Conditions Report: Let’s Get This Party Started

November 15, 2018

Welcome to the first weekend of operations at SledGolden! We’re happy to report that grooming has been completed in Quartz Creek for this week and it’s time to get things going. It’s been snowing a bunch and the forecast is for clear skies this weekend. In other words, it’s time to put down the honey-do-list and pin it to Golden. Please keep reading to find out the latest.

THIS JUST IN… (Updated 1:30pm on Nov 16). We put a full groom in to Quartz last night. Fees of $20 will be charged Sat/Sun.

Quartz Groom Nov 15, 2018

Quartz Cabin groom on Nov 15, 2018.

Braaap! Turcotte wheelie on Nov 13, 2018. Pic @sledbiglines

Got questions? Here’s some answers:

How’s the snow?
The snow is allowing for some pretty great early season sledding. There are hazards just about everywhere, but you can get away without a major smash if you’re careful. To be honest, the level of getting-after-it in Quartz has been astonishing and a bit terrifying. Upper Mega Bowl got shralped like we’ve never seen it before last week. We had significant amounts of snow on Wednesday and Thursday so things are getting covered up again, but dang, people have been doing crazy hill climbs, over rocks and onto some pretty sketchy slopes. It’s still EARLY SEASON! We recommend to tap’r cool and just enjoy the fact you’re in the mountains. There’s a whole season ahead of us.

There’s approximately 70cms of compacted snow at the cabin.
There’s anywhere between 90 and 125 cms in the alpine.
The sub alpine at tree level is where the best pow is.

Brett Turcotte, Quartz Creek, Nov 14, 2018. Photo @sledbigilnes

Turcotte early season dangle. Pic @sledbiglines.

Pow in the trees on Nov 7, 2018. Pic @sledbiglines

Where should I park? Can I bring my trailer?

Parking for Quartz is at the main lot. Yes you can bring a trailer; there’s lots of space. Please note, there’s no parking lot snow clearing scheduled for this weekend and there’s been about 30 cms of new snow the past couple days. So you might want to change from flip flops before you set foot at the PK.

Quartz parking lot on Nov 14, 2018

Are you grooming? Is there a charge? How’s the trail in? Any creek crossings?
Yes, we are starting grooming this weekend. Our plan is to have the groomer doing work on Friday. We’re not 100% sure how it will go, so the fees charged on Saturday and Sunday will be reflective on how much of the trail we actually get done. It’s quite likely that a reduced fee rate will be charged.

The trail in for the first couple kms is thin but not bad: a bit crunchy and icey but most of the rocks are gone. The trail turns to big whoops around the first big switchback; we’re really hoping the groomer can work some magic in here on Friday. The creek crossings are basically a non issue this year. A huge thanks should go to the GoldenSnowmobileRentals team for putting an old sled ramp across the worst crossing. It’s butter now.

Where can I buy my trail pass?
You’re in the right spot (almost) if you want to get a season-long trail pass. Please follow this link: Become a Member Now . Staff will be on hand selling day tickets and season long memberships at Quartz both Saturday and Sunday this weekend.

What’s the weather like?
You never really know how a day in the mountains will go unless you’re there. But Snow-Forecast.com can give you an idea. It looks pretty sweet if sunny powder is your thing.

Weather forecast near Quartz Creek on Nov 15

What are the avalanche conditions like?
This is always a good question. One thing you need to know is that the avalanche bulletins are often thin on information this time of year. Parks Canada is doing regular updates for Glacier National Park. As always, if you can ride in the mountains you’re probably travelling in avalanche terrain. Please be careful and submit to the MIN Network if you can.