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Find and post the Local conditions and Updates for Valemount here.
Valemount Conditions and Updates
- Thread starter rknight111
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Depsnolvr
Active VIP Member
Welcome to another year of snowmobiling in the Valemount area. We are looking forward to another season of hillclimbing, boondocking and some extremely deep powder riding
VARDA usually begins grooming around the 1st of December, although conditions decide on the exact date.
Grooming has NOT begun for the season, but below is the draft schedule for the winter
Tentative Grooming Schedule
Allan and Clemina Creek: groomed on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings !
Keyhole: groomed with Clemina on Fridays
Chappell Creek: groomed on Thursday evenings
(please be aware that due to the length of this trail, we must charge for two days after grooming to even have a chance at covering grooming costs)
It was a great weekend of riding, with the sun even lighting up our day on Saturday in Clemina.
The Allan trail is in ok shape with sufficient cover from the parking area, although some icey patches on the trail up. We will be blocking the new trail in to hold our early season snow so we are able to groom. Once up high we measured and average of 100cm in the alpine. Riders still have to be careful, but the riding was excellent, weather not so good. We still need a good dose of lower valley snow before this trail can be groomed.
On Saturday we were met with 5" of fresh snow in the Clemina lot and had the area to ourselves most of the moring into late afternoon. The meadow infront of the cabin is still showing creeks, so use caution. The trails are made up to Goat Ridge and Hillclimb areas, with good snow, but many rocks still showing. Use caution on the trail as some construction occured in the area this summer and it may not be exactly as you rememberd
Please remember that especially this early in the season,
"Pack out What you Pack in"
Even bring a small bag in with you if possible to keep the trash levels down as I am not able to be on the mountain daily until the season starts.
All in all a good start to the season, but we still need more snowfall to start our grooming operation for the season
We would like to thank all VARDA sponsors past and present and even welcome a few new sponsoring businesses this year.
Please call the VARDA office at 250-566-4817 to get updates on current conditions or visit and click on snow report
Be avalanche aware, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and now the snow conditions in the area.
Check your avalanche conditions before heading out at www.avalanche.ca
Check out our sponsor listings for great places to eat, stay and gather gear.
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO THE FUTURE OF OUR RIDING AREAS THAT ALL WILDLIFE CLOSURES BE RESPECTED. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBLITY TO KNOW THE AREA BOUNDRIES BEFORE HEADING UP THE TRAIL.
This is a link to the Red Pass Web Cam so all the Alberta travelers can assess the highway
Please report any Caribou sightings to VARDA office at 250-566-4817.
VARDA usually begins grooming around the 1st of December, although conditions decide on the exact date.
Grooming has NOT begun for the season, but below is the draft schedule for the winter
Tentative Grooming Schedule
Allan and Clemina Creek: groomed on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings !
Keyhole: groomed with Clemina on Fridays
Chappell Creek: groomed on Thursday evenings
(please be aware that due to the length of this trail, we must charge for two days after grooming to even have a chance at covering grooming costs)
It was a great weekend of riding, with the sun even lighting up our day on Saturday in Clemina.
The Allan trail is in ok shape with sufficient cover from the parking area, although some icey patches on the trail up. We will be blocking the new trail in to hold our early season snow so we are able to groom. Once up high we measured and average of 100cm in the alpine. Riders still have to be careful, but the riding was excellent, weather not so good. We still need a good dose of lower valley snow before this trail can be groomed.
On Saturday we were met with 5" of fresh snow in the Clemina lot and had the area to ourselves most of the moring into late afternoon. The meadow infront of the cabin is still showing creeks, so use caution. The trails are made up to Goat Ridge and Hillclimb areas, with good snow, but many rocks still showing. Use caution on the trail as some construction occured in the area this summer and it may not be exactly as you rememberd
Please remember that especially this early in the season,
"Pack out What you Pack in"
Even bring a small bag in with you if possible to keep the trash levels down as I am not able to be on the mountain daily until the season starts.
