Cataract 2011/12

[2uppolaris]

We went to Cataract sunday for the first time... The drive in was a blast in itself because the plows hadn't made it out yet and there was at least 8" of fresh powder on the road. We made it to the staging area and after some advice from a few good guys on mountain machines, we headed out to Etherington on the narrow bush trail. Within 15 minutes we met 2 different riders, although not the way you want to meet someone on a trail...

As we were coming around a corner (staying well over to the right and driving slow) this guy appears in front of us! I honestly don't know we avoided each other, I just cranked it to the left quickly. He flew by us! I quickly stopped our machine and turned around to see the other person and he simply kept on driving. Not a wave, nothing!!

As little as 5 minutes later the exact same thing happened later on down the trail...

With my limited snowmobile and many years of ATV experience I think I was well within safe riding limits. My Fiance' was so scared and was in tears... Where I'm from in NS if you pulled a stunt like that it was usually settled in the parking lot after the ride.

I beg and plead with fellow riders, please be courteous and slow down and stay over to the right when approaching a corner.

If I offended or upset anyone, I apologize. That's not my intention... Anyone, if you experienced that, would be upset.

Rant over.

 

[shawnmcgr]

Hit Fording pass on Sunday. Nice smooth trail in...cause there ain't much snow. Trail was good until we dropped into Baril valley then it thinned out and stayed thin. There were a few spots with a 1-1.5ft. Once we got over the pass it was better and the valley north of Mt Armstrong had 3ft. Good fun playing in the trees. No climbing to do as all of the slopes around the valley had a lot of rock exposed.

 

[calgarysledguy]

We went to Cataract sunday for the first time... The drive in was a blast in itself because the plows hadn't made it out yet and there was at least 8" of fresh powder on the road. We made it to the staging area and after some advice from a few good guys on mountain machines, we headed out to Etherington on the narrow bush trail. Within 15 minutes we met 2 different riders, although not the way you want to meet someone on a trail...

As we were coming around a corner (staying well over to the right and driving slow) this guy appears in front of us! I honestly don't know we avoided each other, I just cranked it to the left quickly. He flew by us! I quickly stopped our machine and turned around to see the other person and he simply kept on driving. Not a wave, nothing!!

As little as 5 minutes later the exact same thing happened later on down the trail...

With my limited snowmobile and many years of ATV experience I think I was well within safe riding limits. My Fiance' was so scared and was in tears... Where I'm from in NS if you pulled a stunt like that it was usually settled in the parking lot after the ride.

I beg and plead with fellow riders, please be courteous and slow down and stay over to the right when approaching a corner.

If I offended or upset anyone, I apologize. That's not my intention... Anyone, if you experienced that, would be upset.

Rant over.

Shitty experience with your first ride out there.Some people are out there thinking its need for speed on your ps3 but its not just them out there.That is why i dont realy like to ride there on the weekend. I like to ride out there during the week if im not working. Just tuff to find others who arnt working as well.

Sounds like there where lots of people out there this weekend.No wonder why the fording trail with 2 feet of baseless snow was chewed down to the rocks.Thanks for the work you did out there Summit X and your group.Need more people like that out there.Thanks for all the updates from everyone.Keep them coming. Cheers.

 

[neddacsac]

Pics from Sat. Spent the morning breaking trail up the pass. Got the washout on the last climb all shoveld in. As stated in another therad the trail was trashed by the time we went back Thats all I will say! A few bare spots from the wind and the shale field was typical but not to bad on the othe side. Lots of sunshine!
Got to meet fellow snow and mudder Bunn.

 

[neddacsac]

Few more...

 

[Summit X]

sweet!

 

[neddacsac]

I think your new nickname should be hollywood!

 

[snowgood]

NICE PICS!Thanks NOT THE FIRST TIME YOU BROKE TRAIL [EASY ON THE THROTTLE ]THANKS FOR THE TIP

 

[neddacsac]

Ha! That was a good day

 

[magnet]

looks awesome. might have to head that way this year. with pics like that, flatlands with the mountains in the back i might be able to convince the wifey to go. looks good nice pics.

 

[DYSLEXIC]

I need to put some miles on the new sled to break it in.....just looking to stay on the flats....will head there this saturday

 

[Summit X]

looks awesome. might have to head that way this year. with pics like that, flatlands with the mountains in the back i might be able to convince the wifey to go. looks good nice pics.

just a heads up - if you are looking for a golden/revy/valemont, this isn't it. lots of really good trails on the AB side, and a couple meadows on the BC side. not a lot of climbing as it is always too windy and it doesn't hold snow.

 

[magnet]

just a heads up - if you are looking for a golden/revy/valemont, this isn't it. lots of really good trails on the AB side, and a couple meadows on the BC side. not a lot of climbing as it is always too windy and it doesn't hold snow.

sounds perfect as the wife is terrified of avies. if i can get here their i can possibly persuade to bigger and better. right now swan hills is the best i can doo. lol
as long as the meadows are deepish and drift nice i am in.

 

[Trail Guy]

I'm a newbie with a 2up sled. Would I be fine on all the marked trails at Cataract?

 

[Summit X]

I'm a newbie with a 2up sled. Would I be fine on all the marked trails at Cataract?

for sure.

you may want to stay off of 'skyline' if there was recent snow as it drifts heavily. or maybe you'd rather hit that one - totally up to you! all the trails around the exterior of the trail system are pretty mellow and you'd have no issues. the further west and further south on the trails you go, the more snow you usually find.

 

[Trail Guy]

Thanks Summit. Will do. Not only do I have a trail sled but it's been 20 years since I've been riding so will start cautiously but hope to be up to speed soon.

 

[styylesnwife]

Hello,
Me and my wife are new to sleding. I will be riding an 800rmk polaris and the wife a 500phazer yamaha.
we are located it calgary, could you recomend a good place to learn? I think Cataract is close to us just not sure what terain is like. Do we need to get passes for any of the trails?

 

[Grunger]

No passes required. Insurance and registration is required. Trails are good for beginers. Well marked. Have fun!

 

[knee deep in it]

Hello,
Me and my wife are new to sleding. I will be riding an 800rmk polaris and the wife a 500phazer yamaha.
we are located it calgary, could you recomend a good place to learn? I think Cataract is close to us just not sure what terain is like. Do we need to get passes for any of the trails?

join the calgary snowmobile club and you will have lots of riding partners who can help. The rides are suited for beginners to experts.

 

[Smithys]

I would suggest joining the Calgary Snowmobile club. By joining the club you get to meet lots of great people that have the same interest as you and your wife. Each month they have club rides that are suited for everyones riding skills. Another thing is you are able to purchase ASA trail passes. The next monthly meeting is Dec 20th.