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Beowulf - IMBA Epic

Silver Star Mountain Resort

An epic descent in a wild part of Silver Star is followed by a tough climb back out!

Mountain Biking Difficult

Distance
33 km
Ascent
845 m
Descent
1.1 km
Duration
2-3 hrs
Low Point
1.1 km
High Point
1.9 km
Gradient
Beowulf - IMBA Epic Map

This is one of just 4 International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) "Epics" in Canada, and for good reason - it's a superb adventure which feels wild despite the ease of access and the orange signs which mark the route throughout its length.

Description

Those who really like a challenge can ride up to Beowulf from Silver Star village, but an easier and more enjoyable option is to buy an XC ticket for the Comet Chair. You get 2 runs on the chair per day, so you can ride one of the many exceptional downhill lines at the Silver Star bike park, go back up the lift and then ride Beowulf.

The official start of the route is easily accessed via the Challenger Trail and then a series of easy tracks, and it's marked by a large wooden arch which you pass under (see photos). The initial part of the route is undulating and leads through gorgeous forests to Alder Point - an excellent viewpoint which many people ride to as an out-and-back trip.

From Alder Point there is a loooong downhill through different types of forests - some dense and green, and then some more bare stuff lower down. The riding never gets overly technical but none of it is easy either, so you need to keep your focus all the way down. There are few significant landmarks, the trail just keeps on cross crossing down along continually fun terrain. The angle of the trail is generally quite mellow so the descent feels even longer than it appears from the statistics.

Gradually the trail mellows further and eventually undulates down to Putnam Creek. From here, it's all uphill! The descent felt long, and the climb certainly does - get your head down and get it done! Most of it is rideable but there are a few steep and tight turns which you'll likely need to push on.

The trail eventually leads to the Cross Mountain Trail, which leads easily back to the village, where cold beers and hot pizza await!

Difficulty

Difficult

Mostly stable trail tread with some variability featuring larger and more unavoidable obstacles that may include, but not be limited to: bigger stones, roots, steps, and narrow curves. Compared to lower intermediate, technical difficulty is more advanced and grades of slopes are steeper. Ideal for upper intermediate riders.

Medium Exposure

2 out of 4

The trail contains some obstacles such as outcroppings and rock which could cause injury.

Remoteness

3 out of 4

Little chance of being seen or helped in case of an accident.

Best time to visit

between June and September

Features

  • Flow
  • Technical
  • Picturesque
  • Singletrack
  • In the forest
  • Roots
  • Rock Gardens
  • Wooden Feature

Similar routes nearby

Guidebooks in this area