All in all a good start to the season, but we still need more snowfall to start our grooming operation for the season
We would like to thank all VARDA sponsors past and present and even welcome a few new sponsoring businesses this year.
Please call the VARDA office at 250-566-4817 to get updates on current conditions or visit and click on snow report
Be avalanche aware, make sure you are aware of your surroundings and now the snow conditions in the area.
Check your avalanche conditions before heading out at www.avalanche.ca
Check out our sponsor listings for great places to eat, stay and gather gear.
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO THE FUTURE OF OUR RIDING AREAS THAT ALL WILDLIFE CLOSURES BE RESPECTED. IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBLITY TO KNOW THE AREA BOUNDRIES BEFORE HEADING UP THE TRAIL.
This is a link to the Red Pass Web Cam so all the Alberta travelers can assess the highway
Please report any Caribou sightings to VARDA office at 250-566-4817.
Depsnolvr
Active VIP Member
We had a busy summer at VARDA this year. This is a little list of the maintenance and upgrades completed
-Complete clearing of the trail that parallels the Clemina FSR in case of logging or Canadian Hydro needs access to their plant, snowmobilers will still have access
-Brushing of the Westridge Family Loop
-Maintenance work on the Westridge Family Cabin
-Clearing of the Swamp trail to ease access to Upper Westridge (intermediate skill required)
-Construction of new outhouse at Allan Creek
-Construction of new outhouse and woodshed in the Clemina area
-Continue to work with the Mountain Caribou Recovery Process and protect the Caribou as well as our riding areas.
-Construction of a new trail from the Clemina Staging area over to the Keyhole riding area. Riders will leave from the South end of the Clemina Staging area and instead of proceeding straight into Clemina they will follow the groom trail to the left all the way up to the Keyhole riding area. We ask that riders not park in the old pullout on the side of the highway that was previously used as this is a very large saftey concern from the MOT and this was a leveraging factor in recieving permission to build this new trail. We are meeting VARDA's goals by providing access to more than one riding area from a single staging area, ultimately reducing our impact on the land base. ENJOY THE NEW TRAIL
-Complete clearing of the trail that parallels the Clemina FSR in case of logging or Canadian Hydro needs access to their plant, snowmobilers will still have access
-Brushing of the Westridge Family Loop
-Maintenance work on the Westridge Family Cabin
-Clearing of the Swamp trail to ease access to Upper Westridge (intermediate skill required)
-Construction of new outhouse at Allan Creek
-Construction of new outhouse and woodshed in the Clemina area
-Continue to work with the Mountain Caribou Recovery Process and protect the Caribou as well as our riding areas.
-Construction of a new trail from the Clemina Staging area over to the Keyhole riding area. Riders will leave from the South end of the Clemina Staging area and instead of proceeding straight into Clemina they will follow the groom trail to the left all the way up to the Keyhole riding area. We ask that riders not park in the old pullout on the side of the highway that was previously used as this is a very large saftey concern from the MOT and this was a leveraging factor in recieving permission to build this new trail. We are meeting VARDA's goals by providing access to more than one riding area from a single staging area, ultimately reducing our impact on the land base. ENJOY THE NEW TRAIL
Depsnolvr
Active VIP Member
Yes, We will be grooming and collecting for the Keyhole Trail. It will be a great network for the average rider. There are lots of spots off the beaten path for the more adventerous folks
Booked at the canadian today to ride the 5th 6th and 7th of dec looking forward to the first ride of the year and hope the conditions are good there will be 5 to 7 of us going. Never rode keyhole before and am looking forward to checking it out, anyone else going to valemount that weekend?
The Snowman
Active member
hoping to head out that weekend, will wait till next week to see what the conditions are like before commiting. I seem to believe that by checking this website 15 times a day it will miraculously make it snow for next weekend
:dIsn't that the truth i do the same thing i bet i am on here a total of at least 2 hours a day just waiting for some new pics and any news of new snow.....lol....i guess i am not the only eager one i think my wife looks at me like i am crazy.
