Cross-country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Some of the nation’s best snow conditions occur year after year in the mountains east of Cedar City. The snow conditions and terrain on Cedar Mountain, including Dixie National Forest and Cedar Breaks National Monument, are some of the best in the country for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
Located 22 miles from Cedar City off Highway 14, Dixie National Forest’s Deer Hollow is ideal for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat biking. There are nearly 37 kilometers (23 miles) of groomed cross-country ski trails, with loops designed for every level and type of skier, and more than 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles) of snowshoe and fat bike trails on the east side of the recreation area that lead you to the stunning Lava Field and Navajo Lake Overlooks. For a PDF of the Deer Hollow Winter Recreation Area click here.PDF File
Cedar Breaks National Monument is also a fave for cross-country skiing. Park at the junction of Highway 143 and Highway 148, then follow the groomed trail for spectacular views at the Chessman Overlook. Stop at the warming yurt (weekends only) for hot cocoa and conversation with a park ranger. Cedar Breaks’ staff also offers free guided snowshoe hikes every Saturday throughout January and February.
Safety Tips
- Advise someone of where you are going and the time you expect to return.
- Make sure to always wear clothes in layers, which enable an individual to adapt to changing weather conditions.
- Check the weather and avalanche danger forecast before setting out on a ride.
- Don’t harass the wildlife!
Extreme Conditions
Frostbite
Hopefully, you will never have to experience frostbite, but if it should set in, you should know how to spot it. Frostbite is caused by exposing unprotected flesh to freezing temperatures for a prolonged period of time. Those body parts that pose the most risk are your fingers, toes, nose, and ears. The damage occurs when the flow of blood to these parts is reduced. The symptoms of frostbite are loss of feeling and a dead white appearance. To treat frostbite you need to restore the body’s temperature as quickly as possible by providing heat externally. This may include such things as a hot water bottle, a campfire, or immersion in water baths with a temperature of less than 110 degrees. The affected body areas must be covered immediately. Make sure not to rub, vibrate, or apply pressure to the affected areas. Snow or cold water should not be applied to the frostbitten areas.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia poses the greatest danger to winter enthusiasts. This happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it, draining energy from the body. The main way to prevent hypothermia is to wear layered clothing. The factors that contribute to hypothermia are cold weather, wetness, wind and the wind chill factor, and exhaustion. Symptoms include uncontrolled shivering, fumbling hands or stumbling walk, vague or slurred speech, memory lapse, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. The treatment of hypothermia begins with removing the victim from the harmful environment that caused the condition. This may be achieved by setting up a shelter or moving to a timbered area. From here, proceed to remove the individual’s wet clothing and place them in dry clothing or a sleeping bag. Added warmth may be achieved by getting in the bag with the person. If warm liquids are available, give them to the person, but never give them alcohol. If the victim is conscious, give them sugary foods that can provide them with a quick energy fix. Try to keep the person dry and warm and seek medical help as soon as possible.
Avalanche Danger
If you are caught in an avalanche you should immediately call out to others in hopes that they can see your course. It is very important to stay calm. Make an attempt to move away from your equipment and machine. Try to swim with the avalanche in an attempt to reach the side of it. Never swim against the avalanche. As you are coming to a stop, thrash your limbs about in hopes of loosening up the snow around you. Before coming to a stop, place your hands over your face to create an air pocket for breathing. If you are completely covered by snow the only way to gauge which way is up is to spit saliva and gravity will lead the way. Be sure to dig up. If you survive an avalanche, don’t desert the other victims. Stab your pole into the snow directly downhill from the point they were last seen.
The new statewide telephone number for avalanche forecast updates is (888) 999-4019 or go to the Utah Avalanche Center website.
Plan Your Trip
Brochure
More information
Cedar Mountain Nordic Ski Club (CMNSC)
A nonprofit group formed for the purpose of promoting cross-country skiing in the Cedar City/Brian Head area and to educate the public about the benefits of Nordic skiing. Please visit CMNSC at cmnsc.org for trail descriptions and maps, or call (435) 867-4644.
Dixie National Forest
District Headquarters
820 N Main St
Cedar City, Utah 84720
(435) 865-3200