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Drayton Valley lies in a scenic region of west central Alberta where the flat prairies of the east meet the rolling foothills of the west. Just a short drive from Edmonton or Red Deer, this area makes an ideal day trip for a quick sledding getaway.

“It’s rolling hills and forest with pine and spruce trees,” said Brad Vowk, president of the Brazeau Snowmobile Club, which maintains the trail near Drayton Valley.

Starting out from the staging area just south of town, the Brazeau club’s two-way trail crosses the Pembina River before heading north 50 kilometres through stands of lush forest. The trail ends in Cynthia, Alberta, a picturesque community where many snowmobilers stop for a bite to eat at the local hotel’s restaurant before hitting the trail again.

Though other towns near Drayton Valley also have snowmobile trails, the Brazeau club’s trail is considered by locals to be the best in the region.

“The Drayton trail system is really good. It’s fairly extensive, and it offers good scenery and a nice ride,” said Shawn Micku, a snowmobiler from Buck Lake just south of Drayton Valley. “It is close to the cities, so you don’t have to travel a long way to go riding.”

An added plus to riding around Drayton Valley is the ample snowfall the region receives every year.

“We usually get good snow. It’s not hard packed all the time,” added Micku.

Getting there: Drayton Valley is 140 kilometres southwest of Edmonton, following the Yellowhead Highway west and then heading south on Highway 22. To get to the staging area, take Highway 620 from Drayton Valley and travel north on Range Road 91.

Trail passes and maps: Passes and maps are available at Lorne’sSmall Engine Repair, 5504 - 50th Avenue in Drayton Valley.