|
|
VALEMOUNT, B.C.
One full day of sledding
A few sledders from St. Albert, Alberta, had some fun in Valemount, B.C.
by WAYNE HAMM
 |
 |
HAVING FUN: (Top) With so much powdery snow, Wayne Hamm needed his shovel more than he would have liked at Premiere Ridge; (Bottom) the guys had a pleasant break at the Allan Creek cabin.
—photo by Wayne Hamm |
Sled-heads? I think we qualify! It had been somewhat of a slow season for us sledders and the lure of the backcountry was overpowering. A report of a fresh dump in Valemount, B.C., was all we needed to spring into action. Don Heberling, Cory Fedorich, Rob Morin, Jason Hancheruk and I are all employees of Riverside Honda & Ski-Doo in St. Albert, Alberta, and we just needed to ride. We left for Valemount Sunday, January 15, at 4 a.m. and arrived at Allan Creek at 10 a.m. We rode until dark, then headed home—all in a 20-hour day. Anybody who sleds the mountains and is in search of that elusive virgin powder will understand.
Go gentle or extreme
The Allan Creek parking lot is a short drive south of Valemount on the west side of the highway. The parking lot is large and well maintained. There are grooming fees in place and the efforts of the folks who groom are most appreciated. It is an easy nine-kilometre ride to the cabin. There is gentle family riding around the cabin or close access to the alpine. If you do choose to venture off into the alpine, the area is rugged, immense, challenging and breathtaking. If you are new to Allan Creek, be sure to go with someone who knows the area.
We were fortunate to have longtime sledder Don Heberling with us. He has ridden Allan Creek many times and was a very capable guide. We ventured into many breathtaking valleys and ranges with catchy names such as Rabbit Hill, Avalanche Valley, Premiere Range, the Hill Climb and the Heli-Pad.
Love that shovel
We were faced with what I would describe as early season snow—something that one would expect in late November or early December, not the middle of January. The snow was abundant—at least six feet deep—but didn’t yet have a firm base. Our shovels were out more than I would have liked. We carved, sidehilled, highmarked and had lots of virgin powder blowing over the hoods of our sleds.
A warm welcome
The town of Valemount is a full-service community that caters to sledders. Everything you need is there and you are made to feel welcome and that your business is appreciated. Due to the swiftness of this particular trip, we were unable to enjoy all Valemount had to offer. We grabbed a quick bite and some fuel, then hit the road. We are already planning our next trip in two weeks’ time, but will be staying longer.
Thank you, Riverside Honda & Ski-Doo, for assisting with this adventure. |
|
|
|
