Ogden Valley’s Best Kept Secret
Winter Play
For those of you that follow me on Instagram (@adventures.after.kids), you know that today is “Where to Hike Wednesday”. I usually share family friendly hikes, but today I am breaking with tradition and sharing with you an entire trail system!
For a lot of families, getting out in the winter is difficult. It’s cold, you need snow gear, and then you have to figure out where to go. That is why today I am so excited to share with you Weber County North Fork Park.
Just last week during book club we were discussing There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather {aff. link} by Linda McGurk. I mentioned that I think part of the reason Scandinavian countries have an easier time getting outdoors is because of all their community organizations. Little did I know that there is a community organization right in my backyard doing this very thing. Ogden Nordic!
Ogden Nordic is a non-profit organization that maintains the trails in North Fork Park during the winter months. Not only do they groom the trails for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and snow biking, but they also provide some pretty amazing amenities for families that want to get outside in the winter.
Getting There
North Fork Park is located in Liberty, Utah. If you use Google Maps the easiest way to find it is to type in “Ogden Nordic Ski Resort“. That will provide you the most direct route from your location to the parking lot for the Nordic Center Yurt. Just be aware that there is a Nordic Valley Ski Resort located about 5 miles away in Eden so be careful not to get the two mixed up.
Day Passes
When Dustin and I got to the trailhead we were surprised to see that there was a fee. Up to this point, we have only been to North Fork Park in the summer (which is free). But it is through the sale of day/season passes that Ogden Nordic is able to maintain the trail system at North Fork in the winter. Luckily, we were able to pay through Venmo (thank you modern technology). Nothing is worst than getting to a trailhead with a fee and having no cash on hand!
So that you don’t make the same mistake we did, below is an outline of the 2020-2021 Daily Trail Pass Rates. If you are interested in a season pass, you can find those rates here.
| SKI | |
| Adult Individual | $10 |
| Family (up to 4/$3 added child) | $20 |
| Kids (11-17) | $5 |
| Kids <11 and Adults >75 | FREE |
| BIKE | |
| Adult Individual | $8 |
| Kids (11-17) | $5 |
| Kids <11 and Adults >75 | FREE |
| SNOWSHOE | |
| Adult Individual | $5 |
| Kids (11-17) | $3 |
| Family (Immediate) | $10 |
| Kids <11 and Adults >75 | FREE |
You can purchase passes online, through Venmo (@OgdenNordic), Paypal (paypalme/trailfeeON), or by putting good old fashion cash in the drop box at the trailhead.
Amenities
So let’s talk about all the amenities that Ogden Nordic provides!
Groomed Trails
With the help of volunteers, Ogden Nordic is able to groom about 20 miles of trail for cross country skiing and 10 miles of trail for snow biking/snowshoeing.
Groomed trails are a must for cross country skiing and snow biking. Personally, I don’t love snowshoeing on groomed trails but there are definitely some advantages to it.
For example, if you have little kids that are learning to snowshoe it is much easier for them to master it when hiking on a groomed trail, than through powder. Plus if you want to take a break from the groomed trails, you are fine to venture off into the deeper snow.
The main thing I love about North Fork Park is due to its location there is very little avalanche danger. That can’t always be said of snowshoeing a regular hiking trail.
Things to Know Before You Go
At North Fork Park there are a variety of trails. If you are snowshoeing with your kids I would recommend checking out Pipeline Trail to Mustang Trail (1 mile loop) or Pipeline Trail to 365 Trail (2.4 mile loop).
For more information on the trails, you can download an interactive map (Ogden Nordic Winter Map) of North Fork Park on the app Avenza. You can also check out current trail conditions by viewing the trail webcam.
Note: There are specific trails for cross country skiing and specific trails for snow bike/snowshoeing so be sure you use the designated trails accordingly.
Rentals
Under normal circumstances, the Ogden Nordic Center offers daily and season rentals of snowshoes and cross country skis. Unfortunately, due to COVID the Nordic Center is not open this season for rentals.
If you are looking for a place to rent gear check out the following locations:
Weber State Outdoor Program (Cross Country Skis, Snowshoes)
Diamond Peak Sports (Cross Country Skis, Snowshoes, Fat Bikes)
Gear:30 (Snowshoes)
The Bike Shoppe (Snowshoes, Fat Bikes)
Ski School
For those interested in learning how to cross country ski, Ogden Nordic has PSIA certified ski instructors. They teach beginners through advanced in both classic and skate technique.
Group Lessons: Offered every Saturday morning. Due to COVID the lessons are limited to 2-5 people and they must be from the same family group. The cost is $22/per person for one hour lesson. Lesson prices DO NOT include the cost of day pass or gear.
Private Lessons: Offered through advanced reservation. $40/person for 1 hour or $60/person for 2 hours.
For more information on how to sign up for lessons check out Ogden Nordic’s Ski School Page.
Juniors’ Program: Kids can participate in a four week ski school. It is held on Tuesday afternoons from 3:45-5:15 pm and is $50. Kids need to have their own gear, but the price does include the cost of a trail pass. You can find more information on this program here.
Ski Club: For an annual membership fee of $25 you can join Ogden Nordic’s Ski Club. This provides you access to clinics, social events, volunteer opportunities, and much more. Click here if you are interested in learning more or joining.
Other Amenitites
In addition to the above amenities, on the weekends there is a volunteer trail ambassador to provide trail information and help with equipment. There are also picnic tables about 1/4 mile up the trail from the Nordic Center and port-a-potties in the parking lot.
Be Sure to Check it Out!
If you have ever wanted to try cross country skiing, snow biking, or snowshoeing I would definitely recommend checking out North Fork Park. We loved our hike. It was so beautiful, the trails were easy and everyone was so friendly. Happy adventuring friends!
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