Conditions as of 4:00 yesterday afternoon at allen creek. Old trail up getting pretty bad on the lower sections.I counted 10 creeks open,a couple switch backs are very icy,should be a real gong show today. Snow up top was actually pretty good but getting very tracked up with sleds all the way back in the premier.
Seen a couple trucks in milledge lot but never heard how they made out.
Went to blue river yesterday morning but came back to allen, less snow there in the hills than in vale, most areas are unaccessible.
2009 m1000 still weighs a ton, i hate it, rode the xp second day. cat for sale 47km.
Mountains need snow very very badly.
Seen a couple trucks in milledge lot but never heard how they made out.
Went to blue river yesterday morning but came back to allen, less snow there in the hills than in vale, most areas are unaccessible.
2009 m1000 still weighs a ton, i hate it, rode the xp second day. cat for sale 47km.
Mountains need snow very very badly.
Last edited:
Depsnolvr
Active VIP Member
Hey Scotts, too bad about your M, I made the same switch and am loving my XP
Conditions
Clemina Trail is snow covered, but getting very bumpy. The snow up top is blowing around and there seems to be more exposed rock than last week. Hoping to groom by next weekend, but we need SNOW !
Chappell has a very willowy trail in on the upper section, snow covered, but minimal. Lots of rocks showing down on the far sides of the lakes, but the meadows were great, bottomless with 115cm total. A few creek crossings on the trail, but again the area is is desperate need of snow.
ALLAN, this one is the kicker. As soon as I had installed our fence to block the new way in and to lead riders up the old way, it was destroyed. I had a snowfence up, with a rope and signage before it, stating please respect as it is for the better of everyone. This is very discouraging. WHY ICE UP TWO TRAILS ? If you cant ride the trail, go to Clemina. We are now weeks behind on grooming of Allan creek due to ice buildup, the blocking of this trail to preserve the snow, benefited all visitors . I dont understand why some folks think they can come here and destroy what we have built ?
A ride is a ride, but we need snow all the way from Mcbride to Blue River !
Start praying !
Conditions
Clemina Trail is snow covered, but getting very bumpy. The snow up top is blowing around and there seems to be more exposed rock than last week. Hoping to groom by next weekend, but we need SNOW !
Chappell has a very willowy trail in on the upper section, snow covered, but minimal. Lots of rocks showing down on the far sides of the lakes, but the meadows were great, bottomless with 115cm total. A few creek crossings on the trail, but again the area is is desperate need of snow.
ALLAN, this one is the kicker. As soon as I had installed our fence to block the new way in and to lead riders up the old way, it was destroyed. I had a snowfence up, with a rope and signage before it, stating please respect as it is for the better of everyone. This is very discouraging. WHY ICE UP TWO TRAILS ? If you cant ride the trail, go to Clemina. We are now weeks behind on grooming of Allan creek due to ice buildup, the blocking of this trail to preserve the snow, benefited all visitors . I dont understand why some folks think they can come here and destroy what we have built ?
A ride is a ride, but we need snow all the way from Mcbride to Blue River !
Start praying !
Work2Ride
Active VIP Member
:dIsn't that the truth i do the same thing i bet i am on here a total of at least 2 hours a day just waiting for some new pics and any news of new snow.....lol....i guess i am not the only eager one i think my wife looks at me like i am crazy.
Lol im the same way, checkin different snowmobile forums, weathernetwork.com, and facebook.
Hey Scotts, too bad about your M, I made the same switch and am loving my XP
Conditions
Clemina Trail is snow covered, but getting very bumpy. The snow up top is blowing around and there seems to be more exposed rock than last week. Hoping to groom by next weekend, but we need SNOW !
