Attention Trail Users
The west Bragg Creek winter ski trails offers about 45 km of groomed foothills cross country skiing. Trails are generally easy to intermediate and vary in length from 3 to 16 km.
Most trails are 10 to 15 feet wide, and groomed with classic tracks on both sides, with skate skiing down the middle. When skating, the recommended direction of travel is clockwise.
Telephone Loop is a more rustic trail, is groomed less frequently, and not recommended for skate skiing due to its narrow track.
For a complete description of trails, go to Kananaskis Country Trail descriptions:
http://www.albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country/information-facilities/trails.aspx
Snowshoeing/Hiking/Dog Walking
Several options exist for other trail users during the winter season. During the fall of 2010, the GBCTA hand built the 5.5 km long Snowshoe Hare loop for snowshoers. In addition, the GBCTA has built almost 30 km of new all-season trails that are ideal for hiking, biking, dog walking, and snowshoeing.
Snowshoeing and walking is recommended on these trails to help prevent damage on the groomed ski trails. The trails also provide access to additional off-trail terrain into second growth and glades for snowshoers.
Due to environmental sensitivity, Snowshoe Hare loop is closed annually from March 31 to Nov. 30.
Please note that not all trails on the summer map are completed, and caution is advised until complete signage is installed.
Trail Etiquette
This is a multi-use area. Be safety conscious and courtesy to others.
Please co-operate to help keep the trails safe and enjoyable for everyone. Be respectful of other trail users. If you are considerate today, the next users will return your favour tomorrow.
Please adhere to temporary trail closures to protect the local watershed and to avoid trails in poor or muddy condition.
West Bragg Creek Ski Trails are maintained for cross country skiing from Dec. 1 to March 31 annually. If hiking or snowshoeing, please avoid walking on the set ski tracks.
Snowshoers: Please use the Snowshoe Hare Loop, the summer trails and the meadows adjacent to the Mountain Road or other summer and unofficial trails for snowshoeing. (Please see map)
Equestrian: During this period, Dec. 1 to March 31, please use Mountain Road (please see map) or other unofficial or unmaintained trails to help ensure visitor safety and enjoyment.
Dogs: Dogs must be on-leash in the parking lot and in the Provincial Recreation Area (PRA) surrounding the parking lot. Dogs may be off leash on the trails, but must be under control at all times. If skiing with a dog on leash, a short leash is recommended, as a long leash presents a safety hazard to other skiers. Please clean up after your pets and dispose of in garbage bins provided. Do not permit your dog to harass wildlife.
Skiers: Please ski on the right, pass on the left and skate ski in the middle. Uphill skier has the right of way. Do not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible to others.
For further information, please contact the Elbow Valley Information Centre at 403 949-4261.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CO-OPERATION
In case of emergency, call 911 and ask for Kananaskis Country Emergency Dispatch
Winter Ski Trails
New multi-use summer trails were built in the west Bragg Creek area of Kananaskis Country in 2011. New trails are susceptible to premature wear and erosion and need time to compact and harden.
We need your cooperation to ensure the development of a sustainable trail system.
All Users: Please do not use new trails when they are soft and wet.
Equestrian Users: Severe damage from horses has already impacted some of the trails. New trails are not yet firm enough for equestrian use. Excessive damage can occur even in dry weather. Trails may be open to all users by mid-summer 2012. Please use existing ski trails until further notice
These trails are being built through private and public donations, and the contributions of thousands of hours of volunteer services.
Please respect the trails and the efforts of others.
Trailhead information
The west Bragg Creek trailhead is approximately 10 km west of the hamlet of Bragg Creek, Alberta, on Township Road 232. While in the area, don’t forget to stop and explore the hamlet of Bragg Creek, with many shops, restaurants, coffee shops and services.