TREAD THE
THUNDER.
A volunteer-based club promoting and developing mountain biking, hiking, and trail recreation at Thunder Hill in Manitoba's Swan Valley — 11+ km of multi-use single-track, now with a fleet of fat-tire e-bikes to make the hill accessible to everyone.
Built by riders, for riders — since 1999.
Tread The Thunder is a volunteer-based club promoting and developing mountain biking, hiking, and trail recreation at Thunder Hill in Manitoba's Swan Valley. Since 1999, our members have built and maintained a growing network of multi-use trails — and in 2026 we added a fleet of fat-tire e-bikes to make the hill even more accessible.
Membership and trail-supporter donations fund trail building and signage directly. However you explore the hill — on two wheels, on foot, or on snowshoes — you're welcome. And if you love it, consider joining the club.
“Tread The Thunder is a volunteer-based club promoting and developing mountain biking, hiking, and trail recreation at Thunder Hill, located in Manitoba's Swan Valley.” — Club mission statement
One hill, six ways to move.
The trail network is shared — riders yield to hikers, and everyone yields to families. Pick your activity by season.
Mountain Biking
Nine named trails from easy multi-use loops to advanced descents like Cook & Cooke.
Fat-Tire & E-Bike Riding
Rent a fat bike or one of our new Giant Yukon E+ e-bikes right at the chalet, no gear required.
Hiking
Walk the multi-use trail on foot — dogs welcome on leash, and the network is open year-round.
Snowshoeing
A dedicated Snowshoe Trail keeps winter foot traffic off the ski and fat-bike lines.
Cross-Country Skiing
The XC Ski Trail loop is groomed track separate from the main multi-use line.
Disc Golf
Not a biker? Try the 6-hole disc golf course or just enjoy the chalet grounds.
Nine trails. Every ability.
Our official trail map and ratings, straight from the club's own trailhead signage.
Easy
Intermediate
Advanced
Download Trailforks before you ride. Cell service is limited near the hill — grab the live map on the Trailforks app so you're never guessing on trail.
Open TrailforksThe family loop — gravel and packed dirt through the trees, rideable and walkable year-round.
EasyA groomed cross-country ski loop, kept separate from the main multi-use line in winter.
EasyA dedicated winter walking route so snowshoers stay clear of ski and bike traffic.
EasyA flowing intermediate line through the upper hill — sponsored by Formo Motors.
IntermediateThe longest loop on the hill, looping the far ridge — sponsored by Grazier Mfg.
IntermediateA shorter connecting run built for rhythm — berms and flow between the bigger loops.
IntermediateThunder Hill's signature advanced descent — steep, technical, and the longest way down.
AdvancedA tight, technical ridge run — the hill's other black-rated line.
AdvancedThe main access route back to the top — not rated, but you'll feel it in your legs.
AccessDon't own a bike? Rent one.
No membership required to ride — just stop at the chalet.
E-Bike Rentals
Giant Yukon E+ fleet
- $500 damage deposit required
- Helmets included with every rental
- Ask chalet staff to book, or reserve ahead by email
Fat Tire & Hardtail Rentals
Adult & kids hardtails, plus fat bikes
- Great for families
- $100 damage deposit held on card
- Cash, credit & debit accepted at the chalet
What's at the chalet
- E-bike & bike rentals
- Trail information
- Coffee & cold drinks
- Bonfire pit & washroom access
- Snacks & baked goods
- Cash, credit & debit accepted
First time at Thunder Hill.
Drive to the Thunder Hill Chalet & Trailhead. Parking is available at the chalet.
Stop at the chalet. Rent an e-bike, grab a drink or snack, or ask about the trails.
Open Trailforks. Download the trail map before heading out — cell service can be limited.
Pick your route. Not sure where to go? Ask us.
Ride within your ability. Trails are multi-use — watch for hikers and other riders.
A feel for the trails.
Straight from the club's own trail days and rides.
More ride photos and trail-day updates are posted on our socials — follow Facebook or Instagram @treadthethunder.
Membership keeps the hill open.
There's no paid staff here — dues and donations fund the trail work directly.
What dues fund
Annual Membership — $20/year
- Trail building — new lines, berms, bridges, and signage.
- Club activities — trail days, meetups, and events on the hill.
- Liability insurance — coverage for everyone riding the network.
You don't need to be a member to visit or rent a bike — membership is for those who want to help keep the hill growing.
Ways to support
Become a member ($20/year), show up for a trail day, send a trail-supporter donation by e-transfer, or pick up club merch.
Getting to Thunder Hill.
Thunder Hill sits right on the MB/SK border, about 30 km southwest of Swan River.
- From Swan River, MB
- Head south on Hwy 83 for 11 km to PR 487. Turn west (right) on PR 487 and continue 18.5 km to the Thunder Hill access road — watch for the Tread The Thunder trail sign. Follow the access road 1.0 km to the chalet, trailhead & parking.
- From Benito, MB
- Head north on Hwy 83, then follow signs for Thunderhill Ski Area / Tread The Thunder trailhead as you near the hill.
- Good to know
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- The last few km are gravel road — take it slow and watch for wildlife.
- Cell service is limited near the hill; download maps beforehand.
- Nearest fuel & food: Swan River or Benito, MB, or Kamsack, SK.
- Dogs welcome on leash · trails are multi-use.
- Check trail conditions before heading out and ride within your ability.
- Yield to hikers and families — pass on the left.