Cataract Creek Snow Vehicle riding area official section 2017/18

Kaz Dog

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We tried it mike years ago and found the snow to be thin up top and I don’t think the government will allow it maybe the club can chime in on this I would like to try it

The future looks bright, as discussions we were apart of had linking Cataract to Atlas as a priority. I hope the decision makers in Edmonton agree with their employees on the ground, responsible for the area.
 

vonbraun

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First time poster here... going to take my wife out to Cataract this coming weekend to help her learn to ride. Will be starting out with the 2up seat on to show her around a bit, then some easy going on the closed off roads. Hoping for a nice couple hours on the trails in this beautiful area. Thanks for the grooming!

I have been out to Golden (Quartz, Gorman, and Silent Pass) and to Coleman (Atlas) over the past 2 years since I revived my sledding career from a 30 year hiatus, but my wife would love to be involved as well. She is a keeper !
 

Stevemtb

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Heads up if anyone is heading out to Fording. We were playing around at the base of the northwest side of Mt Bolton this weekend and an area 100’ wide broke off and slid next to where we were. We weren’t even riding on the part that slid and it’s a pretty gentle slope so I was quite surprised. Pretty unstable out there!
 
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tntv

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We are thinking of heading out this way in Feb to check out the trails. Are they kid friendly? Are Avy packs required in this terrain?
 

Sledderglen

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We are thinking of heading out this way in Feb to check out the trails. Are they kid friendly? Are Avy packs required in this terrain?

TNTV this is a family friendly snowmobile area. No avy gear required as long as you stay off trail to Fording Pass. You will have no problems. Let us know when you are coming down and we will let you know current conditions. Thanks for your interest in this wonderful family area.
 

Sledderglen

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Heads up if anyone is heading out to Fording. We were playing around at the base of the northwest side of Mt Bolton this weekend and an area 100’ wide broke off and slid next to where we were. We weren’t even riding on the part that slid and it’s a pretty gentle slope so I was quite surprised. Pretty unstable out there!


Thanks for the heads up. To those who ride this area it is important to follow the rules. When on the Alberta side you must stay on the trail. We have permission to use the trail only to access the BC side. To many issues and we could be causing issues with Parks. At this time and with the government we don`t want to look bad or have problems. Thanks
 

Sledderglen

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Here is a map of the area and the border marked on it as well as trail. Remember stay on the trail after the fiberglass bridge over Baril Creek until your in BC. Its a bit hard to see the trail but its the best view I have of trail. its up to you to have all the avy gear which is Beacon, probe, shovel and most important the training to know how to use them in a emergency situation.
 

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Summit X

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Mt. Bolton = Danger.

Not sure why anybody would play on it, or near it. On the AB side it is out of bounds, and on the BC side it is just not a good place to ride. However, a few good meadows of the NE side of it on the BC side. I’m going to guess that’s where you guys where playing, and thanks for the heads up/reminder always look above you!!
 
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Billy Boy

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What are the current conditions? Thinking of going out next Monday the 29th with my wife. I have sledded the area over the years but it has been quite a while since I have been at Cataract. Hoping for gentle conditions because I would like this to be a positive experience for her and myself; If you know what I mean!!
 

vonbraun

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Yes, would like to hear about the current conditions as well. Heading out there for Saturday morning.
 

TylerG

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Yes, would like to hear about the current conditions as well. Heading out there for Saturday morning.

Sledderglen has reported he is going out tomorrow to do some more grooming. I'm sure he will post an update before the weekend!
 

403Punk

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Going to come out on Feb 4th with My father (road this place in the 80’s a lot) and my wife and oldest son of 5 who we just took to Revelstoke at the beginning of this month. He is totally stoked to get out again as we all are!
 

