As the season beings and the mountain begins to melt out, our trail system emerges from under the snow. Currently the trails are very sensitive to erosion and damage from ruts and holes. To learn about how snowy and muddy conditions affect the early season summer experience, we sat down with Bike Park Manager, Jon Feiges.

Q: What kind of trails are out there?

A: “Mountain Roads- The roads tend to be the first available places for people to recreate. They get plowed and most have graveled surfaces and drainage at allow them to be used when wet. Hikers and biker, and other non-motorized users, can access these trails but need to understand that these are roads used by mountain employees and the large vehicular traffic can be encountered at any time.

System trails- Multi-use, Multi directional trails are trails built in cooperation with the USFS and maintained by the resort for all users. These trails are not closed unless there is construction hazards or wildlife closures. We ask users to not to travel on these trails when they are muddy or wet to reduce erosion and damage.

Bike Park Trails- Downhill Directional trails built and maintained by the resort. These trails are closed until the BP opens on 6/14.”

Q: Why stay off muddy trails?

A: “Soft, muddy trails are very sensitive to erosion. Ruts from bike tires give the water channels to flow and erode the trail. Post holes in the mud dry and leave a rough trail surface. These both degrade the trails and create extra work for trail crews to fix and maintain.”

Q: Why are bike park trails closed?

A: “Outside of operational hours the Bike Park Trials are always closed. During the preseason Bike Park Trail crew can be out at any time working on trails. Riding these trails before the season can damage them and makes the trail crew waste a lot of time closing and guarding the trails while they work. This put both the workers and the riders at risk.”