For those thinking of making a trip to the Canadian Rockies for some sledding, let me make a few suggestions. I don't claim to be an expert. I can only speak from experience.
Within 1.5 hours from Calgary, you can be on your sled and riding in Kananaskis Country. We go west of Longview to Etherington Creek and Cataract Creek. Due to our Chinooks (ie. unseasonably warm temps) conditions can vary extremely here. Beautiful scenery and close to the city. Mostly trail riding, but if your with someone that knows where to go, you can find some great play areas.
If you go south to Fernie, expect a 3-4 hour drive. The area that I've sledded in is called "The Pipeline" and "China Wall". There is an area west of Fernie called "Rolling Hills" (I think) that my buddy says is great. We plan on going there this year to check it out.
Whatever you do, don't let anyone tell you to start at the "Inn On The Border" when going to The Pipeline and China Wall. The trail is typically rough, and you burn most of your gas just getting to the good play areas! I recommend going to Fernie, where the trail starts at the "Fas Gas" station and takes you right in. This trail seems to be well maintained. I hate to trash "...The Border", but we did not have a good experience there. Good breakfast, but bad advice. Live and learn!
Although it's a little farther away, Revy is my favorite! It takes us 4-5 hours to get there. We stay at a place called Powder Springs. They cater to Cat-Skiers and Sledders. $20 per person per night(double-occupancy) and that includes a great breakfast buffet! The only two areas that I've been to at Revy are Frisby Ridge and Boulder Mountain. Both are minutes from town. Snow is deep and hills are steep! Fog can be a problem, so try to plan on a long enough stay so you don't leave disappointed.
I prefer Boulder Mtn, but Frisby is hard not to like. Be careful you don't venture into the restricted caribou range on Frisby! There are other areas around Revy that I have not visited, but they sound great! We hope to check these out this season. It's nice to find a local guide to find the good spots.
For any of the areas I've discussed, expect to re-tune for high altitude (4000' to 7500') and make sure you have avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels. Dress in layers 'cause it can be fairly warm up there. Besides, it's hard to get cold when your working your butt off!
There are hundreds of other places to go, and I wish I could discuss them. Unfortunately, I haven't had the pleasure of visiting them. Someday, I hope!
Within 1.5 hours from Calgary, you can be on your sled and riding in Kananaskis Country. We go west of Longview to Etherington Creek and Cataract Creek. Due to our Chinooks (ie. unseasonably warm temps) conditions can vary extremely here. Beautiful scenery and close to the city. Mostly trail riding, but if your with someone that knows where to go, you can find some great play areas.
If you go south to Fernie, expect a 3-4 hour drive. The area that I've sledded in is called "The Pipeline" and "China Wall". There is an area west of Fernie called "Rolling Hills" (I think) that my buddy says is great. We plan on going there this year to check it out.
Whatever you do, don't let anyone tell you to start at the "Inn On The Border" when going to The Pipeline and China Wall. The trail is typically rough, and you burn most of your gas just getting to the good play areas! I recommend going to Fernie, where the trail starts at the "Fas Gas" station and takes you right in. This trail seems to be well maintained. I hate to trash "...The Border", but we did not have a good experience there. Good breakfast, but bad advice. Live and learn!
Although it's a little farther away, Revy is my favorite! It takes us 4-5 hours to get there. We stay at a place called Powder Springs. They cater to Cat-Skiers and Sledders. $20 per person per night(double-occupancy) and that includes a great breakfast buffet! The only two areas that I've been to at Revy are Frisby Ridge and Boulder Mountain. Both are minutes from town. Snow is deep and hills are steep! Fog can be a problem, so try to plan on a long enough stay so you don't leave disappointed.
I prefer Boulder Mtn, but Frisby is hard not to like. Be careful you don't venture into the restricted caribou range on Frisby! There are other areas around Revy that I have not visited, but they sound great! We hope to check these out this season. It's nice to find a local guide to find the good spots.
For any of the areas I've discussed, expect to re-tune for high altitude (4000' to 7500') and make sure you have avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels. Dress in layers 'cause it can be fairly warm up there. Besides, it's hard to get cold when your working your butt off!
There are hundreds of other places to go, and I wish I could discuss them. Unfortunately, I haven't had the pleasure of visiting them. Someday, I hope!
