Deschutes National Forest
Winter Trail Access and Conditions Update KNOW BEFORE YOU GO!
Updated February 27, 2015 Winter Trail Highlights Due to new and forecasted snow, heavy weekend use expected on limited winter trails. Weather forecast calling for cold temps with new snow along with some sun into next week. Snow conditions are currently improving with storm in progress. Watch weather forecasts closely. As of today, only 1 Deschutes National
Forest snow park currently has Wanoga Snow Play sledding slope lacks snow. Snow play adequate snow with access to winter hill not recommended until we receive adequate snow. trails. Hopeful change to that in coming days. Currently, 98% of the approx. 600 winter snow pole signs are in place in the Dutchman Flat to Moon Mt. area. Seasonal closures of Hwy 46, Hwy 242, Road 21, 370 Road, Tumalo Falls, Road 16 to Three Creek Lk and Road 60 are now in effect for the winter season. Additional road closures in effect for winter season. Summer trails are under 0-80” snow depth. With winter storm in progress summer trail access likely to decrease over next few days. Go prepared with your Ten Essential Systems: Heads up dog owners, this walking “pincushion” was found Navigation (map and compass) by the photographer’s dog along the Deschutes River Trail. Sun protection (sunglasses/sunscreen) Fortunately the dog knew better and only looked but didn’t Insulation (extra clothing) touch. That’s not always the case! Protect wildlife and Illumination (headlamp/flashlight) protect your pet, leash when required and have control First-aid supplies over your pet when not. Fire(waterproofmatches/lighter/candles) Repair kit and tools Nutrition (extra food) Hydration (extra water) Emergency shelter GENERAL SNOW/WINTER TRAIL CONDITIONS ON FEBRUARY 27:
Snowshoers: Please use the designated snowshoe trails when provided. If snowshoeing on a blue diamond ski trail, please avoid walking in the established skier track as this causes difficult to hazardous track conditions for skiers.
Know before you go! Lack of snow warning! But change is in progress. The following conditions were as of early AM, Feb. 27. Currently,with a winter storm in progress snow conditions are changing with 2-16” of new snow forecasted for various parts of the Dechutes National Forest. Watch forecasts and ski area snow reports closely over the next few days for signs of improved snow conditions. Snow conditions at all Deschutes National Forest snow parks have deteriorated over the past weeks with only ONE snow park currently providing adequate access to winter trail use. Dutchman has fair snow conditions and access to higher elevations. Elevations of 6,000’ and lower have marginal to NO snow. Snowmobile Trail 5 between Dutchman and Kapka Butte Sno-Parks is in rough and marginal condition due to the melting of poor snow coverage; bare sections of trail are showing. All other snow parks lack snow for winter trail access. Wanoga Snowmobile, Wanoga Snow Play, Meissner, Edison, Skyliner, Upper Three Creek Lk, Ten Mile, Six Mile, and Crescent Lake/Junction Sno-Parks currently have inadequate snow conditions with 60-100% bare ground around or near these snow parks. Snow depths/conditions can vary day to day and we attempt to provide weekly updates on snow conditions and access into the winter season.
Weather conditions can change rapidly so be sure to watch closely for most recent weather forecasts. Reports of some blowdown across trails with limited clearing on winter trails in progress.
Summer trail options! With a winter storm in progress some rain and snow has covered previously snow free trails. More snow is in the immediate forecast. With recent freezing temperatures and rain/snow some reports have come in with increasing muddy sections of summer trails.
With the current change from spring to winter weather, summer trail access listed below will change. Some summer trails are likely to become inaccessible due to new snow accumulations and others not recommended if muddy. addition to the snow free option trails listed in the Summer Trails section below, consider other public trails in the Central Oregon area including:
Maston Butte: http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/prineville/recreation/cline/maston-access.php
Smith Rocks: http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=36
Badlands Wilderness: http://www.blm.gov/or/resources/recreation/site_info.php?siteid=399
Millican Valley OHV: http://www.blm.gov/or/districts/prineville/recreation/millican/
Shevlin Park and other Bend Parks: http://www.bendparksandrec.org/Park_List_Hidden/Shevlin_Park/
Photo date, January 14, 2015. Ten Mile Sno-Park snow stake at 5,560 ft. Currently, inadequate snow with no snow access from Ten Mile.
