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PLENTY OF RIDING: "St. Paul is a great area for recreational riding, for both snowmobilers and quadders alike, as the Iron Horse Trail is open 12 months of the year," said Danny Smyl, president of the Trailblazers Snowmobile Club.

Situated along the Iron Horse Trail, the charming town of St. Paul is surrounded by large boreal forests, wetlands and open rolling rangeland. And as you approach St. Paul after travelling from Elk Point, at one point the trail takes you on a trestle crossing the pretty Dog Rump Creek. The route then rises above many small lakes and sloughs and goes through a scenic ravine before reaching St. Paul.

The area offers tons of recreational opportunities, especially for sledders seeking some great riding.

Along with the 330 kilometres of Iron Horse Trail that runs through St. Paul, there are other popular trails here including the Bellevue Ferry Trail that travels south from St. Paul 50 kilometres to the North Saskatchewan River, then joins the Two Hills Snowmobile Trail. According to Danny Smyl, president of the St. Paul Trailblazers Snowmobile Club, these trails are perfect for family outings.

"St. Paul is located in the centre of the Iron Horse Trail and is a great area for recreational riding, for both snowmobilers and quadders alike, as the Iron Horse Trail is open 12 months of the year," said Smyl.

Sledders will find that the trails are well maintained; Smyl said the Trailblazers, together with four other snowmobile clubs on the Iron Horse Trail, have purchased a new groomer, drag and trailer.

The Trailblazers stay busy during the sledding season, especially from December to March, not only grooming the trails, but organizing events and rides.

"The club is very active all year round looking after and maintaining two cabins along the trail system," said Smyl. "The club is also a Trail Steward for the Iron Horse Trail on a 12-month basis, looking after signage, toilets, and picnic and staging areas."

St. Paul is a sled-friendly town with five motels and a bed and breakfast, in addition to restaurants and gas stations.

"In St. Paul alone, there are four snowmobile dealers that would look after anyone's needs for repairs and such," said Smyl.

So make sure you plan a trip to St. Paul to discover some great riding and awesome accommodations.

Elevation: 2122 feet Average winter temp: -10° C Average snowfall: 250 cm Sledding season: December—March Local Dealers: Boisvert Power Products (Polaris) (780) 645-4639 Power Merchants Ltd. (Ski-Doo) (780) 645-4499 Info: St. Paul Tourist Information Centre (780) 645-6800