“Winterizing” Park City’s trail system, seasonal trail use

Mountain Trails Foundation employee grooming a section of trail on the easternmost side of Round Valley's 'Fast Pitch' trail. Photo: TownLift // Bailey Edelstein

PARK CITY, Utah — As temperatures drop and winter storms roll in, the Mountain Trails Foundation is already busy preparing Park City’s trail network for winter. Executive director Lora Anthony says “winterizing” trails is a multi-step process that keeps Nordic track, singletrack, and multi-use routes safe and ready for the season ahead.

Winter prep starts as soon as resort operations ramp up. “On the mountain, where the ski resorts operate, MTF removes trail signage that would otherwise impede resort operations,” Anthony said. In Round Valley and Bonanza Flat, the work shifts to grooming prep: mowing the corridors that become Nordic track, installing winter wayfinding signs, and placing snow fencing and stakes to guide groomers—especially during dark mornings or stormy conditions.

Seasonal trails

Trails near Park City Mountain and Deer Valley shut down for winter due to ski operations, guest safety, and avalanche danger. But there’s still plenty of access for locals and visitors.

“Winter trails in Round Valley and Clark Ranch are open and groomed daily, weather permitting,” Anthony said. Bonanza Flat singletrack and Nordic routes will be groomed Friday through Sunday this winter, with Park City Municipal providing a free shuttle every 30 minutes to help reduce traffic and improve access.

Winter trail use

Soft trails are vulnerable trails, and once a footprint or tire rut freezes, it becomes difficult for groomers to smooth it out, according to Anthony. “Using soft trails, whether on foot, tires, or even sometimes on skis, damages the surface and makes future grooming difficult or impossible,” she said. Ruts and postholes can ruin a trail for everyone until the next major snowfall.

MTF asks users to follow the one-inch rule: If your tire or boot leaves a mark an inch deep or more, it’s time to turn back.
Snowshoes, however, are often a big help on deep-snow days. “It is actually helpful to the MTF groomers if snowshoers get out and track down the singletrack,” Anthony said.

Winter trail etiquette

Anthony emphasized three key points:

• NO ruts. NO postholes.
• Skiers should moderate downhill speed when others are present.
• Dog owners must pick up waste and keep pets out of the way of other users.

“Round Valley is especially busy in winter,” she noted. “A friendly gesture goes a long way toward making winter trails a positive, fun place to visit.”