Looking to enjoy the groomed trails in Bozeman this winter? Here's what you need to know.
The Community Nordic Trails are a patchwork of public and private land, and each location has its own set of rules. Each venue that the Bridger Ski Foundation (BSF) grooms has a different user agreement with the land partner. Some of the rules are the wishes of the landowner and others are formed by best management practices. If you explore your options, there's something for everyone. AND there's some fabulous world-class skiing right in town.
Please practice kindness. If you see worrisome behavior, provide a gentle explanation and suggest a better route or tactic. With new residents arriving daily, education is key, and more often than not, it's simply a matter of not knowing. We all love these trails and our outdoor time. Let's help each other have the best possible walking, running, skiing, and biking experiences.
If we all follow good trail etiquette, then more people have a positive experience. Be an ambassador for our ski community by bringing a positive, kind attitude to the trail.
There are plenty of winter trail etiquette guidelines, but the biggest thing you can do? Slow down for other trail users.
When passing, let others know that you are approaching them from behind by politely calling out, “on you left.”
Slow down in congested areas. Especially in the first few miles of Sourdough, check your speed, and pass with patience.
Think of other trail users as yield signs.
Parking: Please adhere to notes in the grooming report on designated parking areas. It's important to keep good relations with the neighbors. (In particular, please be sure to use the clubhouse parking lot at Bridger Creek Golf Course; do not park in residential neighborhoods.)
*27% of the kilometers groomed are for ski traffic only.
*73% of the kilometers groomed are open to foot traffic.
Foot traffic is not permitted on groomed trails at Highland Glen, Sunset Hills (Lindley), and Bridger Creek Golf Course. That includes the edge of the trail. Remember, this is a small portion of the available trails in town. All ungroomed trails in the Main Street to the Mountains network are fair game all winter long, so you have plenty of alternatives.
Sourdough and Hyalite allow both foot traffic and dogs; in these areas be sure to avoid walking/running (or skate skiing) on the classic track to preserve its longevity. Keep in mind that postholing down the trail makes for difficult travel for other users--if you're sinking in, try to keep your tracks to the side (not down the middle of the trail).
Fat-tire bikes are not permitted on any groomed ski trails in the Community Nordic Trails System. (More on that below.) Bikes should not cross groomed tracks. All ungroomed Main St. to the Mountain trails can be ridden, and there is a multi-use trail marked by orange circles that accesses Highland Glen. The local bike community has been working hard on access issues and is a good resource for riding info. BSF Trails has also met with them to advise them as they research grooming singletrack trails specifically for winter biking.
You can ski groomed trails with your pups at both Sourdough and Hyalite. Be sure to pick up after your dog; "brown klister" is no fun for anyone. Please no dogs at Bridger Creek, Highland Glen, or Sunset Hills (Lindley Center). And like any trail (but with the added spice of skiers zooming by), keep your dog under voice control with good trail manners. Sourdough especially is a very busy trail with two-way traffic; be sure your pup is ready and able to meet the crowds without causing a wreck.
Cost. For one, BSF's grooming effort is a nonprofit, donation/grant-funded effort. Grooming for multiple uses adds a lot of labor and expenses, and we have to be efficient with our limited budget. With our thin snowpack in town, damage to trails is very difficult, and potentially impossible, to fix--especially when the snow is too thin for larger machinery. With trails spread all over town, limited staff, and no main entrance point, we're also not in a position to be opening/closing trails based on conditions.
Safe, quality skiing. The wear and tear of foot/bike traffic compromises the quality of skiing and in some cases can create hazardous conditions (ex. when ruts cross a steep downhill), especially for beginners. In addition, our in-town venues tend to go through multiple freeze/thaw cycles and low-snow situations that make it difficult to recover from foot prints and tire ruts. In assessing safety, we also take into account intersections and steep grades.
Landowner agreements. Community Nordic Trails are the result of multiple user agreements. Highland Glen is private property owned by Bozeman Health and access is provided through seasonal use agreements (not a general trail easement). Likewise, Bridger Creek Golf Course is private property, and protecting the golf greens is important. We work through an agreement with the City of Bozeman for Sunset Hills (Lindley). Hyalite and Sourdough are managed via agreements with the Gallatin-Custer National Forest. We must work within the restrictions set forth in each agreement, as well as the Forest Service's management plan.
A huge thanks to the skiers, the fat-tire bike community and the running community for their help in spreading the word on trail etiquette, rules, and which winter trails are best for each user group. Winter trail ambassadors, backed by BSF and several other nonprofits, are also interacting and educating the growing number of trail users.
And don't forget, if you're enjoying the groomed trails, support your groomers with a voluntary trail pass and/or a donation. (This is all funded through donations, voluntary trail passes and grants. We intend to keep these trails free and open to all, and we can't do it without help from the community.)
THANKS, EVERYONE!
