ready to roll except for Lickety Split due to snow, Flying Diamond and Lower Rawhide due to wood feature projects being completed. Multi use trails that are also closed include: Sunshine, Cathy’s Cutoff, and Pete’s Wicked due to USFS closure and snow.
Q: What are some good trail options for beginner riders this summer?
Joab: The Wild Blue mid-station is the place to be if you’re just getting started. We’ve added fresh features on EZ Rider that make learning and progressing a lot smoother. The new trail alignment from mid-mountain really helps build confidence before taking on more advanced terrain.
Q: Can guests book bike lessons before Opening Day?
Joab: Absolutely. If you’re planning to ride with us, we recommend booking your lesson ahead of time—especially for Opening Weekend.
The Steamboat Bike Park opens daily Friday, June 13. Stay tuned for trail conditions and updates by checking our Trails and Conditions Page or by downloading the Steamboat App.
