BURNET, Texas (BRAIN) — Set to open this winter outside of Burnet, Texas, Spider Mountain is poised to become not only the Lone Star State's only lift-served bike park, but also the nation's first year-round lift-accessed park. Burnet is about 55 miles northwest of Austin.
The bike park is designed and developed by Hogan Koesis, director of mountain biking for Mountain Capital Partners, which owns and operates six ski resorts including Arizona Snow Bowl, Purgatory Resort in Colorado and Pajarito Mountain Ski Area in New Mexico.
Koesis has more than a decade of experience designing, developing and constructing trails.
"We're excited to bring progressive mountain biking terrain to Texas," Koesis said. "Until now, this type of lift-accessed terrain was only available in a ski resort setting. The new Spider Mountain Bike Park will be unlike anything else in Texas."
With an anticipated opening before Christmas this December, Spider Mountain Bike Park has 350 feet of vertical terrain and will offer beginner, intermediate and advanced trails accessible via a four-person chairlift. The bike park will feature mountain bike and gear rentals, lessons and guided tours.
With views of Lake Buchanan, the property is on one of the larger mountains in central Texas, with a mix of live oaks and cedar trees, and is home to a variety of wildlife. It is located adjacent to Thunderbird Lodge at Lake Buchanan, which offers lodging and event center, water sports and other amenities.
James Coleman and his family have owned the Spider Mountain property since 2001. Coleman is the managing partner of Mountain Capital Partners.
"Spider Mountain Bike Park has been a vision of ours for years. The park makes you feel like you're in the mountains with cool breezes and incredible lake views," Coleman said. "Centrally located, Spider Mountain will be the place where Texans go to ride. With the booming trend of mountain biking, we hope to attract more visitors and provide them with a variety of fun adventures."
Those who want to check out the trails prior to the public opening can participate in the Race Down Spider Mountain enduro event this Friday and Saturday, Sept. 28 and 29.
More information: trailpartymtb.com/spider-mountain-details.