Water/slush and down trees are just a few of the hazards on and off trail users may encounter during the winter season. The new Meissner Sno-Park warming shelter is now open and provides a warm and dry place to get out of the cold and meet with fellow skiers/shoers and have lunch. Meissner Nordic Club volunteers will continue over the coming weeks to add signing and a few finishing touches. Grooming operations are currently on hold with patchy snow depth at Meissner Sno-Park.
Located on Road 45 less than ¼ mile south of Hwy 46 and road 45 interchange (and 3 Hwy miles from Dutchman Sno-Park) the new Kapka Butte Sno-Park currently has 2 -8” snow depth. Dogs and overnight RV camping permitted. Trail conditions to Dutchman are rough with increasing bare sections. Trail may not be safely passible into the weekend without new snow accumulations.
Due to unseasonably winter rains, many normally “snow bridged” creeks and drainages are currently open and flowing water. Some winter trails cross these creeks and have become “water hazards” making for challenging crossings.
Over 600 winter signs and trail marking “snow poles” are installed each winter season in the Dutchman Flat, Tumalo Mt. and Moon Mt area. These poled signs provide trail safety and designate legal boundaries. Approx. 98% of the sign poles are in place and remainder scheduled to be installed with adequate snow.
Snow Park Conditions Table coding:
Special area restrictions or notations relating to the table below are as follows: 1 = Area/trails closed to dogs except working dogs in harness on groomed snowmobile trails and only with a permit 2 = Area open to dogs 3 = Area/trails closed to motorized use 4 = Vehicles with trailers limited to 40’ overall length 5 = High to extreme use with special area/trail restrictions, see sno-park information board, trail maps and area signing for full details. Very limited parking, try to avoid on weekends and holidays. All sno-parks (except Skyliner and Hwy 242) are plowed with State funds and require a Sno-Park Permit Deschutes National Forest Snow Park Conditions Table Updated February 27, 2015 at 3 PM Snow conditions: Nearly all Deschutes sno-parks and winter trails currently lack adequate snow. SNO-PARK NAME LOCATION PARK APPROX. SNOW CONDITIONS AND SPECIAL Designated trails or Hwy or Road and ELEV. SNOW COMMENTS activities with numerical milepost DEPTH (Conditions subject to change without notice and notations explained at the whim of Nature) above TOTAL Meissner 1 HWY 46, MP 14 5,350’ Patchy-1” Inadequate snow, not recommended. Area roads Ski/snowshoe 1” new closed to hwy vehicles Dec. 1-April 1 Wanoga Snow Play HWY 46, MP 15 5,400’ Patchy-1” Inadequate snow, not recommended. Wear 2, 3 Tubing/sledding 1” new helmets, don’t build jumps, sledding hill closed to Groomed ski/dog trails snowmobiles. Wanoga Snowmobile HWY 46, MP 15 5,500’ Patchy-1” Inadequate snow, not recommended. Area roads 2 Snowmobiling 1”new closed to hwy vehicles Dec. 1 - April 1 Swampy 1 3 HWY 46, MP 16 5,800’ 2-8” Poor/marginal, hard/icy or spring-like, low snow Ski/snowshoe 2” new and trail conditions! Area roads closed to hwy vehicles Dec. 1 - April 1 Vista Butte 1 3 HWY 46, MP 18 5,950’ 2-8” Poor-marginal, hike to snow, a number of trees Ski/snowshoe 2” new on trails. Area north of parking closed to snowmobiles, use Kapka Butte or Wanoga if snow. Dutchman 1 4 5 HWY 46, MP 22 6,250’ 22-38” Fair snow conditions, might be icy to soft Ski/shoe/snowmobiling 3-4” new depends on temps. Low snow hazards with some open creek channels exist on/off trails. Bare pavement sections on trail to Elk Lk, becoming difficult. 98% of winter signing in place. Limited parking/no overnight camping. 40’ max length limit for vehicle/trailer combination. Expect heavy use! Kapka Butte (new) 2 ¼ mi. s. of Hwy 46, 5,900’ 2-8” Marginal snow with bare areas/trails, trail Snowmobiling/ski/shoe on Road 45 2” new grooming on hold, early season conditions with low snow hazards. Edison 2 4 mi. s. of Hwy 46 5,000’ Bare ground Inadequate snow conditions. Heavy beetle killed Ski/shoe/snowmobiling on Road 45 1” new lodgepole in area, high number of trees on trails. Area roads closed to hwy vehicles Dec. 1 Skyliner 2 Skyliner Rd MP 9 4,700’ Bare ground Inadequate snow conditions. Gate/road to Ski/snowshoe Tumalo Falls closed for the winter season. Six Mile 2 Road 21, MP 6 4,400’ Bare ground Inadequate snow. Road 21 beyond Ten Mile Snowmobiling East of Hwy 97 closed to vehicles for winter season. Ten Mile 2 Road 21, MP 10 5,560’ 1” Inadequate snow access, early season Snowmobile/ski/shoe East of Hwy 97 1” new conditions with low snow hazards.
