Conditions Report: So About Those New Sled Releases …

February 16, 2022

It hasn’t been the most exciting week for new snow, and we are continuing into another week of light dustings…but the sun has graced us with its presence and it looks like it will continue to do so in some areas. Silent Pass looks like the destination of choice this weekend as it may receive up to 20cm of precip by Saturday.

Temperatures have been fairly mild so it was a great week to hang out with your sleds and friends in the mountains, talking about the release of the 2023 sled line up!

West Bench Trail / February 15, 2022 / Photo – Tim Grey

We’ve had some beautiful weather this past week. Hopefully you got out to see the sights and explore! It’s one of the best parts of coming to Golden. That being said, it hasn’t been epic deep, unfortunately. Send positive thoughts to Ullr, Norse god of Snow Sports! Read article here for more info.

Plan before you Play!

TCH-1 Highway status

Check the latest conditions as it relates to the Kicking Horse Canyon highway project here:

Kicking Horse Calendar

SNOW AND WEATHER

We have a chance of flurries everyday this week so keep that sled fuelled up and ready to go with your fingers crossed. McMurdo zone (Silent Pass) looks to be the best option for the weekend, so keep that in your minds as it gets closer to go time. Check the forecast for up to date info.

One of our favourite weather sites is spotwx.com. You can click anywhere on the map and get multiple forecasts for the area!

Avalanche

There were some natural and human triggered avalanches up to a size 2.5 last week and the are still concerns with a persistent layer from January. Stay safe out there and be sure to check the forecast here each day for accurate and up to date information.

Check out a MIN report from from Feb 10th snow conditions here.

Grooming

When it comes to grooming, check for planned grooms below and watch the Garmin grooming map for updates (scroll down to see grooming in REAL TIME). We are into our grooming groove now, getting after it as often as necessary and based on usage of the trails. Let us know how it is out there these days!

Trail Area Conditions Reports

Quartz Creek

Conditions: Icy down low, surprise!

Grooms scheduled: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday and as needed!

Fees: $25

Parking: Parking at the main highway lot.

Road: Side "bench" trail built for snowmobile use until the 4k. Please use it and stay off the FSR when possible.

Additional notes:

There is still active logging at Quartz creek at the 4km marker. There is a side “bench” trail that is meant to be travelled on. It was re-built this week. Please stay off the FSR as it is illegal to travel on it. This is for the safety of everyone.

Travel slow and pay attention. Check in at the Quartz gate for the most up to date info.

Gorman Lake

Conditions: Crusty down low of course...

Grooms scheduled: Wednesday, Saturday, and as needed.

Fees: $25

Parking: Park at the 3.5km lot

Road: Road has been in good shape!

Additional notes: Equipment hauling happening on the Dogtooth FSR as local contractors perform “right of way” (road building). There’s quite a bit of room for parking at the 3.5km, but keep it tight. Gorman has been busy this year so be prepared for a full lot!

Silent Pass

Conditions: Frozen trail in, but better once you get up high!

Grooms scheduled: Wednesday, Saturday and as needed

Fees: $25

Parking: Parking at the 31k

Road: Road is in great shape

Additional notes: The road to Silent is in good shape at the moment, and don’t forget, we have a parking lot at the 31 k which is new this year. Expect active logging to be happening now, so have your radio handy!

East Quartz

Conditions: Grooming once a week currently

Grooms scheduled: Friday

Fees: $25

Parking: As per Quartz, Gorman

Road: N/A

Old Man

Conditions: As per the other trails...icy until it's not

Grooms scheduled: As needed

Fees: $25

Parking: At Quartz Creek main parking lot

Road: N/A

Westbench Trail

Conditions: The trail is continuous now and it sounds like it's in GREAT shape.

Grooms scheduled: Wednesday

Fees: $25

Parking: Gorman or Quartz

Road: N/A

Additional notes: If you’re looking for a cruise and great views, the WBT is a great option and we are lucky to have it in such great shape right now. Thanks to the grooming staff for all their hard work getting it sorted this season!

Grooming Map

The map below is linked to the safety InReaches we have in our groomers and we have been able to make the tracks public. How to use the map:

Press on the + next to the groomer/zone you want the latest information for.
Once the line is visible, press on the line to see the date & time the groomer was last in action.

This map only shows the most recent groom. You can inquire at any of our trailheads for additional grooming information, including number of riders since the last groom.