With winter setting in, we’re celebrating the newest way to bike off-season. Whether you’re riding on our 5 miles of dedicated fat tire bike trail, many more miles of daily groomed Nordic trails, or in the surrounding Tetons area it’s sure to be a fun time for beginners and advanced riders alike. This latest craze in big wheels is more than a passing fad and extends your biking season through snowy trails not otherwise possible.

Before you head out, you might want to review this list of items to bring. Like most outdoor activities, there is some unwritten etiquette to ensure everyone has a good time on the trail. Allow us to offer some tips for sharing the trails when riding this winter.

Nordic Trails

  • Only ride at ski areas that allow and encourage biking (such as Turpin Meadow Ranch).
  • Yield to all other users when riding. Skiers don’t have brakes, but bikers do!
  • Ride on the firmest part of the track at any given time.
  • Don’t ride on (or in) “classic” tracks, or the parallel grooves made by Nordic skis.
  • Leave room for skiers to pass; similarly to trail or pavement riding, you’re sharing the path with other recreators. Refrain from riding side-by-side, blocking the trail for others.
  • Allow the track time to set up before riding after it’s groomed. (Check with staff for their recommended wait period.)
  • Be an ambassador for fat biking: stay polite, educate and help inform other riders about best practices, discourage bad behavior, and follow the rules of your local spot (or these principals when no local rules are present), such as alternate-use days. As a new sport, give people the benefit of the doubt that they may not know the etiquette.
  • Trails at the ranch are open to friendly dogs and their well-behaved humans. Please don’t leave behind any human or canine waste on ours or any other trail.

Snowmobile Trails

Turpin Meadow Ranch proudly sits on a spur of the famous Continental Divide Trail, with over 500 miles of groomed adventure. If you choose to ride fat bikes on snowmobile trails, here are a few more tips to help ensure you and your fellow riders have an enjoyable experience.

  • Use a front white blinker and red rear blinker at all times. Wear reflective material on both front and rear of your body to help increase visibility and reduce chance of collision. Use extreme caution if you will be out after dark and bring the brightest lights you can find. Find out if your lights require batteries (as opposed to kinetic or solar energy) and bring backup batteries. A headlamp is also recommended for safety at night.
  • Stay to the far right of the trail and yield to snowmobiles.
  • Know and obey the rules of the local land manager; when in doubt, ask our staff. Some of the property you encounter may be owned by other private entities, or be managed by the National Parks Service, and not open to fat bikes.
  • Make sure to bring adequate food, water, clothing and safety equipment for all possible conditions, particularly avalanche and after dark use. An independent GPS device (not requiring mobile service) and periodic coordinates notations are recommended.
  • Be friendly! Remember that bikers are the newest users of winter trails. Courtesy and being open to suggestions from snowmobile riders will go a long way to ensure trails are shared successfully.

Can’t wait to ride the trails? We can help with that. Our trails are a small one-time fee for overnight guests, and a daily use fee for day guests (please call for current rates). Bring your own bike, or rent one of ours. Ask our staff for suggested routes or tour guides. Meals and drinks are also available at our lodge, a great way to recharge between adventures, or unwind after a long day. (Note: dinner reservations are recommended for non-overnight guests.)

Biking is a fantastic way to cover lots of terrain, which means taking in more scenic wonder of the area, and we can’t wait until you make it happen.

More about Fat Bike Adventures
Fat Bike Tips – Before You Head Out
This Winter, Make it Fat (Bike)
Winter Must Have Items

Grand Teton NPS – Winter Trip Planner (note: ask our staff or contact NPS rangers directly about current fat biking tips, restrictions and recommendations)