Most places have at least 1 easy loop. It still counts as mtn biking and you get better or figure out what type of riding you want to do. As far as gear and stuff I was amazed that ski mountains will just rent you full suspension bikes and pads. Skiing is one thing, going through the wooded areas downhill on a bike looks deadly. You see kids there though. I think there are easier trails and segments on access roads and other areas of the ski mountain and I'm sure many ride their brakes. Best part is ski lifts back to the top. I stick to flatish singletrack. I like down one short hill to bring me back up the other side.