Fording Pass Out of Bounds Area

[Summit X]

I stole this image from another thread, but thought it would be good to post again with the new interest in this area. When going over the pass, EVERYTHING on the AB side of the Border is OUT OF BOUNDS as it is in the Don Getty Park.

The most common area people go wrong is right at the top of the pass, every year people put a couple lines up the side of Mt. Bolton on the AB side. Not only is it out of bounds, but it ALWAYS slides MULTIPLE times a year, and when it does, it almost always goes right down to rock. So, for your knowledge and safety, please stay on the trail until you drop into the BC side of the pass.

To reiterate other threads, there are 4 creek crossings (expect all 4 to be open) and a couple pretty steep hills that can be very difficult if the snow is not set up properly. The trail also crosses 2 areas that never hold snow and are just rock. The pass itself can have extreme winds with ZERO visibility, and with no trail to follow, if you haven't been over before, all I can say is good luck to you! Just last year a group of sledders were stranded on the BC side overnight, and another group were caught in an avalanche, so do not take this area lightly.

 

[ferniesnow]

So, on that fancy dancy picture/image, where is the trail?.......

 

[Summit X]

So, on that fancy dancy picture/image, where is the trail?.......

Where is my 'UNLIKE' button!!

 

[moyiesledhead]

It was a fair question. If you want people to stay on the trail, maybe you should show them where it is.

 

[Sledderglen]

I would say that squiggle line looks purple in color. Just by what I see

 

[pipes]

It was a fair question. If you want people to stay on the trail, maybe you should show them where it is.

I agree. that seemed like a fair question

I would say that squiggle line looks purple in color. Just by what I see

sorry Glen but I think that line is the Alberta BC border.

Maybe Summit X could elaborate

 

[Summit X]

The purple line is the AB/BC border, hence the labels all along it saying AB/BC.

And everybody knows why FS is asking, and it isn't casue he wants to use the trail! I guess if you old guys put on your reading glasses and down your beer, you would actually see the trail is marked on that image.... If you can't figure it out, not my problem!

 

[gibsons]

Well I don't consider myself old(41), and I can't see it, and I'm not holding a beer but do have a headache from last night. But hey, not your problem right?

 

[Bunn]

If you look at the picture that is posted,look closely at the shale section where the high lighted box is.See the tiny black line,that is the trail.Follow the trail through the picture.If you think it's tough to find on the picture,thats nothing compared to finding the drop zone into the BC side at the base of Bolton Mountain.Even we miss it from time to time a we have been over many times.Please be advised again as per Summit X comments,this trail is not marked and going in without someone knowing the way is not wise.Once into the BC side it can also be trouble as there is several spots to get stuck in chutes and water falls as did the two guys previously mentioned that had to be rescued and their sleds air lifted out.I would suggest if you have never been back there to NICELY ASK if you could join a experienced party who knows the way.We are just warning people that it is not a nice trail in/out(hard on the rider and machine) and it is has several serious hazards and restrictions along the way.

With all the damage out there this year and all the work some people have put in out there so far,I believe we may see a lot more presence from the authorities out there as they monitor usage and environmental impact to determine whether to give monies to repair and clean up the area or to restrict usage.If there is tracks in restricted areas....thats not going to help any of the cause and fight to keep it open and get funding to maintain the area.

 

[Summit X]

Well said.

 

[neddacsac]

A little responsibility goes a long way fellas.

 

[awkwardmoose]

As discussed last year...

https://www.snowandmud.com/s-w-alberta-206/maps-showing-out-bound-areas-cat-60793.html

 

[BRP QSC]

Well I just looked at the map again and yup the trail is there. Summit X nailed it good... that is the trail and everyone should stay on it until into BC. its not hard and the snow is better over there. or I have a better idea. if you don't want to follow the rules....DONT GO!

 

[Summit X]

ttt for those who are unfamilair with the area.

 

[fnDan]

When you look at the area on Google maps and sat image on, the trail is clearly marked (or maybe it's the park boundary). It looks like it's pretty close except for the drop into the BC side. I've been over twice now and I don't think it's worth it. Riding on nothing but rocks is one of the worst feelings on a sled.

 

[Highfly]

We need two signs made up. One at the parking lot saying all sleds must stay on trail until the BC/Alberta border. And another sign marking the border...... I have been over a couple times and I seriously have no clue where I am at any given time on the trail.

 

[calgarysledguy]

There is a sign saying stay on the trails at parking lot. There is also a sign at the top of the pass saying alberta / bc boarder, there was one a few years ago anyway. I tryed to make a few google earth pictures. Maybe it will make it easer to understand. Its been said a million times but i wouldnt go there if you havnt been there or your not wanting to beat on your sled.

 

[raceu4it]

but the snow is great on the BC side if you care to try!!