Enchanted Forest Cross Country Ski Area

If there is enough snow (or if snow is not too icy) we’ll set for both classic and skate-skiing using a Ginzu from West Yellowstone Track Systems. However, if we get more than a few inches of snow, we’ll pack first using rollers, and we may not use the ginzu until the snow has had time to “set” (e.g. harden). In some case, this may take a day or two.

Grooming is an expensive and labor-intensive project often done in harsh conditions to provide outstanding skiing.

If you’re planning on heading out on packed or groomed trails, it’s best practice to wait at least two hours after grooming to let the snow harden up and establish the right surface consistency.

First and foremost: always purchase a trail pass and display your pass while skiing or snowshoeing. Maintaining or trails can be an an expensive and labor-intensive project so don’t be “that guy”. By proudly displaying your pass you encourage others to contribute and help support our business. Always give a happy thank you wave to the groomers and stay out of their way while they are doing their thing.

Whether you need to de-layer or you’re stopping for lunch, make room for others who are passing by.

Leave No Trace principles are important any time you’re away from civilization.

A good rule of thumb for all aspects of life, simply respecting others will take you a long way in maintaining harmony with your fellow… travelers. Everyone is out there to have a good time, just like you.

People traveling downhill always have right-of-way in the tracks because they are likely moving at speed and can’t stop easily. If you are in front of someone faster than you, it’s technically correct to move aside and let them pass. Skiers will often signal with a “Hup!” or “Behind!” to alert others to their presence. In actual practice, more experienced (and therefore faster) skiers are often glad to move around slower beginner skiers who might be uncomfortable getting out of the tracks and will call out to indicate which side they will pass on. Overall, however, right-of-way comes down to common sense. Being polite and conscientious will take you far.

Falls are inevitable, particularly when you’re just starting out with cross-country or skate skiing. What’s important (aside from getting back up and trying again) is fixing the divot you made when you fell, especially if you disrupted part of the ski track. Other skiers rely on those tracks and a missing segment may cause others to crash and burn as well. Use the loose snow from your fall to fill in the hole and smooth the surface as much as possible. If the divot is in the tracks, use your skis to press down the loose snow and reform the track walls.

When you see a groomed cross-country ski tracks (two parallel groves set on one side of the ski trail), avoid walking in these lanes. Skis and boards rely on regular traction and smooth forward motion to get into a mile-eating rhythm.

As soon as a snowshoe hits the trail, that even plane is disrupted, ruining the terrain for the users to come. With the exception of the “Dog Friendly Trails”, which are used by both skiers and snowshoers, Enchanted Forest offers dedicated snowshoe trails for you to use. On shared trails, it’s best practice to stay as far to one side of the groomed track as possible and walk single-file to minimize impact on the corduroy.

Uphill travelers the have right-of-way, just like on hiking trails. Make sure to move aside to enjoy a snack or take a break. If you’re on a multiuse trail, make sure to keep an ear out for snowmobiles.

Avoid wandering around without your snowshoes on; you could inadvertently disrupt a trail with postholes that can be dangerous for other users.

Always adjust tire pressure to the snow conditions so your tires have maximum traction with minimum impact. Generally, the softer the snow the lower the pressure should be. Start with 4–5 psi for soft conditions and air down as needed, and 6–8 psi for harder surfaces. Learn more about adjusting your tire pressure here.

If you’re riding on groomed cross-country trails where fat-tire bikes are permitted, stay in the middle of the open groomed run and never ride across the ski tracks.

Groomed trails need time to set up, and sometimes the snow is just too soft for a good ride. If you’ve lowered your tire pressure but you’re still sinking, head home and try again another day. In a similar vein, avoid post-holing or walking through deep snow on the trail in your boots.

Ride with lights and reflectors, particularly when you’re on trails frequented by snowmobilers and skiers. These fast-moving users need all the time they can get to see you and adjust their positions if necessary.

Fat-tire bikes should yield to all other users on multi-use trails, similar to the etiquette for bikes on summer hiking trails.