Weekend Recommendations, Social Distancing & Trails
Posted on:
March 26, 2020 4:11 PM
With the recent snow, incoming sunny, spring weather, and many people with lots of time on their hands, the draw of the ski trails is strong right now. With the strange and challenging times that the COVID-19 virus has brought about, it is important to get outdoors, whether for exercise, peace and quiet, mental health, or all of the above!
However, there are some important things to keep in mind given the current public health situation with the COVID-19 virus.
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.
Don’t linger in parking lots, and do limit extra social activity there (including between dogs).
Plan ahead with restroom needs and do not use the trailhead outhouses. These are great disease vectors (they are now all locked)!
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.
Keep your trips short and close to home; try to stay in your home county! Now is not the time to explore new areas further afield. Gallatin County, as well as Park and Madison, have a plethora of recreation options. (Remember, the Hyalite Canyon Road has a seasonal closure starting the night of 3/31 (Tuesday).
Consider just staying home and cleaning 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!
Keep it chill & safe. Grooming is winding down so be ready for variable conditions: anything from deep powder, to slush, to ice and dirt. Remember, now is not a great time to go for ambitious adventures or to put yourself at physical risk. 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 trails in the area do have avalanche hazards, especially during the spring when warmer 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.
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.
