Mountain Bike Coaching Certification in the USA

THE ORIGINAL ARCHITECTS & THE NEXT EVOLUTION IN MOUNTAIN BIKE COACH EDUCATION & CERTIFICATION

  • 20+ YEARS BEHIND THE STANDARDS THAT DEFINE THE GLOBAL MTB COACHING INDUSTRY

  • INDEPENDENT | INNOVATIVE | INCLUSIVE

For riders who want to coach at any level, inspire others, connect with community, and elevate their own skills.

Former PMBIA leadership

·

International certification pathway

·

Industry-recognized programs

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Former PMBIA leadership · International certification pathway · Industry-recognized programs ·

Becoming a mountain bike coach requires more than strong riding skills. It demands a structured understanding of how riders learn, how to break down technique, and how to deliver safe, effective progression in real trail environments.

Our coaching certification courses in the United States are designed for riders who want to transition into coaching, as well as instructors looking to refine and professionalize their approach. Each course combines practical teaching scenarios, technical skill analysis, and structured progression systems that can be applied immediately in real-world settings.

Upcoming MTB Coaching Certification Courses in the USA

Browse scheduled courses across the United States and choose the certification level that matches your experience and goals.

Mountain Bike Coach Certification
GSMBC Coach Certification Logo

LEVEL 1 COACH

LEVEL 1 AMTB COACH

This mountain bike instructor certification prepares new coaches with essential foundational teaching skills for beginners.
To qualify for the GSMBC Level 1 Coach Certification, a coach must attend in full and meet the social, teaching and riding standards outlined in either the

3-day Intermediate Coach Course

or

3-day Adaptive Intermediate Coach Course

Prerequisites: Strong, confident intermediate mountain biker ready to learn how to teach other riders.

Apprentice Coach Cert not required.

Mountain Bike Coach Certification
GSMBC Coach Certification Logo

LEVEL 2 COACH FLOW

LEVEL 2 COACH TECH

To qualify for the GSMBC Level 2 Coach Flow or Tech certifications, a coach must attend in full and meet the teaching and riding standards outlined in either the

4-day Advanced Coach - FLOW

or

4-day Advanced Coach - TECH

This choice allows coaches to choose their coaching progression following the Level 1, to best suit their needs or the needs of their community.
This stage marks a critical part of your mountain bike coaching certification journey, helping define your coaching style and technical focus.

Prerequisites: GSMBC Level 1 Coach Certification, or equivalent

MTB Coach Training
GSMBC Coach Certification Logo

LEVEL 3 COACH

To qualify for the GSMBC Level 3 Coach, a coach must attend in full and meet the teaching and riding standards outlined in both the

4-day Advanced Coach - FLOW

and

4-day Advanced Coach - TECH

and

Complete at least one Online Coach Education (OCE) Course.
This level is a major milestone in your mountain bike coach certification journey, combining on-trail expertise with professional development through online learning.

Prerequisites: GSMBC Level 2 Coach Certification, or equivalent

MTB Instructor Training
GSMBC Coach Certification Logo

LEVEL 4 COACH

To qualify for the GSMBC Level 4 Coach, a coach must attend in full and meet the teaching and riding standards of the

5-day Expert Coaching Course

and

complete at least two Online Course Education (OCE) Courses.

Prerequisites: GSMBC Level 3 Coach Certification, or equivalent

Why Choose GSMBC Coaching Certification Pathway

Train with the best - GSMBC is the world leader in mountain bike instructor certification & education

Real trail environments, not controlled-only settings

Small group coaching for direct feedback

Structured progression systems based on real rider development

Focus on communication, observation, and adaptability

Personal video analysis using the Sportsense coaching app

WHO THIS IS FOR

From first-time assistant coaches to advanced instructors, the GSMBC pathway helps riders build the skills, confidence, and structure needed to coach in real trail environments.

ASPIRING MTB COACHES READY TO START TEACHING

RIDERS WHO WANT TO BECOME CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS

BIKE PARK STAFF, CLUB LEADERS & OUTDOOR GUIDES

RIDERS WHO WANT TO LEAD SAFER, MORE STRUCTURED GROUP EXPERIENCES

EXISTING COACHES LOOKING TO LEVEL UP THEIR SYSTEMS

Find Your MTB Coaching Certification

Course in the USA

From entry-level to expert certification, explore upcoming courses across

the United States and take the next step in your coaching journey.

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MEET YOUR USA COACHING TEAM

Learn from experienced coaches with real-world backgrounds in rider development, coaching systems, and trail-based instruction.

SHANNA POWELL — USA

GSMBC Cert 1 Mentor

Owner, Endless Bike Co

Former PMBIA Tech Team Member
PMBIA Level 1 Trainer

JOSH WHITMORE — USA

GSMBC Cert 3 Mentor

Owner / Head Coach, MTB Skills Factory

Former PMBIA Level 3 Trainer
USAC Category 1 Coach
UCI Level 3 Coach
Master’s Degree in Outdoor Education

HARLAN PRICE — USA

GSMBC Cert 3 Mentor

Owner, Take Aim Cycling

Former PMBIA Tech Team Member
PMBIA Level 3 Trainer
PMBIA Level 4 Instructor

KRISTIAN JACKSON — USA

GSMBC Cert 3 Mentor

Senior Lecturer, Recreation Management, Appalachian State University
Trail Boss, Rocky Knob Mountain Bike Park

Co-Host, Donuts & Bikes Podcast

Former PMBIA Tech Team Member
PMBIA Level 3 Trainer
PMBIA Level 4 Instructor

MORE PROFILES COMING SOON FROM JASON, MEREDITH, ROB, ERIC & BRENDA!

COURSE FAQ’s ✺

START YOUR MTB COACHING CERTIFICATION JOURNEY

Take the next step and find the right course for your level.

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