The winters rock in Westlock—period. The surrounding areas of prairie land are covered in scenic vistas and secluded forest trails. The local club, the Pembina Drift Busters, has an average membership of 70 families who share a passion for sledding and good times with family and friends.
For the love of the sport
Denise England, the secretary for the Pembina Drift Busters and the Alberta Snowmobile Association, said that she started sledding in Westlock in 1985. She got into the sport when she split the cost of a sled with her brother, and she continues to ride whenever she can.
“I love the sport and I don’t care where I go,” said England. “That is an Alberta mentality. We ride trails here because we love riding and we will ride anywhere. We ride for the sport and the people—the people who are safe, who know what is going on, that are courteous and that don’t drink. That is why we ride and we have so much fun because we have the same attitude.”
The trail system around Westlock is ideally suited for families and groomed by a member of the Pembina Drift Busters. Regardless of which direction sledders choose to take, they will have an enjoyable and expansive journey.
“Our trails are great,” said England. “They are nicely groomed and family rideable. There is no one that can’t ride our trails—as long as you are legal to get on a snowmobile, you can ride our trails.”
A close-knit group
Westlock is situated 85 kilometres northwest of Edmonton and has a population of approximately 5,000 people. England said there is a big calling for sledding in the community and the club members are always eager to host snowmobiling events.
“(The Pembina Drift Busters formed) in 1986, so we are a stable and respectable club,” said England. “Three of our members are on the board of the Alberta Snowmobile Association and that is huge. We are joiners…If anyone ever wants to host something and no one else will do it, we will put our hand up because we love it. We all think alike too, and we have all been friends for so long—that is what we have worked hard on.”
