People visiting the Custer Gallatin National Forest will notice that many gates, roads and trails are closing to passenger vehicles as roads and trails open up to winter motorized and non-motorized use. Whether heading out to enjoy the snow on a snowmobile, skis, oversnow mountain bike (fat bike), or snowshoes, here are some tips and reminders to keep in mind. This year fat bikes are allowed on over 470 miles of marked or groomed snowmobile trails across the Custer Gallatin National Forest!
Fat bikes are wide-tire bicycles with low tire pressure that allow users to ride on compacted snow surfaces, making mountain biking a year-round sport. Fat bike enthusiasts are asked to be very cautious when using high use snowmobile areas including the Two Top Loop Trail #920 and South Plateau Trail #917 near West Yellowstone and Buck Ridge Trail #906 near Big Sky. To stay safe on the trail, please stay to the right, wear reflective gear, use common hand signals, and give a friendly wave to fellow users on the trail. Remember that fat-bikes are not allowed on any marked or groomed ski trails including the Bozeman Creek and Hyalite Ski Trails or on the Rendezvous Trail System near West Yellowstone. Also new for the winter of 2015-16 is the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Snowmobile Trail Pass, required for groomed snowmobile trail use by snowmobiles, dirt bikes converted to snow bikes, and fat-tire bicycles.
Stop by any Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks office (or one of their vendors) to pick up your $18 trail pass before heading out. Recreationists can now download the Avenza app to make picking up a Custer Gallatin Oversnow Use Map really simple. Visit fs.usda.gov/custergallatin for information on the app. Oversnow Use Maps can also be picked up at any Custer Gallatin Forest Ranger District Office and display which roads and trails are open to motorized use this time of year. Finally, when heading out to enjoy a day of fun in the snow, make sure to take necessary safety precautions. Be prepared for quickly changing winter weather conditions, take emergency supplies in case you have to spend the night, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return, and check the most recent avalanche report at mtavalanche.com. •
