Looking back at a great day of fat biking on the winter trails at Grand Beach Provincial Park in Manitoba, Canada.

These are multi-use winter trails (Park designation) that are groomed for classic and skate XC skiing. Others use the trails as well (hikers and snowshoers, but they can mark up the trails).
We fat bikers with our wide tires (3.7 inches minimum up to 4.8 inches) and low tire pressure (below 8 PSI, 10 PSI max is advised) can ‘float’ on the firm-ish packed trails and cruise along at speed, while having great control (good grip).
As long as we stay off the set classic ski tracks, avoid the trails once it’s warmer (near O C) and ride in a smart courteous way, we can enjoy the trails and not conflict with others on the trails, especially the skiers. Our speed is very compatible with good skate skiers, while the classic skiers are much slower, so give a friendly warning as you approach them (just like skate skiers have to).

Groomed winter trails can be a blast for us fat bikers, as long as we use them correctly and with good trail etiquette! Remember though that while access to these trails may be allowed at this time and at this location (a Provincial Park – not a private ski trail location), this access could be lost. So … 3.7 inch minimum width tires, keep the pressure low and avoid the trails if they are warm/soft!

There are lots of good times ahead for fat biking on groomed winter trails as many XC ski trail facilities are opening their trails to fat bikes (in Canada, for example, the famous Canmore Nordic Centre is now open to ‘fatties’) and folks are starting to groom fat bike specific trails!
BIG FAT FUN AHEAD FOR SURE!!! 😉