Conditions Report: Spring Snow To Close The Show

April 7, 2022

Thanks to everyone who came out last weekend for the Riley Suhan Invitational! What a fantastic weekend. It was a wild ride getting everything ready in a short period of time this year, but we are looking forward to continuing with events going forward now that we are able! Hope you had a great time, and see you all next year.

Special thanks to all the volunteers, staff and sponsors. We couldn’t have done it without you!: SureFuel, Bear and Bone Burger Co, Riderz Edson, GGB Exhaust, 509 Inc, MSD, Cheetah Factory Racing, Mountain Motorsports and GoggleSoc

For anyone interested in the results of the race, check them out here on the Zone4 website!

Photo: Annett Meszaros / April 2, 2022 / Riley Suhan Invitational

Things have been changing quickly here in Golden with the recent warm temps and we are slowly shutting down operations a little sooner than expected.

Silent is now shut down for the season and the road is mucky! A warning to anyone venturing that way. We needed to get the groomer out before we couldn’t.

As for Quartz, it’s getting its final groom on Friday (tomorrow), so it should be in decent shape for the weekend! Enjoy it while it lasts!

The Gorman road is still in ok shape, but slowly will be turning to rocks and gravel. This will be our final weekend there as well, so go and get it while you can.

Photo: Tim Grey / March 29, 2022 / Rider: Riley Suhan

Lastly, a huge shout out to Golden and District Search and Rescue for being at the event this past weekend. We appreciate everything you do and are thankful we didn’t really need you this year! You guys and gals are awesome. Keep up the good work!

Photo: Annett Meszaros / April 2, 2022 / Riley Suhan Invitational

Plan before you Play!

TCH-1 Highway status

The highway will be closing April 20, 2022 for a month. Until then, check the latest conditions as it relates to the Kicking Horse Canyon highway project here:

Kicking Horse Calendar

SNOW AND WEATHER

Up to 15cm of snow on Friday! Is it even Spring?! Might be nice to check out that fresh snow. It’s going to be WARM on Friday, but somehow seems to be plummeting to the double negative digits again on Saturday. Mother Nature doesn’t seem to know what to do these days…so expect the unexpected and keep checking the forecast.

Avalanche

Watch out for the sneaky storm on Friday! High freezing levels could make conditions uncertain and sporty. With the cold temps coming on the weekend, things will most likely firm up quite a bit, but be aware of the strong solar input that is prevalent at this time of the year.

Grooming

Staying open until April 10th is proving to be difficult, but we are doing our best. Enjoy the last of the grooming this weekend.

Check below for the Garmin grooming map for updates (scroll down to see grooming in REAL TIME). Let us know how it is out there these days!

Trail Area Conditions Reports

Quartz Creek

Conditions: Snowing on Friday, hopefully great for the weekend!

Grooms scheduled: Friday - Final groom

Fees: $25

Parking: Parking at the main highway lot.

Road: No trucks on the road permitted. Park at the highway. Road is gravel at the kiosk.

Additional notes: Trucks and trailers park in the upper lot, trucks with decks park in the lot where the Sled Golden kiosk lives. Thanks!

Gorman Lake

Conditions: Spring riding these days!

Grooms scheduled: Thursday - Final groom

Fees: $25

Parking: Park at the 3.5km lot. Gravelly conditions.

Road: Road is 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: N/A

Grooms scheduled: Grooming finished for the season.

Fees: N/A

Parking: Parking at the 31k

Road: Road is getting soft and muddy so be aware if you choose to go there. It may be softer when you leave in the afternoon.

Additional notes: Grooming is finished at Silent for the season. The road has broken up quite quickly, so be aware that if it’s frozen in the morning it might not be in the afternoon!

East Quartz

Conditions: Spring riding these days!

Grooms scheduled: N/A

Fees: $25

Parking: As per Quartz, Gorman

Road: N/A

Old Man

Conditions: Spring conditions!

Grooms scheduled: N/A

Fees: $25

Parking: At Quartz Creek main parking lot

Road: N/A

Westbench Trail

Conditions: The trail might not be there too much longer!

Grooms scheduled: N/A

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. It’s not going to be there much longer so get it while it lasts!

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.