Conditions Report: Preview Weekend
We’re happy to report this week that all 3 of our gates: Gorman, Quartz and Silent Pass will be open this weekend in what we’re calling a preview weekend. Prices at the gates will be full at Quartz, reduced at Silent and free at Gorman. Gate staff will be happy to sell you a season membership at every gate. We had a decent dump early in the week with 20-40cms falling. The new snow has patched some dips and covered a few more rocks but it’s still early season and hazards prevail. *Updated Friday, November 29*
*Updated Friday, November 29*
If you believe everything you see on Instagram, then the sledding in Golden looks amazing right now. We’re still telling people to manage their expectations and to expect early season conditions.
Finding the goods on Nov 25. Photo: @jdvpwcanada
Getting it good after the storm. Nov 25 in Silent. Photo: Colin Puskas
Groomer makes it to Quartz cabin for the first time on Nov 25.
Weather
Cold and clear is the name of the game this weekend.
Weather and snow forecast for near Quartz on Nov 27
Weather and snow forecast for near Quartz.
Check out our webcam, weather data (including snowfall) and the local weather forecast on our webcams page: www.sledgolden.com/webcams-and-condition
Avalanche
Here’s a report this week for the Purcell mountains, which is where all 3 of our gates are. The report is updated regularly so please check out avalanche bulletins (https://www.avalanche.ca/map/forecasts/purcells) each time you go.
Screen shot of Purcell avalanche forecast on Nov 27.
If you can ride in the mountains you’re probably travelling in avalanche terrain. Please be careful and submit what you see to the MIN Network.
Not sure what this all means, or want more info, come to Quartz on Friday, December 6 and learn directly from one of the peeps who creates these reports. Avalanche Canada will have a forecaster showing us the MIN, talking about forecasting and leading some partner rescue training. More info here: https://sledgolden.com/canadian-avalanche-association-x-sled-golden/
GREAT DEAL!
Prestige Inn has a sledder rate – good all winter. 20% off per night when you book with the code SLED online or call 250-344-7990 and tell them you’re a sledder to get the sled rate.
Travel on Logging Roads
Please observe proper safety on the logging roads. Radio channel in Silent is RR3 (150.140)
Quartz Creek
We’re happy to report that Quartz is now getting full grooms from the parking lot to the cabin.
Conditions are still thin at Quartz but you can get around. The snow this week really helped.
PLEASE STAY OUT OF THE PARKS! Don’t sled past a sign and in to the National Park. This seriously impacts our relationship with the Park and our ability to keep areas open and open new areas. We don’t have caribou in Golden, but we are not immune from closures.
Gorman Lake
Gorman is still thin. We’re experimenting with the trail this weekend. We will try to get a groomer up there on Thursday and see how it goes – didn’t work… aiming for Friday now. We won’t be charging at Gorman this weekend but there will be gate staff that you can buy your season pass from.
Please be aware of active logging on the road. The Radio Channel is RR27 or 151.37
Silent Pass
There’s been some great early season riding at Silent. The waterfall feature is still sketchy. *Groomer delivery failed on Friday, trying to reschedule so we can groom ASAP* No fees until we can groom.
We’re just getting the parking lot established. Signs have been ordered but may not be up this weekend. Please keep in mind there is active logging taking place very near to the parking lot. Please do not follow the plowed road to the “end” or park in signed no-parking areas. Riding a snowmobile on a plowed road is illegal, so if you can’t snag a spot in the lot drop off your sled and park elsewhere, don’t ride on the road.
Logging operations are ongoing this year and you can expect to drive to the 46km mark this year. That means you must have a VHS Radio in your vehicle to travel down the active logging road. Check out our video on logging road etiquette here. The Radio Channel is RR3 or 150.140.
