The Crowsnest Pass is an area that has become synonymous with coal. Even before the turn of the century, vast amounts of coal were being removed from this isolated southern valley. Today the mines are gone, but the history lives on.
In this valley, some of the countries worst mining disasters took place. In 1903, 90 million tons of rock came down on the sleeping mining town of Frank. Ironically the miners escaped without injury, only to find that their families had been buried beneath the debris. It’s estimated that 68 people died in this disaster. This was later exceeded by an explosion just a few miles down the road. On the morning of June 19, 1914 an explosion in the Hillcrest mine instantly claimed the lives of 189 men. Over the years, the markets for coal have disappeared, and along with them the mines, but today the Crowsnest is becoming known as the provinces most spectacular Snowmobiling area. This is a valley that not only echoes with the voices of countless miners, but with the cries of joy from people experiencing it’s newest attraction—Snowmobiling.
Since 1988, the Crow Snow Riders and the Mountaineers have been upgrading old trails and developing new systems. Today there are 2200 km of trails with levels of difficulty ranging from beginner to advanced. Of those 2200 km, more than 1200 are signed and maintained. In fact, this development has begun to involve the whole valley through the Sno-Pro Committee. This committee includes both riders and members of the Alberta Forest Service. Through this joint project, the riders are able to work towards making this network of trails the best of it’s kind in Canada. Already, American clubs are looking at developing similar trail systems in Montana. The clubs are also very involved in educating riders to ensure their safety. Courses like the Crowsnest Centre’s two day Avalanche Training Course teach snowmobilers important safety information for travel within our alpine snow zone. For more information on these courses, contact the Centre at (403) 562-7314
At present, it is possible for advance snowmobilers to mount their machines just outside of Waterton Park and ride all the way to the Cataract Creek area of southern Kananaskis Country. Future plans include linking this already huge network with other areas of Kananaskis Country. Utilizing the Elbow and Sheep River Valleys, this will make it easier for the provinces more northerly communities to access. They are also building a variety of emergency shelters at regular intervals to provide for unexpected breakdowns.
Along the main network, crossings have been carefully bridged and groomed. With some of the best winter snow in the province, you can always be assured of quality trail conditions. For those that don’t have their own snowmobiles, companies like Mountain Magic Tours (403) 627-2430 in Pincher Creek will be more than happy to take you out on guided excursions. Their Mountain Magic Supper Run includes an afternoon and evening ride with dinner on the trail. If you prefer to ride earlier in the day, they also have their regular Mountain Magic tour. This ride also includes a campfire lunch.
For quiet accommodation between rides, check out the Rum Runner’s Roost only 4 km west of Coleman, across from the Travel Alberta Information Centre. With 15 rooms in the main lodge and an additional 8 fully self contained cabins, you will be able to get lots of rest for the long trail ride ahead. For more information call (403) 563-5111.
New maps of both the north and south portions of this trail system are available for a small fee. This fee will be used to directly support further maintenance and development of this unique network of trails. If you are not a snowmobiler, these trails are still good news, as they are available during the summer months for activities like horseback riding, mountain biking and hiking.
Snowmobiling is an activity that has a long tradition in Alberta. The Crowsnest Pass area has a significant snow base with excellent skidooing. This year, why not check out this rapidly expanding trail system. Don’t forget your helmet, and be prepared for traveling away from the main highways. Safety is the first item of business when snowmobiling in remote areas, but with the proper precautions, this extensive network can rekindle your love of winter.
