Wentworth Ski Hill Elevates Mountain Biking with New DH Trail Funded by Shimano

Elevating the Ride: Wentworth's New Downhill Thrill

Transforming a Ski Resort into a Mountain Biking Haven: The Genesis of Wentworth's Bike Park

In just five years, Wentworth Ski Hill has cultivated one of Eastern Canada's leading bike parks, now boasting 14 trails. However, a crucial element was still missing: a double black diamond downhill (DH) trail capable of hosting competitive races. This gap is now being filled with the construction of a new trail, generously funded by Shimano's Trail Born Fund. This ambitious project will leverage the hill's 230 meters (755 feet) of elevation, creating a unique trail that is the only one of its kind east of Quebec. Key figures involved in this development include Scott Jewett of the Shimano Trail Born Fund, Charles Stevens of Kodiak Trail Works, Thor Durning from Ski Wentworth and Wentworth Bike Park, and Adam Purcell of the Wentworth Mountain Bike Association, all of whom shared insights into the park's evolution and this exciting new addition.

The Evolution of Wentworth: From Seasonal Skiing to Year-Round Adventure

Until 2020, mountain biking was not a formal offering at Wentworth Ski Hill, despite its long history as a downhill ski destination since the 1930s and a venue for informal mountain bike races during warmer months. The initial trails were rudimentary, hand-built by local enthusiasts, lacking sustainability and universal accessibility. Recognizing the burgeoning popularity of mountain biking in the 2010s, particularly during the pandemic, the ski hill's owners made a strategic decision to invest in a professionally designed bike park. The Wentworth Mountain Bike Association spearheaded trail construction in 2020, with subsequent efforts by the hill's own crew and private contractors. By 2025, over 40 km (25 miles) of trails were established, divided into a climb/enduro zone with six trails and a hill zone with eight trails, collectively forming a groundbreaking bike park for Nova Scotia.

Boosting Regional Mountain Biking: The Impact and Unmet Need

The establishment of Wentworth Ski Hill's bike park significantly amplified mountain biking's appeal across Eastern Canada, with rider engagement doubling from the first season to the second. Despite this success, a critical need remained for a trail that could push the boundaries of even the most experienced riders. Adam Purcell highlighted the desire to construct a trail that would draw high-level races and generate wider recognition for the hill. To expedite the project, external funding was sought, and Purcell, leveraging his connections with Shimano, facilitated the application for a grant from their Trail Born Fund.

Shimano's Investment in Trail Development: Fueling Wentworth's Ambition

In 2024, Shimano launched the Trail Born Fund, committing $10 million over a decade to support grassroots trail projects and advocacy. Scott Jewett explained that Shimano prioritizes "shovel-ready projects that create miles and opportunities, like being a first-of-its-kind project in an area." In 2025, from a global pool of applications, 45 were advanced to Shimano Japan for final approval, with the Wentworth DH trail successfully securing a grant. Jewett noted the project's appeal stemmed from its East Coast location, contrasting with the predominantly West Coast-centric applications, and its goal of encouraging local riders to explore challenging trails closer to home. The Wentworth project received a total of $55,000 from the fund, disbursed in two phases, with the Wentworth Mountain Bike Association acting as the lead organization.

Local Expertise Shapes a World-Class Downhill Experience

Charles Stevens, a local builder with deep roots at Wentworth Ski Hill, is instrumental in bringing the new DH trail to life. Having grown up skiing at Wentworth and residing in the nearby valley, Stevens built the park's inaugural trail and has been responsible for the majority of its development. Thor Durning praises Stevens' unique talent for envisioning lines suitable for all rider levels, which has significantly broadened the appeal of mountain biking in the valley. Stevens describes the new DH trail as a race-focused, top-to-bottom course without intersections, built along a creek gorge. It incorporates multiple rock bluffs with varied line options, a large wooden landing, and expertly crafted dirt transitions at the trail's base. The trail also features a 20- to 25-foot gap jump over the creek, as well as prominent berms and shark fins, which are signature elements. Completion is anticipated by July, with public access slated for August 1st. Stevens believes this new trail represents a natural progression for the park, reflecting the growing skill of the local riding community.

Future Horizons: More Trails and Growing Recognition for Wentworth

Beyond the new double black diamond DH trail, another significant project, the K-Line, is set for completion this summer. Adam Purcell describes K-Line as a jump trail in the style of "A-Line or Dirt Merchant," dedicated to the memory of Kyle Currie, a local rider and firefighter who influenced Stevens' passion for biking and trail building. While K-Line is currently rideable, its lower section is still under construction, and signage will be installed this summer. Even before their official opening, these new trails have garnered Wentworth considerable attention. The Devinci Into The Gnar Experience Series, featuring pro riders and coaches, has chosen Wentworth for its final stop this September. Purcell emphasizes the boundless future of the park, crediting the Wilson family, owners of the hill, for granting Stevens and Durning's team extensive freedom in trail design and construction. He acknowledges that this remarkable progress is a testament to the Wilsons' passion, vision, and trust in the community, showcasing their dedication to outdoor recreation and the local outdoor community.