Conditions Report: April 3 – Sprung Spring

On April 5, 2025 the Golden Snowmobile Club will once again host  the Riley Suhan Backcountry Race, one of the best events in all of snowmobiling! This unique mountain race traverses a large loop of the Quartz Creek riding zone in Golden BC and is executed in a timed, relay format. For 2025, on top of the normal race that combines the times of a randomly chosen, 4 person team, we will have an additional pro-level race with a $2500+ prize purse on a more challenging course.  We’re sorting out the details of this pro race but be assured that the idea is for it to be awesome for both spectators and participants alike. Entry to the second pro race will require placing in the top 30 of the main race. The pro race will have a more challenging lap that is slightly longer than the main race. We will announce more specifics as we iron them out.

We will have a new start/finish location in 2025 – Cabin Valley!  Head left past the cabin and you’ll be able to see the set-up.  This will give better spectating for everybody at the start/finish area, including Dr. Poz who was really feeling left out in past years.

REGISTER HERE!

SOLD OUT! 

VOLUNTEERS WANTED! Special prizes and paid positions available for course marshals. please email sled@sledgolden.com 

SNOW AND WEATHER

We’ve had approximately 15cm of new snow this week. There’s a period of warming which peaks on Sunday and then we’re expecting precipitation next week.

Mar 27

snow-forecast screen shot

Pow on Mar 17

East Quartz/Lang traverse on Mar 20

Avalanche Conditions

Please check Avalanche.ca everyday you ride!

screen shot of avalanche.ca on April 4

“Avoid travelling near or below cornices.  Solar input will increase the likelihood of falling cornices, which are capable of triggering large avalanches on the slopes below.” – April 4  on Avalanche.ca

Travel and Terrain Advice from April 4:

• Pay attention to cornices and give them a wide berth when traveling on or below ridges.
• Avoid areas with a thin or variable snowpack.
• Be aware of the potential for loose avalanches in steep terrain where snow hasn’t formed a slab.
• Avoid sun-exposed slopes, especially if the snow surface is moist or wet.

This is MIN report is 100% worth a look and read 

Slope to riders right at the end of the Gorman trail on March 26.

Gorman main wall on March 26

Avalanche debris observed in East Quartz on Mar 20

Avalanche debris observed near the Gorman Holt col on Mar 20

Avalanche crown that propagated 350+m in Quarts on Mar 10

Grooming

The Silent cabin is out now and grooming is done at Silent. The trail is still in great shape minus the crazy ruts from pulling the cabin out. Otherwise there is snow all the way to the parking lot. Road in is bumpy and muddy. 

Gorman cabin will be pulled out on April 3 and then Gorman will be done for grooming also. 

Quartz will get one groom after the race and that will be the last groom there.