Lower Three Creek 2 Road 16, MP 8 4,400’ Bare ground Inadequate snow. Snowmobile/Ski Upper Three Creek 2 Road 16, MP 11 5,250’ 1” Inadequate snow access, bare pavement to Snowmobile/ski/shoe 1” new approx. 5,800’, early season conditions with low snow hazards. Road 16, closed for the winter season. Hwy 242 (Mckenzie Hwy 242, MP 7 3,800’ Bare ground Inadequate snow. Hwy closed to summer Pass)2Snomo/ski/shoe from Sisters access. Bikers/hikers use hwy at own risk. Parking area may not be plowed. Crescent Junction 2 Hwy 58/Road 60 4,750’ Bare ground Inadequate snow. Road 60 gate closed for Snowmobiling MP 1/2 winter. Crescent Lake 2 Hwy 58/Road 60 4,700’ Bare ground Inadequate snow. Road 60 gate closed for Snowmobiling/BC (no MP 2 winter. ski/snowshoe trails)
Trail volunteer assisting with trail clearing of down trees on winter trail system. Due to strong fall storms, expect to find new down trees on local trails.
WINTER MAP DOWNLOADS ON iPhone, ANDROID OR TABLET: Using the GPS in your phone the PDF Maps app works on your iPhone or Android smart phone or tablet to show your location on a map you have downloaded. You will need the PDF maps app on your iPhone or Android to use this function. If you do not already have the PDF Maps app you will need to download this free app.
Dutchman Ski and Snowshoe Map Swampy Ski and Snowshoe Map
Meissner Ski and Snowshoe Map Edison Ski and Snowshoe Map
Vista Butte Ski and Snowshoe Map Skyliner/Tumalo Falls Ski and Snowshoe Map
SPECIAL TRAIL EVENTS EFFECTING TRAIL USE:
For February: Currently, due to lack of snow at most elevations, winter trail events for February are being rescheduled with no events until further updates.
GENERAL SUMMER TRAIL CONDITIONS AS OF FEBRUARY 27:
Currently 0 to 80” of snow covers various Deschutes National Forest summer trails with mid- upper elevation summer trails inaccessible due to snow. Many low elevation trails up to 5,400’ are in fair conditions, similar to April conditions. With current storm in progress conditions are changing and increasing snow covered or muddy trails are likely over the coming days. Snow free trails can be in various states of soft to muddy tread conditions during freeze/thaw cycles or wet conditions. Please avoid using muddy trails as this causes erosion and tread damage. Summer trail conditions reporting will focus on those summer trails that continue to have reasonable access.
DESCHUTES NATIONAL FOREST SUMMER TRAILHEADS/TRAILS:
Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District summer trails/access:
Winter seasonal note: Seasonal closures of summer trails are occurring as snow accumulates and along with it, seasonal road closures! Seasonal closures are subject to little or no notice. Winter blowdown is on the increase. Watch weather closely!
Currently, we are experiencing more April to May like trail conditions on most summer trails below 4,800’ elevation. Conditions currently changing with storm in progress! With Fall and recent winter winds there are trees down across some area trails and roads with limited clearing in progress.
