From Rich…
Beginning of the end… and it’ll end quickly. Was out early today (9am) at WBC and Thursdays sunshine had really taken a toll on the trails. Lots of glaze, hardpack, and slipping (Crystal, Iron Springs). Downhills didn’t allow for much snowplow braking. Rewaxed several times without a lot of impact, but lost the wax quickly. From being 3rd car in parking lot to a packed parking lot 2hrs later (11am) it was looking to be a super busy trail day (XC ski, hiking, and sshoeing). Hope things softened up for the later skiers.
Lots of dogs on the trails too which combined w/ the icy/sketchy downhills didn’t make one confident of stopping in time. Fortunately, most dogs/owners knew to stay to one side and so it was a non-issue.
Was thinking Canmore or Kananaskis village would have been better today.
I feel this comment deserves a response. I have skied the WBC trails all season , and while I have seen some damage caused by hikers/snowshoers, I have also seen damage to the set tracks caused by skate-skiers. I have not seen enough damage (except maybe by horses) to ruin my day. Personally, I enjoy seeing so many recreationalists out enjoying the trails – these are people who will advocate for the trails if they are ever threatened by development. The occasional (polite) word in someone’s ear is usually all that is needed if they are walking on the tracks.
Thanks to the Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association for the fantastic job they do maintaining these trails – I will certainly be renewing my membership.
I also skied West Bragg Creek on Thursday and was disappointed to see new signs allowing walkers and snowshoers on the ski trails. I have given up on those trails until they correct the situation. I will also not donate trail fees next year. I have skied many places in Canada and the US and have never before seen walkers being allowed to walk on ski trails. It is a ridiculous waste of money to groom those type of trails.
It makes me want to go to Canadian Olympic Park and walk on their ski trails since those trails are also owned by the public.