Whitecourt, Alberta

Earning the ink

The draw of Whitecourt’s 330-kilometre—and growing—trail network is strengthened by a supportive membership

Wayne and Jodi Millar on a sled

Front of the line: Whitecourt’s annual poker run is a well-attended event, in which participants vie for a new snowmobile with every hand. —photo courtesy of Mitchell Sharp

By Tanya Laing Gahr

There are hundreds of memorable and distinctive places in Alberta to snowmobile, but few places earn the ink that Whitecourt does. The reason is more than geography—it’s people.

With more than 350 members, the Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club is one of the strongest snowmobile associations in Alberta. The club maintains over 330 kilometres of trail, and Dan Guenette, the vice-president of the Whitecourt Trailblazers, said improvements and additions are always on the club’s to-do list.

“We’re just making detours around beaver dams and widening the trails in areas of heavy use,” said Guenette, “and we’re adding another 110 kilometres that will be open for use in 2011.”

Funding from the National Trails Coalition (NTC) is being used to develop the extensive network, and Guenette said the club is currently scouting new trail areas using quads and helicopters.

Guenette said the support of the club’s members—as well as local businesses, and municipal and provincial government agencies—has helped develop a strong trail system that has put the region on the top of the list of Alberta destinations.

Reputable hosts

Additionally, the club has a reputation as a congenial host to the province’s greater snowmobiling community. The Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA) Jamboree is regularly welcomed by the Trailblazers and the city of Whitecourt (this year, the Crow Snow Riders are hosting the jamboree in the Crowsnest Pass). The Trailblazers’ annual poker run is always a well-attended event; this year, the event takes place on February 13 and 14. Guenette said that last year, more than 1,200 sledders took part in the action.

Guenette said the Trailblazers are embracing technology. Guenette and several other members will be taking the opportunity to learn more about GPS and how it can add to the snowmobiling experience. The club is making the effort to add GPS co-ordinates on their online maps.

For more information, visit www.whitecourttrailblazers.ca.

Alberta Central 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

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