October 21 2025
Introducing Guest Coach: Jill Kintner — Joining Big Mountain in the Peruvian Andes
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We’re incredibly excited to welcome Jill Kintner as our guest coach on Big Mountain’s Unforgettable Andes adventure in Peru, May 1-9, 2026. Jill joined the Big Mountain family in 2023 as a guest coach in Finale Ligure, and she’s been part of the ride ever since — exploring Costa Rica last year and most recently experiencing the full magic of Peru.
Each destination has left its own imprint: Finale felt like a homecoming to her EWS racing days, Costa Rica was a tropical adventure full of lush jungle and surf culture, and Peru — with its endless ridgelines, ancient history, massive terrain, and warm mountain communities — completely blew her away. As Jill puts it, “every trip has been such a good time — full of adventure, new experiences, and the best local guides and people you could hope to meet.”
Olympian, World Champion, Queen of Crankworx, Professional Skills Coach, and all around Amazing Human
Jill’s riding background speaks for itself: she started in BMX as a kid, chased it all the way to an Olympic medal, and then went on to compete in five different MTB disciplines, collecting multiple world titles along the way. But what drives her now is the same spark that started it all — learning, progression, and finding flow on two wheels. She loves sharing that energy through coaching and creative projects, helping riders push their comfort zones and experience new levels of confidence and connection on the trail.
Her mix of elite experience, grounded coaching style, and genuine love of the ride makes her the perfect fit for our Unforgettable Andes trip — an adventure that blends wild terrain, big landscapes, rich cultural immersion, and personal progression on the bike. If you’ve ever wanted to ride with a world-class athlete in one of the most breathtaking mountain ranges on Earth, this is it.
We caught up with Jill for a quick Q&A about what makes mountain biking in Peru so special, and this is what she had to say:
What draws you to Peru as a riding destination?
“The scale and beauty of Peru really set it apart. Life feels simple there, but rich in culture. Riding high above the clouds through varied terrain, with the smell of mint in the air and animals grazing nearby, you’re completely immersed in your surroundings. The people are warm, the food is amazing, and the trails are a blast. It’s quite a place.”
How does riding in Peru compare to other world-class mountain bike destinations you’ve experienced?
“The Sacred Valley ranks high in my books. You get huge descents and beautifully hand- built trails with a perfect mix of flow and tech. What makes it unique is riding through the Incan sites, villages, and terraced mountains capes. World-class riding without crowds, and the hospitality from the local guides and lodge makes the whole experience truly unforgettable.”
As a guest coach, what’s one skill or mindset you hope riders take home from this trip?
“Confidence. I want riders to leave with stronger fundamentals and the belief that they can handle more than they thought. Having a trusted coach along means real-time feedback, smarter line choices, and support through tricky sections to ride safer. We are all there to enjoy and have a good time:)”
What’s your personal approach to adventure when you’re not racing or coaching?
“Biking is my favorite way to explore. I want to see as much as I can, so why not bring some friends and pedal through it all? Guided trips are easily the best way to check out a new country; curated routes, guides, and a crew of like-minded individuals to share with. It feels a lot safer and more relaxed in a group vs going solo.”
If you could describe the Peru trip in one word, what would it be — and why?
“Immersive. The riding is incredible, but you get to deeply connect with the culture, landscape, and people. You’re not just visiting – you’re in it.”
What are you waiting for? Book now to join us on this adventure in Peru in May, 2026.
