A winter wonderland Fabulous sledding trails and a dedicated club make this a great area by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER Situated in Alberta Central, this charming community is recognized for being at the centre of an abundance of natural resources and in a region of unspoiled beauty. When winter hits, Whitecourt becomes a true sledder's paradise. Hundreds of kilometres of groomed and ungroomed snowmobile trails grace the area’s pristine landscape and offer endless hours of unforgettable adventures. Tour the Golden Triangle From Whitecourt, sledders can easily hook up with the legendary Golden Triangle trail system. This 350-kilometre trail takes riders of all skill levels on a journey over a variety of terrain through some of Alberta's most beautiful scenery. The trail links the communities of Whitecourt, Swan Hills and Fox Creek, where sledders can stop off and discover additional snowmobiling areas, campgrounds and lakes that are famous for ice fishing. Getting there: The Golden Triangle staging area is located just a few kilometres northwest of Whitecourt. Other fun spots According to Mark Gray, a resident of Whitecourt and an avid snowmobiler, some of the other popular areas to ride are Athabasca Loop, Carson Loop and Silver Summit Trail. These places are ideal for an afternoon with the family or an exciting outing with friends. Getting there: Access to these trails is via the Eagle River Staging Area, just 12 kilometres from the town on Highway 32. The best sledding and more Since all of Whitecourt's trails are established on Crown land, sledders can easily step off the trails and dive into virgin snow. Adjacent to the trail system, there are unlimited cutlines and power lines through the ungroomed forested areas that are great for open powder riding, said Gray. One thing that truly sets Whitecourt apart is the devoted efforts of the Whitecourt Trailblazers. "We have a very strong club with over 200 members," said Gray." The Trailblazers have their own groomer that is run by the club to ensure our trails are in the best shape possible." Snowmobilers can ride confidently in Whitecourt, as the club has erected numerous signs and detailed maps with GPS location points. The Trailblazers also organize a number of major events each year, including rallies, provincial jamborees, races, drags, winter festivals and charity ride fundraisers. The community of Whitecourt is exceptionally friendly toward snowmobilers. In addition to offering a wide selection of amenities, Whitecourt has a seasonal bylaw that allows sledders to access the trails from anywhere in town. |
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