New Years 2015 - Eureka Montana- sled Areas?

ASHP

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Hello Sledders,
My family and I along with a number of other couples are coming down Eureka over the holidays.

We normally sled ski in Fernie, and golden but never ventured across the boarder.
Do you mind sharing couple of spots for staging areas?
Are there some areas to sled ski sled board?

Thank you kindly, and may the season puke with snow all of us.

If I see you in pub we will buy you a few beers.

Cheers,
Ash
 

bobsledder

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Çheck out Graves Creek. South on 93 about 10 miles to Graves Creek turnoff and then go east to staging area.
 

ASHP

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Thanks Bobsledder.If there is a local pub and you will be there. Give me directions. We have crew of 6 coming, so beers on us.
CHeers.
 

maierch

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Also if you venture to Columbia Falls there is a riding area called Canyon Creek which leads back to a few harm up huts and up to the backside of the Whitefish ski hill. I believe you can also head northwest from there and meet up with the graves creek trail system.
 

ThrottleOps

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yea graves creek is a nice area I ventured down there once last season, very similar riding to fernie! make sure to bring registration or bill of sale for your sleds!
 

bobsledder

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Thanks Bobsledder.If there is a local pub and you will be there. Give me directions. We have crew of 6 coming, so beers on us.
CHeers.
I wil be in Sicamous for holidays or i would. If you make it thatvway over winter give a shout. Definately up for riding and beers after.

You can also find some good riding ove in hungry horse dam area.
 

Wilk INStheWEST

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yea graves creek is a nice area I ventured down there once last season, very similar riding to fernie! make sure to bring registration or bill of sale for your sleds!
UGH, they are such a pain in the a$$ at the border. I went down to sled at Graves once, and I broke down on the trail in. Turned around and drove back to Fernie. They just thought I bought the sled (even though I have the registration) and decided to tear my truck apart. So, all in all a crap day, and never got off the trail.
 

Orange Hurricane

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What do you guys mean by (your Truck tore apart?)

I grew up in Eureka, now I live in Kalispell and all I really ride is the Graves Creek area..
I have not heard of anyone having Trouble at the parking lot? Last year I even chained up my truck and pulled a young
Canadian Couple out of the area... They did not see the big signs and drove up the Groomed trail about 6 Miles and got stuck..

My Friends and I got them out, but the Groomed Trail was mess afterwards....

Its a great area to ride and the locals appreciate the business. So come on down and ride!!!
 

Puckaneer19

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Been riding the Graves Creek and Eureka / Olney area for about 6 years now.
Never had ay troubles with border at all. Just make sure you have ALL your paper work in place.

Locals are excellent! Always willing to give directions and share their thoughts on the trail systems and conditions.
Non resident trail passes are cheap ($25 /sled/ year) and lots of terrain to explore.
 

dallas259

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What do you guys mean by (your Truck tore apart?)

I grew up in Eureka, now I live in Kalispell and all I really ride is the Graves Creek area..
I have not heard of anyone having Trouble at the parking lot? Last year I even chained up my truck and pulled a young
Canadian Couple out of the area... They did not see the big signs and drove up the Groomed trail about 6 Miles and got stuck..

My Friends and I got them out, but the Groomed Trail was mess afterwards....

Its a great area to ride and the locals appreciate the business. So come on down and ride!!!

i was there for this. Very entertaining
 

oilrecycler

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I also have been riding Graves Creek for the last ten years. It is an excellent place to hit the steep and deep. A lot more tree riding than Fernie, but it does not take long to be comfortable after riding mostly open alpine (Revy/Golden). Join the local snowmobile club and support their fund raising. They work hard to organize and protect the riding areas. Lot's of exceptional locals. Doesn't surprise me at all that one of them spent their time helping out a newbie Canuck who drove past the staging area. The local business's really do go out of their way to show their appreciation.

Last two times I went to Revy my truck was broken into. I have begun to really hate that place because of the thieving bas*tards.

I feel safe enough to leave my keys in the ignition and wallet on the dash in Montana (although that would be stupid).

I took one of my son-in laws to Olney ( half way between Eureka and White Fish ). First time on a sled, packed his snow board. I took him to the top, he went down a chute on his board that I thought was insane. Picked him up at the bottom, claimed it was the best 1000' he had ever boarded. They have a Cat skiing operation back there. Lots of places to sled/board/ski.

I truly wanted the area to remain like it was 10 years ago, it is so pure and untouched. But hard to resist progress. Find a local or hire a guide. Stay in the cabins by Graves Creek/Eureka or head even further south. Trappers Bar before Eureka will be full of local sledders after a day on the slopes. Enjoy paradise only 3 hrs south. The boarder is not a problem if you have all the paperwork for sleds/dogs/purchases. Respect the process and there is not a problem. Act like crossing either way is your right not a privilege and there will be issues. There are always ways to have personality conflicts with people, whether it is the gas station, restaurant or border. Treat people with respect, allow them to do their job, have your **** together. I cross that border 25-30 times a year. Yes I have had problems both ways a few times over the years, usually my ego was what got in the way.
 

WhiteDragon

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The boarder is not a problem if you have all the paperwork for sleds/dogs/purchases. Respect the process and there is not a problem. Act like crossing either way is your right not a privilege and there will be issues. There are always ways to have personality conflicts with people, whether it is the gas station, restaurant or border. Treat people with respect, allow them to do their job, have your **** together. I cross that border 25-30 times a year. Yes I have had problems both ways a few times over the years, usually my ego was what got in the way.
I have crossed that border point a few times, even going so far as to bring sleds that I have purchased in the USA back to Canada. Of course, when I do that, I have to park, come inside, and do the paperwork-and pay a small amount (GST) in order to bring the sleds into Canada. Never a problem though. I have had a very good experience with Canada Customs, but that is another story.
When I want to do some mountain riding, I will go to Montana or Idaho. A lot less expensive, and the riding is just as good.
 

Puckaneer19

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This site has been quiet for this time of year. Surely somebody has been out. Snotel says 45" @ Stahl and 21" @ Graves Creek.
What kind of shape is Birch staging area?
Any updates for Olney area or Columbia Falls?
Just about play time.
 
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