Chappell has a very willowy trail in on the upper section, snow covered, but minimal. Lots of rocks showing down on the far sides of the lakes, but the meadows were great, bottomless with 115cm total. A few creek crossings on the trail, but again the area is is desperate need of snow.
ALLAN, this one is the kicker. As soon as I had installed our fence to block the new way in and to lead riders up the old way, it was destroyed. I had a snowfence up, with a rope and signage before it, stating please respect as it is for the better of everyone. This is very discouraging. WHY ICE UP TWO TRAILS ? If you cant ride the trail, go to Clemina. We are now weeks behind on grooming of Allan creek due to ice buildup, the blocking of this trail to preserve the snow, benefited all visitors . I dont understand why some folks think they can come here and destroy what we have built ?
A ride is a ride, but we need snow all the way from Mcbride to Blue River !
Start praying !
How ignorant is that. Why are people such morons. I think we should set up up in the trees and when some dumbass blasts through the fence we shoot at him with bb guns or paintball guns. Better yet we catch them and tie them to the front of the groomer naked.:d
Depsnolvr
Active VIP Member
We have no choice, but to have our two hosts sit at the juction all next weekend directing traffic, got to do whatever it takes
c
c
m7mod
Active member
good idea if thats what it takes
The Snowman
Active member
it shouldnt have to take that though if people would stop and think about what they are doing ratther than feeling that it is their right to go where they want just because they have come from along way for this trip.
Like Varda doesn't have anything better to do than gaurd a trail they are trying to establish for the year.
Like Varda doesn't have anything better to do than gaurd a trail they are trying to establish for the year.
Rucky
Active VIP Member
Maybe not a bad idea? One goes and rides for an hour... comes back sits for an hour... The cycle continues? I could live with that lol. Too bad some people don't own a brain though.
Work2Ride
Active VIP Member
That doesnt actually seem all that bad.. If you had u and another guy doing cycles.
Perhaps if they posted a sign, informing people why certain trails are blocked off for future better riding. Once one nimbwit breaks the fence, the honest rider sometimes takes that same trail without knowing.
Rode by the new trail turn off on thursday morn and noticed there were a couple of tracks, when we came by comming down that afternoon it looked like a hiway so many had gone around the fence and rope. stupidity.
SaskSummit
Active VIP Member
Well just got back from 3 days of riding. or should i say Busting our arses. Rode Chapel on thursday was easy to get in there was a couple of bad creeks but nothing major.
Then all day friday and half the day saterday broke trail into Oasis. What a friggin workout that was. But it was worth it when we finally got in. Looked to me like we were the first into the alpine at Chapel as well. There were tracks all the way to the top but then nothing. Lots of rocks sticking out in both areas but no wrecks. There is only about 2 to 21/2 feet of snow. What a gong show it was getting up throught the cut blocks and trees into Oasis talk about hard work.
Then all day friday and half the day saterday broke trail into Oasis. What a friggin workout that was. But it was worth it when we finally got in. Looked to me like we were the first into the alpine at Chapel as well. There were tracks all the way to the top but then nothing. Lots of rocks sticking out in both areas but no wrecks. There is only about 2 to 21/2 feet of snow. What a gong show it was getting up throught the cut blocks and trees into Oasis talk about hard work.
Sucks when people wreck it for everyone.... A couple a bad apples causes problems for everyone! Curtis, lots of guys appreciate what you and VARDA does for us sledders. I can't imagine how frustrating it must be... Hope to see you soon in the mountains!
Travis
Travis
ALLAN, this one is the kicker. As soon as I had installed our fence to block the new way in and to lead riders up the old way, it was destroyed. I had a snowfence up, with a rope and signage before it, stating please respect as it is for the better of everyone. This is very discouraging. WHY ICE UP TWO TRAILS ? If you cant ride the trail, go to Clemina. We are now weeks behind on grooming of Allan creek due to ice buildup, the blocking of this trail to preserve the snow, benefited all visitors . I dont understand why some folks think they can come here and destroy what we have built ?
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