Cataract/Etherington 2012/13

[foothills m8]

ok u went south to bottom of wilkson summit and off to the right there`s a black gate there then up trail for a bit to were the bridge is out, its been out for years if i remember right a fast way to get to skyline when you can make it across the bridge site needs snow.

 

[calgarysledguy]

I drove out there today a skiff of fresh snow there were people out sledding hope it snows there soon and lots.

Thanks for driving out Ian. Pretty awesome that someone will drive out take time/fuel out of there day just to check conditions and share with everyone.

 

[unkle dirrt]

Ya I think that trail off 940 is wilkinson summit. No gate anywhere around there though? The bridge was intact last year for sure cause I went over it 20 times last year lol. On that subject there is also a shitload of fallen trees almost everywhere out there that were too big to cut with my handsaw. If anyone has a small chainsaw they could pack in it would sure help clear the way in a few spots. I'm gonna see if I can borrow one for my next trip. I was also thinking maybe trying to rebuild that bridge out of logs just to get it passable. That's definitely the fastest way to get to the good stuff.

 

[Titan]

Ya I think that trail off 940 is wilkinson summit. No gate anywhere around there though? The bridge was intact last year for sure cause I went over it 20 times last year lol. On that subject there is also a shitload of fallen trees almost everywhere out there that were too big to cut with my handsaw. If anyone has a small chainsaw they could pack in it would sure help clear the way in a few spots. I'm gonna see if I can borrow one for my next trip. I was also thinking maybe trying to rebuild that bridge out of logs just to get it passable. That's definitely the fastest way to get to the good stuff.

I have a small chainsaw and would be willing to do a work bee day to clean up the trails a bit....if someone wants to take the ball and organize somthing early in Jan I would be game.

 

[Highfly]

What happened to the bridge?? Will the trail be passable with more snow or is that side screwed for the season??

 

[calgarysledguy]

Summit X and myself went over fording today. Was a great day had a blast. Not much change out there. Alberta side could use more snow.If you like your skis dont go there. Lots of rock riding.....But it is only Dec. 14. About 1 Foot more on the BC side then the last time they went over. No carnage Im sure he can chime in and add to what i missed.

Hope to ride again Cory Cheers

 

[Summit X]

Great day Darrell! For sure we'll do it again. I'll try to get some more pics up tomorrow...

yes, about another foot to a foot and a half over the past 2 weeks since our last trip. really solid base on the BC side, great start to the season!

 

[dvst8r]

I have a small chainsaw and would be willing to do a work bee day to clean up the trails a bit....if someone wants to take the ball and organize somthing early in Jan I would be game.

I would be in for early Jan too, I don't have a chainsaw but I do have an axe, a strong back and a weak mind, just point me in the right direction.

 

[unkle dirrt]

As far as that bridge goes it looks like it just collapsed really. I mean I looked at it thinking maybe we could make it through but it wouldnt be easy and if u got stuck? ch!t that would suck trying to get out. I think maybea guy could make it easier to get over by finding some long dead trees or logs to lay accross. I dunno... I know this works for 4x4's cuz I've done it before lol. Of course its gonna be work though too. By the way those pics of fording are kickass! I've never been over there but I think its time! I'm told u better have gps in case of blowing wind and visibility up there? Any other pointers for first time venture in the pass?

 

[Matt_1029]

Pics look great!! If anyone is heading out this week and wouldn't mind some company I'm not working this winter and would like to try out fording! Pm me if you're up for a mid week ride.

cheers,

 

[Highfly]

As far as that bridge goes it looks like it just collapsed really. I mean I looked at it thinking maybe we could make it through but it wouldnt be easy and if u got stuck? ch!t that would suck trying to get out. I think maybea guy could make it easier to get over by finding some long dead trees or logs to lay accross. I dunno... I know this works for 4x4's cuz I've done it before lol. Of course its gonna be work though too. By the way those pics of fording are kickass! I've never been over there but I think its time! I'm told u better have gps in case of blowing wind and visibility up there? Any other pointers for first time venture in the pass?

We went today and got 5 sleds through the hole where the bridge was. With more snow the hole will fill up and things should be fine, but we need a lot more snow.

 

[firecatab]

Looking at heading down there Fri or Sat for a trail ride how are the conditions on the Alberta side?

 

[unkle dirrt]

Cool good to know the bridge won't be a huge issue.

 

[Highfly]

Conditions for a "trail" ride are excellent. Pretty sparse in the parking lot areas, but don't be discouraged cause the snow gets better and better as you go back (recommend scratchers for the first few Km,s to kick up what little snow there is.)
Trails aren't all whooped up. Nice and smooth and FAST. Watch out for tree hazards. We covered a lot of the area yeaterday. Along the trails back west the snow is deep enought to fool around, do a little carving off to the side.

I have a short clip loading onto UTube of us going up Skyline. I'll add a link once loaded. It shows the best case scenario of the snow conditions.

 

[Highfly]

Short clip of the skyline trail. Dec 16 2012
Skyline - YouTube

 

[Summit X]

Couple more pictures from last Friday. As noted before, the trail over is horrible. There are parts that are completely bare down to gravel, 3 open creeks, and barely any snow on the rest of it, but the snow on the BC side is very nice!!

Saw that little critter just before Eden Valley, must be out again now that hunting season is over!

 

[Highfly]

We seen two swamp donkeys on the way in on Sunday!

Here is a clip of more of the Cataract area this past Sunday if anyone is interested.

Sled day with Katie and Dad - YouTube

 

[Wilk INStheWEST]

Pics look great!! If anyone is heading out this week and wouldn't mind some company I'm not working this winter and would like to try out fording! Pm me if you're up for a mid week ride.

cheers,

I work 2 in 2 out and will be looking for some mid week rides out there early January likely. I'll let you know.

 

[Matt_1029]

I work 2 in 2 out and will be looking for some mid week rides out there early January likely. I'll let you know.

Sounds good to me. PM me whenever you wanna make some tracks!

 

[Nitrobkr]

Popped over the back side today. Lotsa fresh it was sunny and probably 10 degrees warmer than the parking lot.
Good times.


And of course the local rig raf was hangin out lol!