Dec 14, 2016 Golden BC Snowmobile Conditions

Cold and clear is still  the theme for this  week as frigid temps and blue skies continue to hold strong.  Those willing to brave the weather  have been rewarded with stellar views and predominantly  stable snow. Travel has been good and deep snow can still be  found. The parking situations in Golden has never been better. We have good parking spots at all our groomed areas and you can ride snow right from the trucks.

Cold air and clear skies make you feel like you can see forever. It’s been a good week to poke your nose in to places you haven’t been before.

Snow Beta

In general the snow stability has been great but this cold air is allowing surface hoar to grow, especially on shady north aspects.

Please remember to check the avalanche conditions.

Weather

Temps will stay cool. Bundle up! Doesn’t look like there’s much snow in the next week.

Travel

The highways have been brutal lately. Please travel with care. Check out DriveBC for current conditions.

Riding Areas

In general, the cold weather keeps the trails in better shape than warmer weather. We’re all systems go with our grooming operations and all three of our managed areas have maintained parking lots that you can ride  from to the zones.

Quartz Creek

Conditions: Good early season coverage. A lot of compaction from traffic.  Snow is settled to a good base.
Grooms scheduled: Thursday, Saturday, Sunday evenings (Fridays and Wednesdays, if needed).
Fees: Everyday  ($25/rider).
Parking: Regular  parking lot. Lots of room for enclosed trailers.

-Firewood has been  stocked in the cabin (again) on Dec 10. Please use it conservatively.
-Portable outhouses have been installed in the parking lot.

Gorman Lake

Conditions: Good early season coverage. Not very much traffic. Deep snow where it’s fresh and a lot of rocks beneath that snow. Groups have pushed into Holt and Lang. The lake is frozen.
Grooms scheduled: Thursday evening (Saturday groom not possible this week).
Fees:  Everyday ($25/rider).
Parking:  3.5km ‘lower lot.’ There’s plenty room for enclosed trailers.
Road: Road is scheduled to get sanded Friday Dec.16 AM. It has been reported as very slippery.

Silent Pass

Conditions: Good coverage. Still some open creeks. Snow down low is only ok. The high alpine has been pushed. There’s tracks most places now.
Grooms scheduled: Thursday (Saturday  groom not possible this week – please be cautious for groomer parked trailside approximately 1/4 way in).
Fees:  Everyday ($25/rider).
Parking:  Parking is about 100m  after the McMurdo turn off at 46.5km. Try not to box anyone in.  NO PARKING on the main road on weekdays please.
Road: Road is  currently maintained by logging interests and there is active logging all week long. It gets plowed on Sundays. Please stay out of these guy’s way. We’re working on better communication from our kiosk to avoid any collisions.

West Bench Trail

Conditions:  Minimal coverage. Riding from Gorman to Wyseman corner is possible but not recommended. Wysemen Corner to Quartz is basically not possible.
Grooms scheduled:  We need more snow before we can groom
Fees:  Everyday ($25/rider) payable at Gorman trailhead (or Quartz, but access is not recommended from Quartz as of yet).
Parking:  Park at Gorman parking lot.  (Quartz end not recommended)

Sponsors

Without our sponsors we couldn’t operate. Please support them when you come in to town and tell em we sent ya!

The Columbia Outpost Lodge is a new sponsor this year.  Nestled between the Columbia River wetlands and the Canadian Rockies, this self-catered, comfortable lodge provides an excellent stepping off point for all of your mountain and river adventures. Access hiking or cross country ski trails right from the door, walk five minutes to gain access to the Columbia River, or, take a short drive and immerse yourself in world class mountain biking, golfing, river rafting, sledding, and skiing.

The Columbia Outpost Lodge will comfortably sleep 16 people in 6 separate bedrooms. The gorgeous open concept kitchen and dining area, combined with the spacious living room areas, provides ample space for you and your family and friends to socialize and relax after long days spent adventuring in the great outdoors. Alternatively, guests can soak in the 8 person hot tub or wind down on the private dock situated on the Columbia River wetlands.

Come stay at the beautiful Columbia Outpost Lodge and immerse yourself in mountain culture!

Tel: 250.348.2234

 

The Columbia Valley Credit Union    is a strong and long term supporter of the Golden Snowmobile Club.

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PS- If you ever needed incentive to wear your tether, this is it.