Conditions Report: Sun’s Out, Gun’s Out This Weekend!

February 9, 2022

We started out cold this week, but it’s WARM now and looking to be a beauty weekend with the sun coming out in full force. Should be some great visibility and exploring to be had out there! We haven’t gotten a ton of snow the last few days and the winds have been high, but it’s pretty fun exploring out there right now. With good traction and a solid base you can really get to know your favourite riding areas.

Photo: Anett Meszaros – Feb 6, 2022 – Golden, BC

If you like views like this, you might like the riding in Golden the next few days!

Thanks to everyone who came out to Golden during Avalanche Awareness Days, January 29-30. Hopefully we can have a bigger event next year, but we are happy to say we raised $775 for the Al Hodgson Memorial Fund this year! This fund is used to award scholarships to support snowmobilers who wish to take recreational or professional level avalanche training.

Photo: Tim Grey – 2022 – Golden, BC

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

It’s looking pretty dry this week, with a clear sunny weekend ahead of us! This is a great time to take in the views and explore new areas with the high pressure that is setting in which will surly keep it dry for a while…

Avalanche

That persistent surface hoar layer is still lurking, so don’t forget about it. With these sunny days it’s hard to predict how it will react. The heat also reminds up to be aware of overhead hazards (think, cornices the size of school busses…).

We love MIN (Mountain Information Network) reports, if you’ve never read one or posted one check out Avalanche Canadas MIN 101 page here to get a better idea how you can use them and get involved. Check out a MIN report from Feb 6^th here.

Stay safe out there and be sure to check the forecast here each day for accurate and up to date information.

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 plan to groom as often as is necessary, based on usage of the trails.

Trail Area Conditions Reports

Quartz Creek

Conditions: Bluebird and still in decent shape!

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. 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 with the warm temps but get up high and it's fun times!

Grooms scheduled: Friday, Sunday, 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: Can't complain!

Grooms scheduled: Friday 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: Tons of coverage this year.

Grooms scheduled: Thursday

Fees: $25

Parking: At Quartz Creek main parking lot

Road: N/A

Westbench Trail

Conditions: Continuous trail is now

Grooms scheduled: Wednesday

Fees: $25

Parking: Gorman or Quartz

Road: N/A

Additional notes: Logging has slowed down on the Donald FSR. They are logging below the WestBench intersection, so we should be good to go for now!

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.