Winter Trail Etiquette: Co-existing with groomed trails and skiers
We’re incredibly fortunate to have cross country skiing right out our back doors in Bozeman. Thanks to our friends at the Bridger Ski Foundation, some local trails are regularly groomed and open to all. But whether you’re skiing, skate skiing, walking, fat biking or running your dog, there are winter specific trail etiquette rules to follow.
- Stay in your lane. At Sourdough Canyon Trail, there is a classic ski lane to the left, skate ski in the middle, and foot traffic on the right. While walking on groomed trails might seem like a good route, foot steps are incredibly damaging to the groomed trail. Stick to your lane so that skiers can have a good experience as well.
- That goes for dogs too. They should be under control and off the groomed trails.
- Fat bikes are not allowed on the Sourdough Canyon Trail through April 15
- Highland Glen Trails that are groomed are CLOSED to foot and bike traffic, including dogs (remember, dogs are always on leash at Highland Glen). There are some trails in Highland Glen that are un-groomed and open to all users. Remember, we’re lucky to have a plethora of trails to use throughout the year so if something is groomed and closed to you, there are many other options of where to go!
- Downhill skiers have the right-of-way
- Always ski in control
- When passing, say on your left
- Scoop the dog poop, always
- Avoid skiing on trails that have just been groomed. It takes 2-4 hours for the freshly groomed trails to set up.
- Get the latest grooming reports online at www.bridgerskifoundation.org/trails/grooming-report
Groomed Trails:
-Sourdough Canyon Trail (also known as Bozeman Creek)
-Highland Glen Nature Preserve
-Lindley Center/ Sunset Hills
-Hyalite (groomed primarily by USFS)
-Bridger Creek Golf Course
-Sacajawea Middle School
Bridger Ski Foundation relies on voluntary ski pass sales to fund the grooming of trails. If you cross country ski, please consider buying your pass today!
