As Montana experiences a "shelter in place" order to limit the spread of COVID-19 and ease pressure on our healthcare facilities, outdoor exercise becomes one of the few ways for us to get outside each day. It's good for your body and your mental health. However, outdoor recreation at this time comes with some added responsibilities.
There are some important things to keep in mind given the current public health situation with the COVID-19 virus. We urge you to keep the following in mind:
BEFORE YOU GO:
Choose wisely! Think twice before going into the backcountry.Avoid long ski adventures, skiing in avalanche terrain, and other dangerous conditions. Don't risk being an additional burden to SAR, EMS or the healthcare system right now. And remember, skiing the ridge at Bridger Bowl is backcountry right now; and it is avalanche terrain.
Keep it chill & safe. Remember that spring brings variable conditions: anything from deep powder, to slush, to ice and dirt. Take your skis off and walk if you are worried about a section of trail. While crust cruising is quite popular this time of year, be aware of long sliding falls that could lead to injuries and stick to mellower terrain. Remember also that some roads and xc trails in the area do have avalanche hazards, especially during the spring when warmer daytime temperatures can increase the risk of avalanches. This includes the Sourdough trail as well as many of the Forest Service roads in Gallatin Canyon and Mill Creek in Paradise Valley.
Keep your trips short and close to home. Don't travel to other towns. An hour or two of outdoor exercise is adequate. Remember, the Hyalite Canyon Road has a seasonal closure starting the night of 3/31 (Tuesday).
Avoid busy areas and times of day. Before you leave your home, come up with a couple alternate places to recreate if your first choice appears to have a lot people already; there are lots of lesser-used trails in the area.
It's okay to stay home and clean up your skis and doing some ski waxing! We had a great season, all things considered, and now is a good time for a breather!Low-key walks, runs, and hikes are a good option, too. Research has shown that simply having a view of nature reduces stress!
Don't go if you're feeling ill in any way.
Plan ahead with restroom needs and do not use the trailhead outhouses. The Custer-Gallatin National Forest has announced they are closing all campgrounds, cabins and toilets, including those in Hyalite.
WHILE YOU'RE OUT
Social distancing still applies on the trails and in parking lots. Keep at least 6 feet of distance with other trail users whether they are in your group or not (and keep group sizes small!) Ideally, your group should be your household.
Be courteous to other trail users (we can still say “hello” and be friendly) and allow plenty of room for others to pass.
Avoid high-touch surfaces (benches, etc.)
Don’t linger in parking lots, and do limit extra social activity there (including between dogs).
Practice leave-no-trace.
Use hand sanitizer/wash hands frequently (especially before you leave the house and when you return), and be sure to disinfect gas pumps.
WARNING
While the governor's shelter-in-place order allows for outdoor recreation, it is still a privilege. Recreating irresponsibly not only endangers your fellow Montanans, but it could cause us to lose access to this vital resource. Other places in the U.S. have closed national parks, local parks and trails. France, Italy, and Spain have banned outdoor recreation.
RESOURCES
Here are some resources on trails, leave no trace, and recreating during the pandemic:
Alternative Ski Trails: With grooming finishing up, there are still options for mellow xc skiing on ungroomed trails. It is spring conditions, so beware. A few trail suggestions.