Phils TH area trails are snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx. 4,800’ are good. Trail tread is mostly firm but if you encounter soft to muddy conditions, please avoid using muddy trails. Conditions currently changing with storm in progress! For more information on COTA, who they are, what they do and how you can help, go to: http://cotamtb.com/
Tumalo Falls Trailhead – Road 4603 from the gate to Tumalo Falls (approx.3 miles) is closed until further notice to all traffic including pedestrian and bikes. Installation of new municipal water line is occurring during the next several months.
Deschutes River Trailheads/Trails are snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx. 4,800’ are good. Trail tread expected to become muddy in sections, if you encounter soft to muddy conditions please avoid using. There may be a few trees across the trails due to recent winds. Access to higher elevation trails is limited due to snow and ice. Conditions currently changing with storm in progress!
Three culverts have been installed thru the dike just upstream of Dillon Falls Boat Ramp and River Trail access is again open. The culverts will allow water from the river into the Ryan Ranch basin on a trial basis this spring and summer in order to test the seepage and evaporation.
Sun Lava Paved Path between Sunriver, Benham East and Lava Lands. Likely in good condition; watch for winter debris possible on the path.
Tumalo Creek 2 Trail – area trails are snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx. 4,800’ are good but changing. Trail tread is mostly firm but if you encounter soft to muddy conditions, please avoid using muddy trails.
Wanoga Mt. Bike Trails – trails east of Wanoga to approx. 4,800’ are soft to muddy with patchy snow possible. Above conditions become muddy with increasing snow. Please avoid using muddy trails. Conditions currently changing with storm in progress!
Swampy Lake Trails blocked by snow, winter trail season has begun.
Tumalo Mt. – blocked by snow, winter trail season has begun!
Todd Lake Trailhead Road access blocked by gates and snow. Winter trail season has begun! Todd Creek Horse Camp – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.
Sparks Lake Trailhead – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.
Ray Atkison Trailhead and Sparks Lake boat ramp – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.
Green Lakes/Soda Creek Trailhead – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.
Devils Lake/South Sister Trailhead – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.
Quinn Meadow Horse Camp area trails – Closed for the season due to snow and Hwy 46 gates closed.
Metolius-Windigo Trail area trails are snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx. 4,800’ are good but down trees are possible/likely. Trail tread is mostly firm but if you encounter soft to muddy conditions, please avoid using muddy trails. Winter trail season has begun!. Section of trail just north of Road 1514 is currently running water and super muddy with a 200 yard section impassible to stock due to deep mud. Do not attempt to cross this section!
Cultus Lake and Winopee Lk TH – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Lemish Lake TH – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Charlton Lake TH – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Osprey Point TH – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Fall River Trail – Area trails and trailheads may have soft to muddy trail conditions. Moderate recent blowdown reported on some trails.
South/North Twin Lakes area trails – Area trails and trailheads becoming inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Horse Butte to Swamp Wells area trails – Currently good tread conditions to Swamp Wells Horse Camp but subject to soft to muddy trail conditions with rain, freeze/thaw and snow. Do not use if in muddy condition. Conditions currently changing with storm in progress!
Newberry Caldera trails – Road 21 into Newberry Caldera with access to Monument trails is closed for the winter season. Varying depths of snow. Gate beyond Ten Mile Snow Park is closed.
Peter Skene Ogden Trail – bare-6” of snow. Likely soft to muddy if not snow covered. Road 21 into Newberry Caldera with access to most Monument trails is closed for the winter season. Gate beyond Ten Mile Snow Park is closed.
Lava Cast Forest Trailhead – Unknown. Road access may become blocked by snow without notice.
Hoffman Island Trailhead – patchy snow. Road access may become blocked by snow without notice.
Pacific Crest Trail – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures. http://www.pcta.org/
Wilderness Trails – All Deschutes Wilderness trails are now inaccessible due to snow and/or seasonal closures of access roads. With current snow conditions changing daily, there will be no further reporting on Wilderness trails until Spring 2015
Sisters Ranger District summer trails/access:
Black Butte Trail fair to good condition with a patch or two of snow just at the summit. Trailhead access is snow free. Conditions currently changing with storm in progress!
Metolius River Trails –trails are snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx. 4,800’ are good. Trail tread is mostly firm but if you encounter soft to muddy conditions, please avoid using muddy trails. During freeze/thaw periods, be aware of soft to muddy sections and avoid muddy trails. Conditions currently changing with storm in progress!
