Evan-Thomas fire road. File photo
Jan 5, 2021: One of my favourite loops in Kananaskis is now completely trackset: Evan-Thomas fire road, Wedge Connector, and Bill Milne.
The loop itself is 7K, but I usually extend it by continuing on the Bill Milne trail for a few K. There’s an ungroomed stretch between Evan-Thomas and Wedge where it’s necessary to remove your skis, cross McDougall creek on a small bridge, and walk for 150 metres or so. This section of trail is usually well-packed by foot traffic.
The snowshoe trail which connects Evan-Thomas and Wedge Connector. The bridge is gone.
The Evan-Thomas bridge was demolished by spring flooding, but I expect people have already made a path over the Evan-Thomas creek.
The Evan-Thomas trail is a slight uphill as you ski towards the Wedge. If going the other direction, it’s a very pleasant downhill.
The Evan-Thomas trail sees a lot of foot traffic from hikers who use it to access the ice climbing in the vicinity.
To complete the loop, it’s necessary to walk through the ditch and cross the road back to the Evan-Thomas parking lot.
The trail report has theses remarks:
Bill Milne, Evan Thomas, and Wedge Connector groomed this PM and in great shape after about 15 cm new snow. Bill Milne double track set from Ribbon parking to Kananaskis River, and single track with skate lane from there onwards to Wedge Pond. Evan Thomas and Wedge Connector double track set. Temperature hovered around plus 2 the entire evening. Tracks may become quite firm and fast when the temperature drops.
Have you purchased your Kananaskis parking pass?
Tracksetting in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park last night included
- Tyrwhitt
- Lookout
- Hydroline
- Elk Pass(2K only)
Goat Creek, Spray River East and West were trackset yesterday.