Sledderglen

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Was there doing work on grooming equipment today. Was a few people out riding. Tommorow starting to do some sled grooming and the big unit coming out Saturday. It is our hope to groom more during the week with the big unit in the future. People asking about trail conditions need to know that the groomer runs on diesel. Donations are accepted and trail passes are still on sale. www.calgarysnowmobileclub.net click join the club. This is the best way to support the efforts out there and some day volunteer a day or 2 to help which benefits the area also.

Thanks. Will report on our grooming efforts
 

retiredpop

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We were out riding yesterday and the trails are holding up well. There was no new snow but there are no bare spots. Some drifting on upper Cummings and Pasque where the clear cuts are. Some trails are getting a bit bumpy but overall pretty good considering the amount of traffic this area has had the last couple of weeks with the poker run etc. Watch for logging trucks on highway 940 as they are hauling now. 940 is in good condition as they sanded the heck out of it yesterday.
 

Kaz Dog

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We were out riding yesterday and the trails are holding up well. There was no new snow but there are no bare spots. Some drifting on upper Cummings and Pasque where the clear cuts are. Some trails are getting a bit bumpy but overall pretty good considering the amount of traffic this area has had the last couple of weeks with the poker run etc. Watch for logging trucks on highway 940 as they are hauling now. 940 is in good condition as they sanded the heck out of it yesterday.

Thanks for the update. Glen and another are out today on the snowmobiles grooming today. I anticipate a grooming report on here tonight or tomorrow.
 

Sledderglen

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Good day out there today

We did some sled grooming today. We had Dave from Calgary Cycleworks come out and demo their new utility/crossover sled. Really nice sled. It does pull and rides great. Lots of power to burn. 800 motor with a 20 inch track. Was real nice to have a grooming sled that will turn better than the old Skandics. Only thing was wish the track articulation was disabled to stiffen up track. It can pull and going real slow and working it didn`t affect the temp of the engine at all. Ran 95% of the day at 4800 to 5300 rpm and the clutches worked good and zero issues going that slow. Polaris Im impressed.

So today we groomed Lower Cummings over and down the Connector Trail to Oyster/excursion down Fallers and up and over Cataract Creek Trails to Etherington Trail junction then back down Cataract Creek Trail pass the trappers cabin to the Cataract Staging area. Good shape now. Etherington looked choppy. Maybe tommorow it will be on our list.

Burnt 10 gallons of fuel doing these trails. Please support the grooming efforts out there. Cash, fuel cards, and trail passes fuel these units, volunteers operate them. Help us out
 

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amundorsx

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Good day out there today

We did some sled grooming today. We had Dave from Calgary Cycleworks come out and demo their new utility/crossover sled. Really nice sled. It does pull and rides great. Lots of power to burn. 800 motor with a 20 inch track. Was real nice to have a grooming sled that will turn better than the old Skandics. Only thing was wish the track articulation was disabled to stiffen up track. It can pull and going real slow and working it didn`t affect the temp of the engine at all. Ran 95% of the day at 4800 to 5300 rpm and the clutches worked good and zero issues going that slow. Polaris Im impressed.

So today we groomed Lower Cummings over and down the Connector Trail to Oyster/excursion down Fallers and up and over Cataract Creek Trails to Etherington Trail junction then back down Cataract Creek Trail pass the trappers cabin to the Cataract Staging area. Good shape now. Etherington looked choppy. Maybe tommorow it will be on our list.

Burnt 10 gallons of fuel doing these trails. Please support the grooming efforts out there. Cash, fuel cards, and trail passes fuel these units, volunteers operate them. Help us out

How are you guys typically getting diesel up the hill to fuel the groomer? Is there a storage tank up there at all?
 

Kaz Dog

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How are you guys typically getting diesel up the hill to fuel the groomer? Is there a storage tank up there at all?

We shuttle diesel from Hwy 940 on a custom built sled trailer, in a custom build diesel tank (both donated to the club from supporting individuals/companies) when the groomer is not brought back to the maintenance yard on those days/nights it is left overnight on the trail system.
 
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