Fat bikes are to be allowed at Methow Valley this winter.
 

Methow Valley in Winthrop, Wash., is the nation’s largest cross-country ski area. This winter, the resort is opening some of its trails to bikes

http://gearjunkie.com/fat-bike-ski-area

Thats a neat idea. How will they do it? Will a path be established alongside the groomed ski tracks settings? Around here I notice on the set tracks they have a separate path on the side for snowshoers and I guess it could be use for really fat tired bikes too but the snow gets fairly deep as the winter wears on so I think it would have to be fairly hard for even those types of tires to float on it.

That looks like a lot of fun! If I lived closer I'd definitely invest in a fat bike from Surly.

In my experience riding fat tire bikes on cross country ski trails, the flotation is marginal. you certainly can't ride one in soft powder off a trail, rendering these bikes more gimickey than utility for winter off road use.

A lot of XC trails up here -in a place where there's already a LOT of fat tire bikes, riders and even races - are reporting problems with bikes and skiers working well together on the trails. damage to tracks, etc.

I think they're great for bombing around town but you'd never catch me on one in the woods in the winter - too limiting in terrain, to dependent on conditions staying just right, and less coasting than skis.

I saw a Pugsley at REI and tried to lift it but it was too heavy!! maybe with helium in the tires ....