FAT BIKING

Go biking on the snowy trails with a mountain bike.  The difference?  Big fat tires.  The colder the conditions, generally the easier it is to pedal and the faster you will go. Fresh snowfall is not ideal for Fat Biking.

We let you ride on the cross country ski trails Monday to Friday only, while we have a dedicated 5km Fat Bike trail “Phatty” available 7 days a week. This is due to the volume of cross country skiers we have on the weekends.  Each morning we decide, based on conditions, whether or not our trails are open for Fat Biking. Our trail conditions page shows fat biking status as “open or closed” each morning by 6:30am.

You must book online to reserve one of our rentals; they book up quick!

WINTER FAT BIKE ETIQUETTE

  • You must be a seasons pass holder or day pass holder
  • Fat Bike tires must be wider than 3.5″ and tire pressure must be less than 10 psi.
  • Fat Bikes must yield to all other users.
  • Stay to the left side of the trails whenever possible.
  • When crossing trails slow down, stop and check for skier or snowshoe traffic. Cross-country skiers don’t have brakes, so bikes are responsible for staying out of their way. Watch skiers’ poles.
  • “Phatty” is the only trail open for Fat Biking on Weekends
  • Give skate skiers a wide berth
  • Do not ride if the snow is too soft
  • Do not ride in or close to the classic ski tracks
  • As a general rule, if you have to get off and push your bike, the snow is too soft and you shouldn’t be on the ski trails. If you leave a rut, it’s too soft.
  • If you are leaving a trough that is deeper than an inch or are having a hard time riding in a straight line, it is probably too soft to be on the trails, and they should be listed as “closed” on our trail conditions page.
  • Be a good trail citizen and if for some reason you to leave ruts that will impact skiing negatively please leave the trail.  Also please let the main desk know so we can let others know.
  • Since this is a new sport remember Fat Bikers are ambassadors for the sport so please: be polite, educate other bikers, discourage bad behavior, follow the rules, and we’ll all have a good time this winter.

     WHAT TO WEAR FAT BIKING

First off, everyone must wear a helmet; which will keep your head warm and if you’re riding at night, makes it easier to attach a head lamp.  Dress in layers!  It is better to bring a backpack and take off or put on a layer of clothing, than it is to be too hot or too cold.  It is most important when fat biking that your feet are warm, so ensure that you are wearing the proper socks and boots; we even recommend over-boots to block the wind.  Hand warmers to block the wind on your handle bars are also a good idea and gloves will help keep your hands from getting cold.    Lastly, a buff to protect your face from frost bite is a must.

Things To Do

XC SKI

There is a trail for every level of ability, from beginner to elite racer on terrain that ranges from gently rolling to challenging.

SNOWSHOE

If you can walk, then you can snowshoe!  What a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the winter time, get some exercise and have fun all at the same time!

Groomer Tours

Hardwood’s Snowcat Experience. Discover a whole new side to winter.