Trail Talk
In true Bragg Creek fashion, March roared in like a lion, delivering much-needed snow and cooler temperatures. This winter has been a rollercoaster for trail conditions, with ski grooming proving especially challenging. However, fat tire bikers have been thrilled—many reporting that the trails have never been in better shape! This balance between trail types showcases how well the multi-use trail system works in an area where predicting snowpack is as reliable as a coin flip.
That doesn’t mean the ski trails were neglected. Far from it! The Bragg Creek Trails (BCT) Operations team worked tirelessly, even resorting to snow harvesting to keep core trails skiable. This labor- intensive effort paid off when XC Bragg Creek (XCBC) athletes were able to train and compete at the Alberta Youth Championships in early March. A huge shoutout to the dedicated BCT and XCBC volunteers who helped prepare the course—without their efforts, this ski event would have been a running race instead! Of course, in typical fashion, the snow finally arrived on Monday morning after the event.
Now that April is here, the ski grooming season has officially ended as of March 31. With the sun climbing higher each day, maintaining the snowpack and ski trail connectivity becomes impossible. BCT’s focus now shifts to trail assessments and repairs as the snow melts, revealing areas needing maintenance. Drainage management is always a priority to keep our trails in great shape as we transition into spring.
Spring Trail Etiquette: Protecting Our Trails and Wildlife
This time of year brings rapidly changing conditions with freeze-thaw cycles, making the trails more vulnerable to damage. If you’re leaving deep tire ruts, post-holing, or building clumps of mud under your boots, it’s a sign that the trails are too soft. A simple fix? Head out early in the morning while the ground is still frozen or stick to south-facing trails, which tend to dry out faster.
Spring is also a crucial time for local wildlife. Birds are nesting, and newborn animals are venturing out for the first time. These little ones are especially vulnerable to disturbance, so please give them space and keep dogs under control to help protect their habitat.
As we shift into the warmer months, huge thanks to everyone who continues to respect the trails, the environment, and the incredible outdoor community we have here in Bragg Creek.
Here’s to another season of great adventures—see you out there!
Conrad Schiebel (BCT President)
