Hinton's trails don't close for winter. HMBA volunteers groom select trails around town for fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, dog walking and running, and fat biking keeps growing. Here's what to know before you head out.
How the trails get groomed
Winter grooming is run 100% by HMBA volunteers. A 30-inch (76 cm) groomer, the same type used at Nordic centres, is towed behind a small snowmobile at about 5 km/h as it rolls and packs the trail. Most grooming happens at night when there are fewer people out, and a freshly groomed trail needs a few hours to harden before it's ready to ride. The club also uses a Rokon for lighter snow and year-round maintenance.
Grooming depends on snow, weather, volunteer time and equipment (it does break down), so conditions change through the season. If you see a groomer out there, give them a wave.
Trails that are usually groomed
The J
EZ
Halloween
Halloween Connector
Ranger
GS
Just Giv'er
For current conditions, ask in the HMBA Facebook group or check the trail status on our home page. Maps for the Hinton networks are on Trailforks.
Winter riding tips
Ride when the trail is firm. If you're leaving ruts deeper than about an inch, the snow is too soft.
Run wide tires at low pressure, usually under 10 psi.
Let freshly groomed trails set up before you ride them.
Stay off classic ski tracks, and yield to skiers and walkers.
Keep bikes off the Maxwell Lake skating oval during warm temperatures.
Dress for the cold, carry what you need, and tell someone where you're going.
Several of these come from IMBA Canada's fat bike best practices.
What to bring
Helmet
Bear spray
Warm layers, gloves and something to cover your ears
Water and a snack
Spare tube, pump and a multi-tool
A phone and a light, since the days are short
The Hinton Growler
The Hinton Growler is Hinton's fat bike endurance race at Maxwell Lake. Riders complete as many laps as they can before their category's clock runs out:
Growler: 3 hours
Howler: 1.5 hours
Team Relay (mixed teams of 2 to 4): 3 hours
It's open to riders 13 and up, on fat bikes only, with tires 3.8 inches or wider. Studs are allowed and e-bikes are not. Goofy costumes are encouraged. The 2027 date hasn't been set yet, so watch our Facebook and Instagram for the announcement.
Ride with others
There are no scheduled winter group rides at the moment, but winter riders find each other through the HMBA Facebook group. Helmets are mandatory at all HMBA events and programs.
Groomed trails take a lot of volunteer hours. If you enjoy them, a membership or a donation helps keep the groomers running.