Conditions Report: DEEP!

Wow, it’s powtastic out there! If you like snowmobiling in deep snow then now is the time to head to Golden. It’s already an intense, powder extravaganza out there and there’s another 75cms or so more in the forecast. This all means that bottomless  power and epic stucks  are more than likely in the future. Temperatures look like they will remain reasonable, not too cold and hopefully not too warm. Remeber to   ride with a group, with working  shovels, strong backs, radios  and very smart avalanche terrain choices. Don’t forget to join us for Avalanche Days at Quartz on Saturday.

How It’s Been:
It’s been a moody week in Golden with a mix bag of storms, snow, wind, and some sun. Riding conditions have been awesome but avalanche conditions have been spicy.

Shot from Silent Pass with Mountain Motor sports

A sweet shot from Silent Pass with Mountain Motor sports

NIght shred in the deep. Photo @sledBiglines

Night shred in the deep. Photo @sledBiglines

Weather

We’ve had a lot of snow and it looks like we’re expecting a lot of snow.

KHMR snow report on Jan 24

KHMR snow report on Jan 24

A lot of snow is in the forecast.

A lot of snow is in the forecast.

Avalanche Safety

Common sense says that with this much new snow that avalanches are going to be bigger and more likely. How about finding some low angle trees, where you’re at lower risk, and having a blast?

A recent slide in Quartz. Photo A McBride.

A recent slide in Quartz. Photo A McBride.

Screen capture of Purcell avalanche forecast from Avalanche.ca on Jan 24, 2017

Screen capture of Purcell avalanche forecast from Avalanche.ca on Jan 24, 2017

Please check with  http://www.avalanche.ca/map everyday before you head out.

Road Safety

Using a VHF radio on active logging roads is an essential part of having a safe day. Please watch our road safety video to learn more.

Economic Impact Study

Don’t be surprised if you are asked to fill out a survey at one of our trail heads. We are conducting an Economic Impact Study  this winter. We’re hopeful the results of this study will help us  get more  funding to continue to make snowmobiling infrastructure better. Thank you for your patience.

Economic Impact Study questions being asked in all 3 managed areas. Photo @sledbigilnes

Economic Impact Study questions being asked in all 3 managed areas. Photo @sledbigilnes

Events

AVALANCHE AWARENESS DAYS:  This SATURDAY!  January 27.    Join us at Quartz Cabin for Avalanche Awareness days. We’ll have fun prizes for beacon searches in our Beacon Basin, a BBQ by donation and general good times.If you’ve passed Avalanche Safety Training (AST) get $5 off your day pass at any of our managed areas all weekend.

BBQ will be firing for Avalanche Awareness days.

BBQ will be firing for Avalanche Awareness days.

GT OR DIE: Great news! We’ve announced Saturday April 14th as the date for this year’s GT or DIE races! It’s going to be a good time and there’s expanded events for kids during the early part of the day.

GT or Die gathering is on April 14th.

GT or Die gathering is on April 14th.

Quartz Creek

Conditions: Deep powder in the trees. The usual paths are compacted and intermediate friendly.
Grooms scheduled: 24, 26, 27, 28
Fees: $25 - Everyday
Parking: Parking lot may be snowy
Road: New snow on trail
Additional notes: Quartz is playing really nice right now. With the accumulations the trail may be more bumpy, quicker than on a cold clear day.

Gorman Lake

Conditions: A lot of wind and snow mean Gorman will be good and sketchy at the same time.
Grooms scheduled: Jan 25, 27
Fees: $25 - Everyday except Tues and Wednesday
Parking: Lots of Parking, plowed regularly.
Road: Road could be slippery with this new snow

Silent Pass

Conditions: Fresh snow
Grooms scheduled: Jan 25, 27 (if needed)
Fees: $25 - Everyday except Tues and Wednesday
Parking: Parking at 21km.
Road: Logging Industry is clearing to the 13. GSC is paying for two plow passes on Jan 25 and 28.
Additional notes: Silent is really good. The new snow always makes the road an uncertainty but we’re making efforts to keep it open to the 21km parking lot. Once you get in there you’re stoked because the snow is excellent.

Westbench Trail

Conditions: A lot of new snow
Grooms scheduled: Has been groomed to Wiseman corner before the big storms.
Fees: $25 (pay at Gorman Lake trailhead)
Parking: Gorman Lake 3 km parking
Additional notes: The full trail of WBT is not in but if you start at Gorman and go to Wiseman corner and turn around you can have a good ride.

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