Crowsnest Pass 2017/2018

[Summit 934]

Rode Atlas today...this wind can pizz off now!! We've got a great base but any powder we had is either rode out or now in SK. Found a couple honey holes that hadn't been touched so we still had some fun. Lots of large avy activity along the rocks, some slides have travelled further than I've ever seen in the past and looked like a lot more ready to come down.

 

[Jorg Jorgenson]

Sounds like I'll be dropping off some passengers for a day of skiing at Castle, and it looks like there's a staging area right near the base of the Resort. Anyone ridden that area recently? I think I'm gunna plan to poke around there with the girlfriend for a few hours on the holiday Monday

 

[snopro]

Be careful in there. Historically some of the largest avy's can happen in there.

 

[Jorg Jorgenson]

Good to know. We certainly wouldn't be looking for anything extreme, staying low in the valley maybe finding some meadows and tree-riding. I was reading up on some older threads and sounds like you can head SE down to rainy ridge and play around in that area, crossing over the BC/Alberta border. Based on the google images, the terrain doesn't look overly treacherous.

Here is the map I'm using as my guide.

 

[Jorg Jorgenson]

Lynx Creek may be interesting to try as well actually seeing as they have a cabin and might be more first-timer friendly.

 

[Summit 934]

The AB/BC pass you're talking about is the Middle Kootenay, as soon as you cross into BC it's a pretty good sidehill that can get wind blown and hard packed. On your map back to the north yes you will find more open meadows and access to the bowls to the west, but as was mentioned watch the avy risk. With all the wind we've been getting its most likely pretty extreme.

 

[zbmmike]

tried that pass Kootenay last year, and if its wind blown it is VERY difficult. As well there is a large avalanche run that you need to cross, and 2 times last year we had come up on it maybe a day after it had slide down. It is a big one, and you are riding sidehill across a very steep avy risk area. Just be very cautious.

 

[steveo10]

Few years ago we were riding around Corbin and met some fellas that came from Castle mountain. Never asked how the terrain was.

 

[busted2x]

Middle koot is not awesome post chinook. The rainy lakes side (stay left and climb before the bridge) is usually better when it's been windy, or head back to the Carbondale staging area, it's like 5k before the ski hill. Also very sheltered. Atlas is usually also terrible when it's been windy.

 

[busted2x]

Refer back up ^^^^ for a link to this map in full size

 

[Jorg Jorgenson]

Ended up riding from the Castle Mountain staging area as I dropped off some skiers for the day. Blue skies made for easy navigating as it was my first time. Busted2x I am now realizing that we at first tried going up the climb just before the bridges which would have taken us farther back around the one ridge however the tracks we were following turned around half way so we did not feel like breaking trail into an unfamiliar area. We also Turned around and went across the 2 bridges to the area that I now realize was called Middle Kootneay. snow was wind blown in some areas but coverage was decent. It was the girlfriend and I doubling so didn't go looking for Any trouble stayed clear of the sketchy faces (and yes, there are many!) just bombed around in the trees. Did not probe but I was told the ski hill has approx 250cm of snowpack?

Thanks again everyone for all the input / advice! Enjoy these couple of pictures from today

 

[Alberta Farmer]

Hello to all, just joined the forum. Will be riding in Crowsnest pass area next weekend with my boys, 10 and 11, and looking for advice on the best and safest places to ride. They aren't amateurs, we survived a 3 day trip to Boulder mountain last year, so they can manage the powder and hills, however I can't handle digging them out when they get stuck or flipped over too many more times. We want to avoid avalanche risks as much as reasonably possible. Pounded out hard pack suits them quite fine, but it would be a bonus if there is some powder and terrain in the vicinity for myself. We will have mountain capable machines, except some rides may involve a 380 with a 136 by 1.5 inch track. Lots of traction, but runs out of power on deep and steep hills, didn't try it in Revelstoke last year. Can tow it up hills if necessary I suppose.

 

[Newfie1]

Atlas would be a nice spot or Corbin just stay on main trail. Or go in too Barnes medow lots of playing there.

 

[retiredpop]

I think Atlas would be your best bet. It's easy to locate, lots of trails, nothing that a 380 sled can't handle and there is a shelter in the area where you can warm up. Usually enough people are around in case you run into trouble or get turned around on the trails. Look at this link where you can see the trail map and also click on the drop down on the trails tab to get staging area information. You can also get a hard copy of the trail map from local businesses and gas stations for $10.

 

[shawnmcgr]

Where is the best place to start to ride the south side of the Crowsnest? Riding with family so looking for smooth trail riding.

How's Carbondale? Castle? Is York still closed?

 

[SnowJunkie82]

I would suggest staging out of Castle Falls. From there you can easily access everything from York south.

 

[RXN]

Any recent updates of the crowd nest area?
How is the snow?

 

[Summit 934]

Going to have a look again tomorrow but it’s been pretty thin so far this year.

 

[Summit 934]

I can’t seem to load a video I recorded today but there are some great spots if you know where to look. The main road and some trail sections are severely wind blown bare. Overall we need a good 3’ before it’s even close to “game on”.

 

[ferniesnow]

Snowfall warning tonight; 10-15cm in the Pass.