Favorite Snowmobile Areas
Ghost Area
This area is relatively dry and exposed to warm chinook winds that dry the ground in a hurry resulting in a very thin snowpack. If Calgary has no snow, this area likely will to but if it's one of those heavy snow years, then get out and explore a new area. You will generally find more snow the further north you go. You can often get an idea of the conditions by checking Gravsports-ice.com (an ice climbing forum) for any posts on Ghost access or road conditions.
Sibbald Area
(Open Jan 1 - March 31 with the exception of Powderface Trail which is open Dec 1 - April 30) Sibbald Flats are
also prone to the regular chinook winds that visit Calgary throughout the year always check conditions first. However, the easy access from Calgary, still make this area a popular spot.
Elbow Valley
(Open Jan 1 - March 31) There are two areas for snowmobiling in the Elbow Valley, McLean Creek and Elbow Loop. Both are located down HWY 66 past Bragg Creek. McLean Creek offers some of the best sledding within a short drive from Calgary. Depending on the year you can have excellent snow conditions or minimal snow conditions.
Cataract Creek
(Open Dec 1 - April 30) This area holds the largest trail network and the best trails in the Kananaskis area. Cataract Creek is located west of Longview off of HWY 40, South of Highwood Junction. If you have the full day, it's worth a drive as conditions are often notably better in this area.
This area is relatively dry and exposed to warm chinook winds that dry the ground in a hurry resulting in a very thin snowpack. If Calgary has no snow, this area likely will to but if it's one of those heavy snow years, then get out and explore a new area. You will generally find more snow the further north you go. You can often get an idea of the conditions by checking Gravsports-ice.com (an ice climbing forum) for any posts on Ghost access or road conditions.
Sibbald Area
(Open Jan 1 - March 31 with the exception of Powderface Trail which is open Dec 1 - April 30) Sibbald Flats are
also prone to the regular chinook winds that visit Calgary throughout the year always check conditions first. However, the easy access from Calgary, still make this area a popular spot.
Elbow Valley
(Open Jan 1 - March 31) There are two areas for snowmobiling in the Elbow Valley, McLean Creek and Elbow Loop. Both are located down HWY 66 past Bragg Creek. McLean Creek offers some of the best sledding within a short drive from Calgary. Depending on the year you can have excellent snow conditions or minimal snow conditions.
Cataract Creek
(Open Dec 1 - April 30) This area holds the largest trail network and the best trails in the Kananaskis area. Cataract Creek is located west of Longview off of HWY 40, South of Highwood Junction. If you have the full day, it's worth a drive as conditions are often notably better in this area.
Trail Conditions: Kananaskis Country Snowmobile Trail Conditions (click here)
Area Maps
Ghost Area Map
Click to: Download Map
Kananaskis Overview with detailed Area Maps
(includes McLean Creek FLUZ, Sibbald FLUZ, Elbow Loop & Cataract Creek FLUZ) Click to: Download Map
Cataract Creek Overview
Map produced by Kananaskis Region | Parks Division | Tourism,
Parks and Recreation Ministry, Government of Alberta Click to: Download Map
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Kananaskis Overview
Click to: Download Map
McLean Creek Area Map
Click to: Download Map
Click for maps of: Bragg Creek and Kananaskis
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