Squamish Bike Camp FAQs

Squamish Bike Camps are here! Please take a moment to review these frequently asked questions. For additional questions or to find out how to register, contact:

Recreation Customer Service 604.898.3604 or
email: [email protected]

Riding Ability & Age Groups

This is NOT a learn-to-ride program – for their safety, children must have previous experience riding on basic off-road trails with exposure to rocks, roots, gravel, loose terrain, etc.

It depends - while we do separate children into smaller groups based on their ability/experience, it’s the group’s overall ability that we adhere to. Under most circumstances, our instructors lead children on green or blue level trails only. Please speak to a coordinator if you are unsure.

No. Children must be at least 7 years of age by the start of the camp.

Why? These mountain bike camps are designed for a specific age range and ability. We will be offering additional programs in the fall and spring, and we look forward to welcoming children once they turn 7 years old.

Not necessarily*. We cannot guarantee children are placed with their friends during camp. Our instructors will split groups according to ability level and to ensure a safe, fun experience for all.

*If you have multiple siblings in camp, or are ride-sharing with another family – please let us know and our instructors will do our best to accommodate you.

Drop Off and Pick Up

All forms, along with a copy of our Rider/Parent Handbook will be emailed to you prior to the camp start date. Please print, fill out and sign all required forms and bring them with you on the first day.

Our Medical Information and Informed Consent forms are required to be signed by the child’s legal guardian and must be witnessed and initialed by a staff member.

 

Day One is Mandatory. Please drop your child off early on the first day of camp in order to make sure we have received all the necessary forms and have an opportunity to assess your child’s riding ability, gear and bike.

After School Rides: participants must be picked up by 6:15 p.m.
Day Camps: participants must be picked up by 3 p.m.

There will be a late charge of $5 for the first 15 minutes after the end each day. After the first 15 minutes, a late charge of $1 per minute will be .

 

 

Illness

If your child is going to miss a program day due to illness, please notify us by calling customer service at 604.898.3604 or emailing [email protected]. We require a doctors note if your child can no longer attend camp due to illness or injury.

You can contact customer service and ask to speak to the coordinator overseeing the program. Their contact details will also be included with every camp/program email sent out.

Registration & Program Fees

Squamish Residents who require financial assistance to participate in recreation programs can download a Recreation Access Application form. Once completed, applications will be reviewed by a third party and confirmed by the Director of Recreation Services.

We recommend applying well in advance of your program start date, to avoid further delay.

Our camps are intended to be skill progressive. In order to ensure that our instructors to have an opportunity to asses your child and design trail plans and lessons accordingly; we do not permit daily drop-ins. No exceptions.

What to Expect

Upon arrival, participants will be greeted by their instructors, complete a bike safety and preparedness check and review any skills learned previously. The group will ride to a predetermined trail area for the remainder of the day. Each trail/group ride will focus on various aspects of skills development; including cornering, braking, balance, body position, etc. Additional off-bike activities include (but are not limited to) breaks for meals and hydration, games and learning about outdoor safety and wildlife.

Please ensure we have up-to-date contact information for the parent/guardian handling drop-off. Daily itineraries and other pertinent information will be emailed to you in advance. We highly recommend that you (with your child) read and understand the Rider/Parent Handbook prior to camp.

Our instructors and leaders are Recreation Services staff who’re trained in first aid and hold a Professional Mountain Bike Instructors (PMBI) Level 1 Certificate or equivalent certifications.

What to Pack

Your child will need lots of fuel to keep them going for the day. We encourage healthy peanut and nut-free lunches, with lots of snacks that your child can eat independently. Ensure you pack plenty of water in an easily accessible water bottle or hydration pack. We try our best to plan routes that allow for water-refill opportunities.

  • closed-toe runners, skate shoes or bike shoes
  • bike helmet (half-lid ONLY*). Helmets must be worn at all times, climbing or descending.
    *full-face helmets are heavy and too-hot to wear in warm weather or for longer durations. For your child’s comfort and safety, we recommend half-lid helmets at all times.
  • shorts or riding pants
  • breathable t-shirt (not cotton) or a bike jersey
  • long sleeve top or light jacket for inclement weather
  • hydration pack with room for water, food and extra layers

Your child’s bike must be an appropriate size for them, have front and rear brakes (no coaster brakes) and must have gears.

It is the parent/guardian’s responsibility to ensure your child’s bike is in good working order prior to camp.

Additional Information

Squamish Bike Camps and After School Rides are considered “Specialty Programs”. We highly recommend reviewing our Recreation Credit and Refund Policy prior to registering for camps or other programs.