where to go for first Mnt trip?

[jay007]

Me and a few buddies want to head out to the hills, all of us have years or sledding experience but not in the hills, just want to know where a good place, probably around Golden would be for some mountain rookies??

Something not too crazy but with some challenges at the same time.

 

[j335]

I've been to Golden on a trip last yr, which was socked in the whole time but had awsome snow, so we didn't get to venture too far from the main area. Quartz is just out of town, and seemed alright for newbies. Also been to Silent Pass, which is about 45mins out of town, i think Silent would be better for newbies. If you go to Silent Pass, make sure to bring fuel along, its a bit of a hike in... Best to go along with someone that knows the area for the first time, as well is experienced with mountains riding...
I also Boulder Mountain in Revelstoke, its pretty big area with small to huge hills, but you should get a guide, because if you get socked in you can easily get lost...

 

[jeremy]

thanks for that joshua

i am the same as jay, years of ditch banging in the praires, never been to the mountains, and looking forward to going!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[smash]

you might want to try paradise mine near panorama it is by far the easiest ride in but you can still get some good climbing in at the top
forester straight west of radium is aso easy to get to the funstuff but there are a couple of small creeks to watch out for when riding around the top
Iwould not recomend silent pass the first time only because there is one narrow climb on the way in when it is rutted up I have seen some prairie sledders do some damage there
I also recomend having at least one guy who can get you out of trouble if you have to
hope this helps

 

[fnDan]

I'd recommend Quartz Creek just west of Golden. Easy trail in to the cabin and not too many places to get into trouble. The trail can get whooped up but it's only 14km in. Very easy to find your way back to the cabin as well to hit the trail back. Fun area to ride.
There's a bunch of people from S&M heading there on the Dec 8 weekend to ride and get some avy training.

Silent is 30km in. It's a long ride in and feels like a really long ride out.
Especially the first time. Silent is my favourite but I wouldn't go there without someone who knows the area for a first time.

My .02

 

[geelak900]

Quartz for sure, they are grooming now and the ride in is short and there is plenty of challenge for rookies there. Silent is too far in, not groomed very often and can be challenging to get up the waterfall if it is not a good trail. After riding 35+ kms of whoops most of the first timers will wonder why people do it. Start in Quartz and work your way up from there.

 

[jay007]

Thanks for the info guys!! I think Quartz is where I will start, trying to plan a trip but looks like the 29 or 30 of Dec will be the soonest time i can go, is this a bad idea? Will it be way to busy at Quartz that weekend???

 

[geelak900]

No, go for it, it's pretty hard to predict how busy and the riding areas are huge anyway. I will be going there the same weekend. May not ride Quartz tho, likely Silent Pass, not sure about Sunday yet.

 

[SLEDBUNNYRACING]

Rode Quartz two years ago, there were only a few groups that day and great snow. It's a good area to get used to riding in the mountains. You'll have a blast there.
Make sure you have your Peip, shovel and probe.

Thanks for the info guys!! I think Quartz is where I will start, trying to plan a trip but looks like the 29 or 30 of Dec will be the soonest time i can go, is this a bad idea? Will it be way to busy at Quartz that weekend???

 

[renegade x]

Having a piep shovel and probe are a must but they are usless unless you know how to use them.If you don't have an avy course,make time in the parking lot to practise with them,it may save your life.Quartz is a blast,a great place to learn.Hope you have a great ride.

 

[smash]

yes don't cheep out and think youcan go without a beacon shovel and probe
everyone needs one if you don't want to buy there are lots of places that rent some of the hiking stores in town are usually cheaper than the local shops

 

[jay007]

I will definatly take the peip shovel and probe, does anyone know where in Calgary is a good place to rent one???

 

[renegade x]

You can rent them at Mototech in Golden {Ski Doo dealer}.You might want to call and reserve.

 

[j335]

you can also rent safety gear from a store right beside the Golden Rim hotel.... he's a really good guy, highly reccomend, rented some stuff last yr...

 

[shawnmcgr]

MEC in Calgary rents them as well.

 

[catzuki]

MEC in Calgary rents them as well.

Not to be rude here man, but MEC is not our friend. They support Back country shut downs. These guys keep closing off The areas we want to ride. If you noticed at quartz that the one hill that borders the other closed off area, Guess who funded that shut down. Please support other bussiness that give back to sledders not ones who want to take it away.

Also, back on the subject of this topic. Quartz is an awsome place to learn to mountain ride. Nice smaller area that has lots to offer. Hill climbs,boondockin,jumpin knoles, cornices,etc. Nice area and u cant get to lost there. Boulder MTN in revy is also another awsome area to learn, but if you dont know the area, go with someone for the first few times. I ride revy alot and same with golden. I know quartz creek in and out. I also know some areas that alot of people dont. But ya, just head out with some guys who know it and go from there. A guidin service is also a nice feture that alot of alberta and bc's sledding destinations offer nowa days. A little pricy but worth it for those who dont know were they are going.