Technical Training
Workshops
Pre- and post-summit workshops are an optional way for attendees to extend their learning. Workshops are hands-on, small group learning opportunities. They are add-ons and not included in conference registration. You do not have to be a Summit attendee to register for a workshop. If you would like to register ONLY for a workshop (not the Summit), email us for directions.
Field Trips (half to full day, educational on-trail activities) will be held on Monday, April 14.
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION CLOSED.
Satellite Field Site: Community Trail Farm in La Crosse
Many pre-Summit workshops will be held at the Community Trail Farm in La Crosse, WI, in partnership with the Outdoor Recreation Alliance (ORA Trails). This one site has opportunities for stonework, mechanized construction, and trail planning.
ORA Trails has engaged with multiple PTBA member companies on the visioning and planning of the trail system at the Community Trail Farm. It is exciting to have a field site for workshops where the Summit can be a part of a community legacy.
2 hours from Madison in La Crosse!

Pre- and Post-Summit Workshops
This workshop will provide an overview of the Visitor Use Management (VUM) Framework developed by the federal Interagency Visitor Use Management Council and how it supports managing for high quality trail experiences. It will also discuss application of the VUM Framework at various scales including federal and non-federal lands, site-specific and landscape or regional. Finally, participants will have a chance to visit a nearby trail and practice identifying desired conditions and selecting management strategies in small groups.
Cost: $140
This interactive workshop explores a PTBA member-designed trail reroute proposed for a popular trail near the conference center. The 1.2-mile Woodland Trail traverses oak woodland and rolling prairie terrain at Governor Nelson State Park. Topics addressed include trail assessment, trail layout, and the architecture of trail management strategies.
Cost: $350
This 1/2 day workshop features on the trail education focused on the basics of trail assessment including erosion and user-created problems.
Cost: $250
This workshop will discuss the benefits of objective information, the application of UTAP, HETAP, and METAP in diverse environments, how to disseminate Trail Access Information (TAI), and how that dissemination meets the requirements of the new federal accessibility guidelines for outdoor developed areas.
Cost: $200
A two-day Trail Crew Leader Workshop that provides participants with the skills and knowledge to lead effective, safe, and productive trail work teams. The workshop covers “soft skills” topics like communication techniques, risk management strategies, group dynamics, conflict resolution, leadership styles, and teaching methods.
Cost: $700
Stonework is not for everyone. However, for those with patience, attention to detail, a hard work ethic, and a general love for puzzles, stonework can be one of the most rewarding forms of trail work because of its longevity and aesthetic. This two day workshop will explore the ideal rock size and shapes for structures and construction techniques for stone structures. Additionally through a combination of classroom and hands-on field time, attendees will learn safe transportation methods and the fundamentals of safe rigging practices.
Cost: $800
This two-day workshop offers an introduction to mechanized equipment, focusing on mini-excavators and trail dozers. It combines classroom learning with field instruction, emphasizing hands-on experience and skill-building. With small student-to-instructor ratios, participants will have plenty of time to practice and refine their techniques on the machines.
Cost: $800
Leading professionals from Pathfinder Trailbuilding and Kay-Linn Enterprises will provide participants with a literallly top-to-bottom, hands-on demonstration of one of the most challenging mountain bike trail development challenges - a progressive, beginner-friendly flow trail.
Cost: $800
SOLD OUT!
This is a 2-day (LITE) version of Trail Design Specialists’ Trail Master Certification Class (typically 4 days). This workshop will touch on the latest advances in trail design, construction and maintenance with a focus on long-term sustainability and ease of maintenance.
Cost: $800