Fat-tire snow bikes urged to avoid groomed Nordic ski trails

Special to The SUN

The San Juan National Forest is requesting that fat-tire snow bikers avoid groomed Nordic ski trail systems on public lands.

Local ski clubs groom ski trails under U.S. Forest Service volunteer agreements at the Vallecito Nordic Trail System at Vallecito Reservoir, and West Fork Nordic Trails near Pagosa Springs. The Pagosa Ranger District grooms ski trails in the Coyote Hill area near Pagosa Springs. The agency seeks to protect these carefully groomed trails for cross-country and skate skiing.

Bike use could cause damage to groomed surfaces, increase chances for conflicts and cause safety issues. The Forest Service hopes winter bikers will voluntarily avoid these Nordic ski areas, but if problems develop, formal closures may be necessary.