Update: Banff trail report shows the Great Divide is now trackset.
Here’s the latest from John at Lake Louise:
“I drove to Cochrane to pick up a sled this week, was surprised at all the snow! Maybe we need to come over and ski on the east side this weekend. We got a bit more snow this week, good conditions on Moraine Lake road,+ upper tramline,. The Great Divide is packed but still a bit thin for tracksetting due to the rough pavement. We’ve been brush cutting, shoveling and packing on the Telemark and Fairview trails but still lots of stumps sticks,and other hazards.”
Great to get a first-hand account, thanks John.
Since the snow has arrived, I’ve been skiing out at Sandy McNabb in Kananaskis…West of Turner Valley. There is definitely enough snow around to get a good ski in; however, nothing is track set yet. I’ve talked to Kyle the groomer and he has been packing the snow down and will set tracks down soonish. Sandy McNabb camp ground is closed to the public because the Government is doing a huge renovation…$2.3 million worth! There will be no grooming done in the campground and the little skating rink will be closed as well. The other side of the HWY. and east of the camping area will be groomed and hopefully the hikers will respect the tracks this year. Also, if and when we get another cold snap and you like to go off the groomed trails…I highly recommend skiing west down the HWY., (when it’s closed on Dec. 15th) and at about 3-4 KM there is a lookout spot with benches etc. Ski from there down to the Sheep River and back towards Sandy McNabb…you’ll be glad you did!! Cheers, Nigel