Calgary Area

[sceptre]

Hey guys, I've been doing some searching online as well as on here but not seeing exactly what I'm looking for.

Is there any mountain riding near Calgary? I've been doing some reading on various areas like Etherington and Cataract but it just sounds like trail riding.

Would the closest best riding be Crowsnest pass?

Thank you for any info!

 

[Trxstr]

Golden and Crowsnest riding areas are both the same distance from Calgary. Roughly 300km

 

[sceptre]

I'm thinking about going to cataract and across into Fordings Pass. Any input? Anyone know if theres enough snow??

 

[9 Iron]

Comes and goes with the chinooks, so be selective. On good snow days yea fording is a great place to be, but if a chinook rolls through then you could be skunked. Fording pass will lead you into the elk valley which has better snow and better riding without the drive. Be cautious of creek crossing as well, they are deeper than they look.

 

[JungleJim]

Unless you're just doing trail riding spend the extra time and drive to Fernie or Golden. Years ago we tried riding areas around Calgary and the snow is so skinny or windblown that when you get high up in elevation off trail you will be risking hitting rocks, etc. This can be a problem in the Crowsnest pass too, depending on where you go. Several sets of trailing arms later (e.g. early 90's) we just said forget it and head to Revy, possibly Golden in a pinch. Risk is not worth the reward in my opinion. We all have the Alberta Govt to thank for dedicating areas to snowmobilers where there isn't any snow!