The Crested Butte Mountain Resort trail crew is a small but mighty team. Right after the resort closes in the spring, they begin snow removal work. They use snowcats to push as much snow off the trails as possible before using a mini excavator to dig out shady spots in the trees and in deep berms, which hold more snow. Once the machines have done all they can, trail crew members switch to manpower, using shovels to dig out certain sections, especially in higher elevations with low sun exposure.
Throughout the spring, the crew focuses on drainage: they clean out and install new pipes, build bridges over existing drainage, and dig ditches to protect the trails from oversaturation. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer, so this process is important for maintaining trail health throughout the season. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Ted and his team monitor the drainage systems all summer to make sure everything is working as it should.
Then, it’s time to get to work rebuilding sections of trail that need attention after the winter season. On warm days in the early and late ski & ride season, bike trails act as drainage for snowmelt, creating muddy conditions which can cause rutting and other trail damage. Areas that get groomed in the winter also often require rebuilding due to compaction from snowcats. According to Ted, every trail at CBMR has a few fickle spots that need some extra love each spring. Once the summer season gets underway, Ted and his crew spend most of their time maintaining and rebuilding berms, jumps and features.
It can take anywhere from a couple hours to most of the day to re-build a berm, jump or feature. Trail crew members shape a mound of dirt, dig out the middle of the area for drainage, pile excess dirt on top, and shovel and rake smooth. Finally, the team pours water on the area and begins a process called “slap packing,” using a flat head shovel to hit the berm or jump repeatedly to compact it so it can withstand the weight of bikes and their riders. Once the work is done, Ted and his team test the section of the re-built trail before opening it to the public.
When our team proposes the addition of a new trail, we work closely with the U.S. Forest Service to ensure we are preserving natural resources in the area. First, an environmental impact study is conducted, and geo tag lines are laid out to be evaluated by the Forest Service. A biologist assesses the area for potential disturbance of natural habitats or protected plant species before our team maps out a trail route. The Forest Service then walks the geo-tagged lines to make sure the route is feasible, after which our team begins work on a construction plan. The entire process can take anywhere from one year to several seasons.
Make sure to secure your bike rental in advance online so you can maximize your time in the bike park and check out the trail crew’s impressive work! And don’t forget, 2024/25 Epic Pass Holders get 20% off bike rentals with Epic Mountain Rewards.
A huge thank you to our trail crew for their work to keep us riding all season long. See you in the bike park!
Throughout the spring, the crew focuses on drainage: they clean out and install new pipes, build bridges over existing drainage, and dig ditches to protect the trails from oversaturation. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer, so this process is important for maintaining trail health throughout the season. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Ted and his team monitor the drainage systems all summer to make sure everything is working as it should.
Then, it’s time to get to work rebuilding sections of trail that need attention after the winter season. On warm days in the early and late ski & ride season, bike trails act as drainage for snowmelt, creating muddy conditions which can cause rutting and other trail damage. Areas that get groomed in the winter also often require rebuilding due to compaction from snowcats. According to Ted, every trail at CBMR has a few fickle spots that need some extra love each spring. Once the summer season gets underway, Ted and his crew spend most of their time maintaining and rebuilding berms, jumps and features.
It can take anywhere from a couple hours to most of the day to re-build a berm, jump or feature. Trail crew members shape a mound of dirt, dig out the middle of the area for drainage, pile excess dirt on top, and shovel and rake smooth. Finally, the team pours water on the area and begins a process called “slap packing,” using a flat head shovel to hit the berm or jump repeatedly to compact it so it can withstand the weight of bikes and their riders. Once the work is done, Ted and his team test the section of the re-built trail before opening it to the public.
When our team proposes the addition of a new trail, we work closely with the U.S. Forest Service to ensure we are preserving natural resources in the area. First, an environmental impact study is conducted, and geo tag lines are laid out to be evaluated by the Forest Service. A biologist assesses the area for potential disturbance of natural habitats or protected plant species before our team maps out a trail route. The Forest Service then walks the geo-tagged lines to make sure the route is feasible, after which our team begins work on a construction plan. The entire process can take anywhere from one year to several seasons.
Make sure to secure your bike rental in advance online so you can maximize your time in the bike park and check out the trail crew’s impressive work! And don’t forget, 2024/25 Epic Pass Holders get 20% off bike rentals with Epic Mountain Rewards.
A huge thank you to our trail crew for their work to keep us riding all season long. See you in the bike park!