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CROWNEST PASS, ALBERTA
The perfect place to play
The Crowsnest Pass is a sure bet for an adventure-filled holiday
by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER
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GO WILD: Sledders have no problem finding powder to play in as the Crowsnest Pass receives around 25 feet of snow each year.
—photo submitted |
With over 1,200 kilometres of outstanding mountain trails, ample snow and awesome scenery, it is no wonder Crowsnest Pass is the most popular snowmobiling area in the West.
Whether you are looking for a place to take your friends or somewhere to enjoy an afternoon with the family, the Pass offers the perfect blend of pleasant riding trails and adrenalin-pumping adventures.
"You can ride for hundreds of kilometres on trails that weave in and out of basin areas where, if someone more experienced wants to take a run at a hill, they can—while their family safely watches," said Brent Kenney, director of trail passes and membership for the Crow Snow Riders snowmobile club.
Explore the southern region
Some of the prime riding areas on the south side of the Pass are York Creek, Carbondale, West Castle, Lynx Creek and Lost Creek—a challenging area with lots of powder and great hillclimbing spots.
According to Kenney, York Creek is probably the most popular place to ride because in 10 minutes, sledders can be on a groomed trail system that leads to the club’s south shelter in the Lost Creek area; the warm-up shelter provides riders with a place to stop and rest, have a bite to eat or join up with other sledders.
Getting there: These areas can be accessed right off Highway 3 via the North York staging area in Coleman. Another staging area is south of Highway 3 on Sartoris Road in Blairmore. There are signs placed at various locations to direct sledders to the staging areas.
Involved in the community
One factor that makes the Crowsnest Pass an ideal region to ride is the variety of groomed trails. Each year, members of the Crow Snow Riders and the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad devote many hours to clearing debris, building bridges and maintaining shelters. They also provide a strong voice for snowmobilers and ATVers in the area.
"Our club, along with the Quad Squad, have been the main driving force in keeping the trails maintained and open," said Kenney.
The Crow Snow Riders are well known for their dedication and have strong support from the local communities of Blairmore, Coleman, Bellevue, Hillcrest and Frank. The municipality of Crowsnest Pass offers visitors a wide range of excellent services and amenities.
"The town is very sledder-friendly with lots of great places to stay," said Kenney, "and pretty good food also."
The essentials
Trail passes and maps: Trail maps and passes can be picked up at BSL Enterprises in Coleman on Highway 3, the Best Canadian Motor Inn in Blairmore, the Husky station in Coleman, Inn on the Border in Crowsnest Pass and Fas Gas in Frank.
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