Suttle Lake Trail area trails are snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx. 4,800’ are good. Trail tread is mostly firm but if you encounter soft to muddy conditions, please avoid using muddy trails. Conditions currently changing with storm in progress!
Lake Creek Trail is snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx. 4,800’ are good but down trees are possible. Trail tread is mostly firm but if you encounter soft to muddy conditions, please avoid using muddy trails
Peterson Ridge Trails – Area trails are snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx.. 4,800’ are good, a down tree or two is possible. Trail tread is mostly firm but if you encounter soft to muddy conditions, please avoid using muddy trails. Conditions currently changing with storm in progress!
Metolius-Windigo Trail - area trails are snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx. 4,800’ are good but down trees are possible/likely. Trail tread is mostly firm but if you encounter soft to muddy conditions, please avoid using muddy trails. Winter trail season has begun!. Section of trail just north of Road 1514 is currently running water and super muddy with a 200 yard section impassible to stock due to deep mud. Do not attempt to cross this section! Conditions currently changing with storm in progress!
Horse trails out of Sheep Springs Horse Camp – area trails are snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx. 4,800’ are good but down trees are possible. Trail tread is mostly firm but if you encounter soft to muddy conditions, please avoid using muddy trails. Conditions currently changing with storm in progress!
Head of Jack Creek Trail – area trails are snow free to 4,800’. Currently, general trail conditions to approx. 4,800’ are good but down trees are possible. Trail tread is mostly firm but if you encounter soft to muddy conditions, please avoid using muddy trails
PCT – SEE DETAILS UNDER BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Wilderness Trails – – All Deschutes Wilderness trails are now inaccessible due to snow and/or seasonal closures of access roads. . With current snow conditions changing daily, there will be no further reporting on Wilderness trails until Spring 2015.
Crescent Ranger District summer trails/access:
PCT – SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Oldenberg Trail Area trails and trailheads becoming inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Summit Lk Trail – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Meek Lk Trail – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Windy Lakes Trail – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Windigo Pass – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Whitefish Horse Camp - Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Pretty Lk/Fawn Lake Trails – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Metolius-Windigo Trail - SEE DETAILS IN BEND/FORT ROCK RANGER DISTRICT ABOVE!
Maiden Peak – Area trails and trailheads inaccessible due to snow and/or road closures.
Wilderness Trails – All Deschutes Wilderness trails are now inaccessible due to snow and/or seasonal closures of access roads. . With current snow conditions changing daily, there will be no further reporting on Wilderness trails until Spring 2015
“LEAVE NO TRACE” REMINDER:
PLEASE, PRACTICE THE SEVEN LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPALS:
Plan Ahead and Prepare Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces Dispose of Waste Properly – See photo and information below on wrong disposal and effects! Leave What You Find Minimize Campfire Impacts Respect Wildlife Be Considerate of Other Visitors
For details on the 7 LNT Principals: http://lnt.org/learn/7-principles
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURES/OPENINGS:
Hwy 46 CLOSED from Dutchman Flat to Road 4270 at Deschutes Bridge. Road 370 CLOSED from Hwy 46 to Road 16 near Three Creek Lks. Roads 4601 and 4602 towards Skyliner also closed for the season.
Tumalo Falls CLOSED to all traffic including ski, snowshoe, hiker and bike due to Road water line installation. Closure in effect for next several months.
Road 21 CLOSED from Ten Mile Sno-Park to east end of Newberry Caldera; Road to Paulina Peak closed for the season.
Hwy 242 Mckenzie Pass, CLOSED for winter season. Road 16 Road CLOSED from Upper Three Creek Sno-Park to Three Creek Lakes for the winter season.
Road 60 CLOSED for the winter season and is now open as a snowmobile trail.
TEN ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS:
“What are The Ten Essentials?” ”The Ten Essentials are items The Mountaineers recommends everyone carry on all trips. The Pacific Northwest is a beautiful place that can be wild and unpredictable. Being prepared for anything is essential. This is as important on short, local trips as it is on long, backcountry trips. It is easy to forget first aid kits and warm layers short trips, but a short trip can quickly turn to a long trip if you get lost or injured.”
