Mountain Biking

Hatley Pointe Bike Park Now Open — Lift-Access Downhill

Hatley Pointe's lift-access downhill bike park opens this August with nine trails, rentals, lessons and full-face helmet rules. Book passes, rentals & lessons online.

By Scenders Team ·

Hatley Pointe Bike Park Now Open — Lift-Access Downhill

Hatley Pointe Bike Park is officially open this August. The new lift-access downhill destination in Western North Carolina brings purpose-built flow, technical lines and long Blue Ridge views — all served by the Summit chairlift so you can spend your day shredding, not climbing. Whether you’re looking for a confidence-building green run or a black-diamond test piece, Hatley Pointe’s initial phase delivers a choose-your-own-adventure downhill experience.

This guide covers everything you need to know before your first visit: how to buy passes and rentals, what the trail network looks like, park policies (no walk-ups — book online), recommended bike setups and protective gear, and how lessons and rentals work. Read on to prepare like a pro and get the most out of your day on the mountain.

Opening Day & What to Expect at Hatley Pointe

Hatley Pointe reimagines the former Wolf Ridge Ski Resort into a four-season destination. The bike park opens this August with a lift-accessed trail network built by Elevated Trail Design. Expect nine trails at launch anchored by three primary lines: a green for progression, a blue for flow and an advanced black line with technical features.

The park emphasizes progression and variety — you'll see road gaps, rock spines, wooden drops and purpose-built features that reward skill and commitment. The Summit lift provides roughly a 700-foot elevation drop, maximizing descents and minimizing pedaling. Note: all passes, rentals and lessons must be purchased online in advance; there are no walk-up sales.

Passes, Pricing & Booking Requirements

Hatley Pointe requires online reservations for every service. Full-day lift access is $48 adult / $38 junior (Lift 10 AM - 6 PM). Half-day (4-hour flex) is $39 adult / $29 junior. Scenic lift rides (no bike) run $15 per person during the 4 PM - 7 PM slot. Every rider must sign a liability waiver before riding.

Important policy highlights: there is no minimum age but the Summit Lift minimum height is 36 inches; full-face helmets are mandatory at all times; no coaster brakes or unicycles; e-bikes allowed only if they weigh 55 lbs or less; uphill travel on trails is prohibited. Reservations speed check-in and guarantee gear sizes—plan ahead to avoid disappointment.

Trail Network & Key Features

The first phase consists of nine trails designed to link together so riders can craft runs that match their ability and appetite for features. The green line focuses on flow and confidence-building berms and rollers — perfect for riders new to lift access or those dialing in cornering skills. The blue offers more speed, table-top jumps and connected berms for intermediate riders. The black lines drop from the Summit and include rock spines, wooden drops and built technical sections for experienced riders.

Build details: Peter Mills of Elevated Trail Design prioritized sustainability and progression. Expect lines with intentional feature progression (smaller to larger gaps/drops), multiple exit lines, and flow-second-line options so less-experienced riders can avoid the biggest features. This design philosophy helps riders build skills over multiple visits.

Lessons, Rentals & On-Site Gear

Lessons at Hatley Pointe are provided by MTB Skills Factory and are private, reservation-only bookings that must be made 48 hours in advance. Options include: Intro to Bike Park (2 hours) for $195, Beginner to Advanced (3 hours) for $290, and a Beginner to Pro session with Head Coach Josh Whitmore (3 hours) for $360. Additional riders can join the same private lesson for an extra fee.

On-site rentals let visiting riders arrive light. Key rental packages: All-Track Enduro Bike full rental $150, Junior Mountain Bike full rental $100. Protective rentals: Full-face helmet $35, Body armor $35, Helmet+Body Armor combo $55. The Sanctuary add-on ($42.99) is available in-person only at check-in. Reserve your rental when you buy your lift pass to guarantee sizes and bike models.

What to Ride and How to Set Up Your Bike

Bike choice depends on the lines you want to ride. For black runs and the more aggressive features choose a long-travel enduro bike (150–170mm rear travel, 160–180mm fork). Recommended platforms include Santa Cruz Nomad, Yeti SB150, Specialized Enduro or Commencal Meta TR. For blue and mixed days, a 130–150mm trail bike (Giant Trance, Trek Remedy, Ibis Ripmo AF) will be nimble and fast.

Setup tips: run tubeless tires in the 2.4"–2.6" range with 22–28 psi depending on rider weight and tire width; aim for ~25–30% sag front and rear; use metallic brake pads for consistent stopping power on long descents; check dropper post operation and set the lever angle for easy use on lift drops. Bring spare derailleur hanger and a multi-tool — even short rides at a bike park can be hard on hardware.

Safety, Park Rules & Pre-Ride Checklist

Safety is central at Hatley Pointe: full-face helmets are required on all open trails. We strongly recommend knee pads (e.g., G-Form Pro, 7iDP), chest/shoulder protection (Leatt 3DF or Fox Launch Pro), and a mouthguard for high-speed or aerial features. Follow signage, stay within your ability, and use the designated feature lines; if a line is marked 'ride at your own risk' treat it as advanced.

Pre-ride checklist: 1) Book pass, rental or lesson and complete waiver online; 2) Check helmet fit and chin strap; 3) Verify tire pressure and sag; 4) Inspect brake pads and rotors; 5) Carry a multi-tool, tube or tubeless repair kit, and quick link. Respect the lift operators and trail staff — they keep the park safe and flowing.

Hatley Pointe’s lift-access bike park is a big step for mountain biking in the Southeast — lift-served descents, purpose-built lines and a clear progression path make it a must-ride this season. Remember: book everything online, wear a full-face helmet, and choose a bike that matches the terrain you plan to ride. If you need gear, Scenders stocks helmets, pads, tubeless kits, brake pads and performance tires to get you park-ready.

Ready to ride? Reserve your pass, rental or lesson now on the Hatley Pointe site and check Scenders for protective gear and parts. See you on the lift!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to book my pass and rental in advance?

Yes. Hatley Pointe does not offer walk-up sales. All lift tickets, rentals and lessons must be reserved and paid for online before arrival. This guarantees gear sizing, lesson slots and speeds up check-in.

Are full-face helmets mandatory?

Yes. Full-face helmets are required at all times while on the trails. You can rent a full-face helmet on-site for $35, or bring your own. Chin straps must be fastened whenever you ride.

What are the park hours and pricing?

Lift hours are typically 10 AM - 6 PM for day access. Full-day adult lift access is $48 (junior $38). Half-day (4-hour flex) is $39 adult ($29 junior). Scenic lift rides run 4 PM - 7 PM for $15 per person. Always confirm hours when booking.

Can I bring an e-bike?

E-bikes are allowed only if they meet the 55 lb maximum weight limit. Check the park's e-bike policy and book in advance. Uphill travel on trails remains prohibited.

What bikes does Hatley Pointe rent?

Hatley Pointe rents full All-Track Enduro bikes ($150 full package) and Junior mountain bikes ($100 full package). Protective gear like full-face helmets and body armor are also available for rent or reserve online.

What lessons are available and how far in advance should I book?

Private lessons from MTB Skills Factory must be booked 48 hours in advance. Offerings include Intro to Bike Park (2 hours, $195), Beginner to Advanced (3 hours, $290), and Beginner to Pro with Josh Whitmore (3 hours, $360). Additional riders can join for an extra fee.

Are there any size or age restrictions for the lift?

There is no minimum age, but the Summit Lift requires a minimum height of 36 inches. Helmets are required and equipment sizes are subject to availability based on your reservation.

Topics: Hatley Pointe, bike park, downhill, lift-access, bike rentals