Not Your Typical Trails
29 FALL 2023 VOL . 05 / ISSUE 01
SNOWGOER . COM 30
Not Your Typical Trails
The remoteness of the trails we rode in Alaska makes them impossible to groom . Many of the routes were narrow , singletrack paths through brush , scrubby trees and uneven terrain that would be tough for a trail groomer to navigate . Logistical challenges would make it difficult and costly to provide fuel for the groomer . And then there ’ s the challenge of finding someone to operate the groomer .
Despite the lack of groomers , it was surprising how smooth our trails were . We didn ’ t ride over repetitive stutter bumps and big holes that are a regular part of riding in the Lower 48 . Instead , the trails meandered through the trees with an occasional ripple here or rounded mogul there .
Snowmobile routes in the woods and swamps of Alaska are typically marked with brightly colored tape that ’ s tied to a tree branch . This way resort owners can haul in supplies on their “ Super Wide ” utility snowmobiles , as they ’ re called , and recreational sledders like us can follow the trails for fun . Many of the rivers had painted wood laths sticking out of the snow pack , also with bright ribbons attached .
The swamps seem to go on forever , and the riverbeds are so wide — and desolate . I ’ m used to seeing homes and cabins on the shores back home , but in Alaska , there are few dwellings . It ’ s weird how huge the swamps are that we rode across , but there was nothing indicating that they were swamps — no vegetation sticking through because so much snow covered them . Swamps are endless here , and everywhere seems to be accessible by snowmobiles .
Some Decker Tours guests tried a different kind of sled during their stay .
Chances to play in the powder seemed endless during our trip .
Our groups snowmachines warm up after spending the night at winter lake lodge .