“The Ten Essentials started as a list of ten simple items and is now a systems approach that guides you in preparing for any trip in any season. The two basic questions are: (1) Can you respond positively to an accident or emergency? (2) Can you safely spend a night or more out? Here is a list of The Ten Essential Systems:
1. Navigation (map & compass) 2. Sun Protection (sun glasses, sun screen, lip balm) 3. Insulation (extra clothing) 4. Illumination (flashlight or headlamp, spare bulb & batteries) 5. First-Aid Supplies (gauze, tape, etc.) 6. Fire (fire starter, matches, lighter) 7. Repair Kit (knife, duct tape, tools, spare parts) 8. Nutrition (extra food) 9. Hydration (extra water, water purification) 10. Emergency Shelter (tarp, garbage bag)
Further details on the “Ten Essential Systems”: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/ten+essentials.html?s_kwcid=TC|13029|ten%20essentials||S|p|7499840765&cm_mmc=ps_goog le_CH-_-Category%20-%20Camp%2fHike-_-Camping%2fHiking_GeneralTerms_Essentials-_- ten%20essentials&gclid=CNq_h8Xbsq4CFQN8hwodYhH-PQ
SPECIAL SAFETY NOTES:
Go prepared for changeable weather conditions. Fall to winter season conditions exist! Be sure to go prepared with plenty of warm clothing, water, and food as well as other emergency essentials. For further Deschutes National Forest winter or summer trails information, please call: Deschutes National Forest Headquarters: (541) 383-5300 Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District: (541) 383-4000 Sisters Ranger District: (541) 549-7700 Crescent Ranger District: (541) 433-3200 WE’VE MOVED! The Bend/Fort Rock Ranger District Office and the Deschutes National Forest Supervisor’s Office have moved into one office complex in the northeast part of Bend. New address: 63095 Deschutes Market Road, Bend. Find this weekly trail access and condition report in the Deschutes National Forest Website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5299503.pdf
Fat biking is the newest winter user group to share the trails.
COTA volunteers have been granted a temporary permit to groom approx. 9 miles of fat bike snow trails just south of the Wanoga Sno- Parks. Snow conditions permitting, volunteers will groom (24” wide) these trails, primarily for fat bike non- motorized use but skiers and snowshoers are welcome to try them out. Please be aware of the trail rules and etiquette. The permit period ends February 28th. Currently, due to lack of snow the trails are not ride able.
What are some basic equipment guidelines for a fat bike that will be primarily ridden on snow?
1. Wide tires — deep snow coverage may require tires wider than 3.5 inches. 2. Tire pressure will often be less than 10 PSI. 3. Enough floatation that you can travel over snow without leaving a rut deeper than one inch. 4. Sufficient traction that you are able to safely control your bike and ride in a straight line.
Best Practices for Fat Biking on Groomed Nordic Trails
Only ride at ski areas that allow and encourage biking. Biking on Meissner groomed nordic trails is not encouraged. Yield to all other users when riding. Skiers don't have brakes but you do! Ride on the firmest part of the track. Do not ride on or in the classic tracks. Leave room for skiers to pass (don't ride side-by-side with all of your buddies blocking the full trail). Allow the track time to set up after grooming and before riding. Some areas require riding only a purpose-built fat bike, not any old mountain bike. There may be a minimum tire tread width. Be an ambassador for the sport: stay polite, educate other riders, discourage bad behavior and follow the rules. Help out and get involved by joining your local nordic club. Consider donating money for trail grooming.
Best Practices for Fat Bike Riding on Snowmobile Trails
When riding on snowmobile trails, use a front white blinker and rear red blinker at all times. Wear reflective material on both the front and rear of your body. Stay to the far right of the trail and yield to snowmobiles. Know and obey the rules of your local land manager. Understand that some trails may be on private property and might not be open to alternative uses. Be prepared. Winter travel in the backcountry requires carrying proper gear and dressing properly. Be self-sufficient! Use extreme caution when riding at night. Be visible and use the brightest lights you can find. Be friendly! Fat bikers are the newest trail users. Be courteous and open to suggestions from snowmobile riders. Help out by supporting your local snowmobile club. Consider donating to trail grooming and maintenance efforts.
Group of snowshoe volunteers headed out to perform trail maintenance. Thank you volunteers!
Have a safe Winter trails season!