Crowsnest Pass, Alberta

Diverse terrain and trails

Sledding in the Pass offers winter enthusiasts everything from rolling hills to snow-capped mountains

The Crowsnest Pass terrain

Powder-filled days await: Window Mountain in the Crowsnest Pass is one of many great areas in the region for snowmobiling. —photo by Karen Kersch

By Kali Love

Sledding in the Crowsnest Pass is always exciting and rides can differ significantly depending on where you sled—one day you could be up high on steep mountain slopes and the next day you could find yourself playing in bowls and meadows.

Vern Pedersen, the president of the Crow Snow Riders, said that he has been snowmobiling for years and has yet to run out of places to sled or people to go with. Pedersen’s favourite people to snowmobile with are his girlfriend and his buddies.

“My ride changes depending on who I am riding with,” said Pedersen. “I enjoy all aspects of the ride, whether it is a trail ride from the cabin or jumping into the steep slopes and going basin riding. Some days, especially last year with the snow conditions and the avalanches, it changed our riding drastically. We spent more time on the trail systems than we did on the basin.”

An evolving sport

Pedersen has been a sledder since he was a young boy. He said that his awareness of the risks that come with being in the backcountry is constantly evolving. Although Pedersen loves the rush and the thrill of snowmobiling, safety and respecting the wilderness come first.

“We know the risks associated with being out in the white stuff and it is always in the back of our minds,” said Pedersen. “What we have to learn as a group and as people who do enjoy the backcountry is we have to respect the backcountry; we have to be stewards of the backcountry…We go out there to enjoy the backcountry—that is what we do.”

Pedersen is the southern regional director for the Alberta Snowmobile Association and he has been working with various user groups and the National Trail Coalition to redevelop some of the trails around the region. This work will benefit the Crow Snow Riders, the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, and hikers, horseback riders, bikers and other user groups.

Southern Alberta contacts

  • How Does Snowmobiling Affect Caribou?

    As most snowmobiling occurs in high elevation areas, there is the potential for snowmobiling to disturb and displace these animals from their preferred habitat into areas less suitable and more prone to avalanches. Mountain caribou may also become stressed, which can affect energy reserves during critical time periods. In addition, snowmobile trails can provide easier access for predators into areas occupied by mountain caribou. Please take caution and be aware of, and avoid, mountain caribou in your riding area.

    Environmental Stewardship Division, Ministry Of Environment
    PHONE: (250) 565-6135

  • Blairmore, AB

    Satisfy your thirst, we're open late!

    The friendly folks at A&B Liquor Store invite you to stop by and discover their impressive selection of wines, beers, liquors, coolers, and a fantastic display of giftware. They also make up unique gift baskets that can be filled with anything in the store—allowing you to add that personal touch for someone special. The staff and management of A&B take great pride in the top-notch service they provide to each and every customer, and are pleased to be a supplier for special events. A&B Liquor Store is conveniently located next to Tim Horton's, at the west access to Blairmore in the Crowsnest Pass. They also offer ample parking for your convenience.

    A&B Liquor Store

  • Go over the top!

    What better way to spend those bleak winter days than by riding in the breathtaking scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Over the Top Rentals offers 2009/2010 snowmobile rentals (featuring the newest Ski-Doo and Polaris models), tours and even shuttles from Calgary.

    New for 2009 is the Ski-Doo Summit Everest 154 track. We are sure you have heard how ridiculously light the new Rev.XP chassis is. This makes a beginner look like a pro rider. Ski-Doo claims 20 mpg which leaves more money in your pocket. For more information on how great this sled is you can check out our web site www.ski-doorevxp.com.

    Over The Top Rentals