Fat Bike Festival

Riders from around Alaska, and even the lower 48, roll into Valdez the first weekend of April each year for the Valdez Fat Bike Bash, featuring a kid-friendly bike parade and rodeo, cross-country race on Valdez Glacier, Tide & Trail race, and - for the boldest of riders - an epic downhill race on Thompson Pass.

Fat Biking in Valdez

Fat biking in Valdez is unlike anywhere else in Alaska. Accessible and family-friendly, multi-use, winter groomed trails can be found right in town. Valdez Adventure Alliance pays for regular grooming of Shoup Bay Trail, which is level and short, perfect for a quick or easy ride. Or, bike along Mineral Creek, where biking “up” leads to a waterfall-studded canyon or downstream ends at Prince William Sound, where, if the tide is out, you can also enjoy a beach ride. Just past Valdez Airport, the fat fun kicks up a notch and the type of scenery that makes Valdez so memorable is just a short ride across frozen Valdez Glacier Lake, where its glacial alleyways, ice caves, icebergs and other selfie-worthy scenes await discovery. Adventurous riders know that packed snow conditions open up endless riding along snow machine tracks to popular cross country and downhill descents on Thompson Pass that are limited only by a rider’s energy and imagination.

The Bike Bash Races

There are two cross-country style races at Valdez Bike Bash this year. The Cross-Country Race is an 11-15 mile loop around Valdez Glacier and the lake, incredible views of the glacial valley and for those looking for an endurance challenge. The Tide and Trail Race is a 2.5 mile route on Homestead Trail out to Kite Beach along Prince William Sound and back along Shoup Bay Trail in Valdez. This one is designed for the new fatbike enthusiast or those looking for a shorter race adventure.

2021 Schedule

Friday, April 3
4:00 PM Registration/Check-in opens
6:00 PM Adult Tri-Athlon (bike, kayak, run) Relay Race
7:00 PM Kids Street Party in front of the Fat Mermaid
7:30 PM Family Parade and Awards
8-10 PM Adult Street Party with DJ

Saturday, April 4
8:00 AM Cross Country Race
2:00 PM Treasure Ride
4:00 PM Adult Bi-Athlon Relay Race (ski, bike)
6:30-8:00 PM Bikes & Beers Social at Valdez Brewery

Sunday, April 5
10:00 AM Thompson Pass Extreme Downhill Race
2:00 PM Bike & Bark on Homestead Trail