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CROWSNEST PASS, ALBERTA
The best in the west
For seven consecutive years, SnoRiders West has held its annual Rider’s Choice Awards and this year’s platinum award went to the Crowsnest Pass, AB as the most popular area in the West for snowmobiling
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ON TOP OF THE WORLD: A view from the back end of Coulthard with the Crowsnest Mountain in the background is just one of the panoramic scenes that riding in the Crowsnest Pass offers.
—Photo courtesy Kevin Michalsky |
Situated in a valley that sharply cuts through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, the Crowsnest Pass is known for its scenic land of forests and peaks, which offer the best riding available. The Crowsnest Pass is a unique area as “it has over 1200 km of trails for the family or mountains and basins for hill climbers….” explains Kevin Michalsky, an avid snowmobile enthusiast and resident of the Crowsnest Pass. “It provides a little bit of each riding experience.” Many volunteer hours go into grooming and maintaining, which may be the reason why the trails of the Crowsnest Pass are so popular.
According to Michalsky, some of the best riding areas include the York Creek region, due to its accessibility. The York Creek then leads into the southern trail system and an endless supply of prime riding. Along with the north and south regions, a popular snowmobiling area is located by the Pass Powderkeg ski hill.
The trails are also a great place to meet new people or join up with friends. “When riding, I usually see a 50/50 split of locals and non-residents. The Pass is a snowmobiling town…so it is not uncommon to meet someone you know, explained Michalsky. “I have met people from Yellow Knife, the states, all over and when I worked at the local Husky, I often ran into guys from Calgary or Lethbridge that I had first met on the snowmobile trail.”
Being the most popular snowmobiling area does have a “huge impact” on the economy of the Crowsnest Pass, explained a local snowmobile related business. Snowmobile enthusiasts keep the economy running in high, as expenditures include trip-related maintenance, provisions, and lodging. “Hotels and the community are very accommodating towards snowmobilers,” remarked Michalsky. The Crowsnest Pass caters to its winter recreationers with restaurants, snowmobile tour companies and businesses.
“I think the Pass was picked the best because of its location and weather, …” remarked Michalsky. Yes, the Crowsnest Pass is rightly “one of Canada’s hidden vacation gems,” especially for snowmobile enthusiasts. With its location, world class groomed trail systems, and breathtaking scenery, the Crowsnest Pass is truly Western Canada’s best snowmobiling area.
A February blizzard
The Farmers’ Almanac says it will be a warm winter, but it will be packed with a lot of snowstorms—with a major blizzard predicted for February.
During a good winter, the Crowsnest Pass is probably one of the most talked-about destinations in the province with its extensive trail system.
Trails and more trails
In the Crowsnest Pass, there are approximately 1,200 kilometres of trails, some of which are close to communities like Blairmore, Coleman, Bellevue, Hillcrest and Frank. That means you are not usually far from a gas station or a restaurant.
The riding in this popular snowmobiling region caters to novice and experienced riders alike because of the quality of the trails. The Crow Snow Riders, along with the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, work year round to maintain and mark more than 200 kilometres of trails.
So many choices
There are plenty of places to choose from when it comes to riding in the Crowsnest Pass. The Allison Creek area, Tent Mountain, the Rolling Hills and the Notch are few of the spots that are well known among riders in southwestern Alberta.
Along with the snowmobiling, there are many other things to enjoy in the Crowsnest Pass. For example, visitors can try out the local ski hill in Blairmore or tour the shops in the many communities. |
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