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EXTREME SCENERY: Tracks left behind on one of Golden's many mountains are the only sign that people have been in this pristine area. —photo by Aaron Bernasconi

With plans in place to expand on the trails and parking lots surrounding Golden, and with the new destination marketing committee that was formed this year, there is no telling what lies ahead for snowmobiling here.

In an area that gets what they call the "champagne of snow," snowmobilers are guaranteed to find exciting riding on any of the trails. Golden’s trails are mostly suited to more advanced sledding, but the region does offer a few trails that cater to the beginner or family.

"The game plan for next year is to have a family trail created between the Gorman and Quartz areas," said Denise Porter of the Golden Snowmobile Trail Society. "I think typically families have been using the Blaeberry area, but we don't groom that area. We do groom the Silent Pass area and it certainly lends itself nicely to the novice or family riders."

Don't believe all the rumours
Golden, Porter said, is gaining a reputation for its extreme sledding and somewhat dangerous riding conditions.

"I think there is a general perception out there that Golden is full of avalanches and extreme sledding," she said. "Not that we don’t have that—we do—but we would like to promote as well that there are family sledding sites."

Porter also said she has noticed a common perception that those who are sledding in Golden are hardcore partiers and a bit wild. While there are occasionally party animals in Golden, the majority of the sledders are there just to enjoy themselves.

Looking for a challenge?
The closest of the trails to Golden, Gorman is not for the novice rider. Being only 15 minutes from the town, this is the most popular trail in the area. If you have never been snowmobiling in the alpine or are not comfortable on your machine, it is best to skip this trail or find a guide to take you out.

"It's pretty intimidating going up there if you've never sledded in the mountains before," said Porter. "We have four snowmobile rental companies, two of which have guided tours. I would certainly recommend that inexperienced sledders give a tour guide a call."

The word is out in Alberta
Being situated along the Trans-Canada Highway, Golden is easily accessed from the east. Porter said that last year about 80 per cent of the sledders they saw on their trails were from out of town—mostly from Alberta.

"We are definitely known in Alberta and we have a few regulars from Saskatchewan and Manitoba," Porter said. "Hopefully in the years to come we’ll be able to do some solid marketing and appeal to Eastern Canada. Without a doubt, they have such a well-developed trail system out there—but we offer the mountains."