SAFETY AND ACCESS
Snow and ice riding
Decide when winter surfaces are rideable and when hidden ice, exposure or freeze-thaw damage makes another plan wiser.
Reviewed · General UK planning guidance · Check current operator and manufacturer information
Check the whole route
A clear trailhead can hide frozen elevation.
- Review temperature, precipitation, wind chill and daylight at route height.
- Check land-manager closures and freeze-thaw requests.
- Avoid routes where a small slide would have serious consequence.
Adapt the ride
Grip may vary metre by metre.
- Use gentle braking, steering and acceleration.
- Expect ice beneath shade, bridges, compacted snow and puddles.
- Shorten the route before hands, feet or controls lose function.
Carry winter margin
A mechanical stop becomes cold quickly.
- Bring dry insulation, food, navigation, lights and emergency shelter appropriate to remoteness.
- Keep batteries warm within manufacturer guidance.
- Tell a contact the exact winter plan and turnaround time.
Useful official guidance
Rules, conditions and services change. Use these sources and the relevant venue’s current information before relying on a plan.
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