Snow Report: Dec 14/10

I took this photo 20 mins ago and now the snow is falling hard here - you can see it coming down the valley. South Rockies avalanche report is High in Fernie area in the alpine and Considerable on the Crowsnest Elk Valley area - big storm is forecasted to bring in 10-30cm on both sides of the Divide today and tomorrow. We had 1 inch this morning and are accumulating fast on that. Clayton said it snowed from about 2:45am on up top at the mine. No worries about scratchers now. Temp is +2 and I am hoping that the Forge gang here from SK has a great day riding. Corbin has been groomed this weekend. Wow - I just looked out the window again and it is even snowing heavier now! Wahoo! V

Snow Report: Dec 13/10

+4 and was spitting a bit this morning - this will be our base and you will need to pay attention to the avalanche reports as Clayton said that up top at the Elk Valley mine it rained for 3 hrs after snowing most of the night. We are supposed to get mixed precipitation (rain/snow) today, then temps are dropping gradually over the next few days to -10 with more snow forecasted for the end of the week.

Bring scratchers. Snow will be heavy in mid altitudes and a bit icy down lower. School was cancelled today not because of highway - it is in really good shape but because of all the hilly roads into the acreages. Hope that has painted an accurate picture for you. Cheers - V

Snow Report: Dec 12/10

Hey Gang - just a quick note - it is snowing here. Blew out the yard yesterday and will likely be on it again later today. 6 inches of new snow in past 24hrs at least - more on the trail as you head up. +2 and snowing here and up top and drizzling rain at Crowsnest Lake and lower into Blairmore etc. Roads will likely be a bit sketchy tonight but right now they are fine -just slow down and your good.

Clayton reports from the mine today that it is snowing like crazy up top there so the alpine is getting a great shot. Happy Birthday Clayton!

Snow Report: Dec 10/10

We had 6 inches of new snow yesterday and overnight. The previous snow was given a shot of warmer temps and firmed up a bit with all the new snow on top later - very good. Fernie got 19cm and Castle got 18cm and Corbin is in the middle of that. Trails are in great early season shape. Cold tonight at -12 but more snow is forecasted. Start checking the http://www.avalanche.ca/ website for the areas you plan to ride - we are the South Rockies. Here's Curt and his Dad Boone catching up in the bombi to the kids and I out to get a Christmas tree out behind our place at around 4600ft - the snow increases fast as you go up from there. Cheers -V

Snow Report: Dec 9th/10

Been snowing all day lightly @+2 but now it is turning it on - think we'll get that 5-10cm tonight. Greg Hertz from Medicine Hat Harley Davidson updated me on his ride a few days ago. They said Barnes and Elliot were good but they were enjoying breaking into Heartbreak. On the way up they could still feel the lack of base, occassional stump but the farther and higher they went back into it the better it got - Thanks Greg! This weekend should be good. Highway was great today but it may degrade as the night goes on - just take it easy. Kids are off to ski the first night open at the local Pass Powder Keg ski hill and then we are all going for a midnight sled ride- Cheers!

Snow Report: Dec 8/10: Morrissey Trailhead

Snowing big flakes! Curt just got back from the Pass and it is raining there a bit and it is snowing up top all over. No rain here - it is zero though and is supposed to flurry and snow for days. They were calling for 5-10cm today. Picture doesn't do it justice. Curt's bday today - birthday wish came true.

Message from Fernie Snowmobile Club: "Please note that TEMBEC is using & plowing the Morrissey Rd all the way to the pipeline. At this time TEMBEC is denying us access from the Morrissey Trailhead for this year (including weekends). Please contact TEMBEC: Ken Sterloff @ 250-529-7211 ext 225 or Steve Drader@ 250-529-7211 ext 226 for comments or questions on the closure."

"Our regular trailheads at Coal Creek, Hartley Lake Road and the Lodgepole/Ram will of course be open. We are working on a program to groom an alternate route to the Wranglers Cabin. We will be grooming up to the Coal Creek Summit in the meantime."

It is important to support all the clubs grooming activities - it costs a lot and is accomplished through many volunteer hours and the difference between groomed access and not makes a huge difference to the quality of your daily ride in and out to the alpine off trail areas.

Sparwood & Elkford were talking about grooming the pipeline - if so please come prepared with some cash in your pocket to donate to their efforts - the sled community needs to stick together! Cheers - V

Snow Report: Dec 3/10

Good Afternoon - it is cool and clear here -4 and we got about 3 inches of snow over the past couple of days but it was snowing more up top. Our local group of guys went up into Barnes and the creeks are open but they got stuck like crazy trying to get up into Limestone - too much snow! They have been to Rolling Hills and it was alright - lots of snow for early riding. Curt groomed our trail again - helping it to set up. Great time to break in a sled. Off trail you are going to hit and miss with deep snow and no base but we have more snow here than most places. Hope you have all ordered your avy equipment for Christmas! Cheers - V