The winter travel season is officially underway in the White River National Forest.

During the winter season, all wheeled vehicles, including bikes, are limited to plowed routes to protect snow conditions for winter recreation and to protect road quality. The season officially started on Monday, Nov. 27.

In many areas on the White River National Forest, snowmobile clubs groom roads for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing as a public service using volunteer time and funding from private and partner sources. At the Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area, user fees pay for trail grooming, plowed parking and user education. Respecting signs and travel restrictions will help protect this investment in maintaining groomed surfaces and winter recreation opportunities.

Snow levels are still relatively low across much of the White River National Forest, including the popular Vail Pass Winter Recreation Area.

“Currently there is not enough snow to begin trail grooming at Vail Pass, so we have not yet started to charge winter fees there,” Vail Pass program lead Anne Gaspar said. “We’re discouraging use of tracked vehicles such as snowmobiles off of designated roads until we see a significant increase in snow coverage to help protect the area.”  

Winter Motor Vehicle Use Maps identify routes and areas designated for “over the snow” motor vehicle travel — such as snowmobiles. They are free and available at all White River National Forest offices or at FS.USDA.gov/whiteriver.