Check out Athabasca’s trail photos to get excited for the sledding season

Check out Athabasca’s trail photos to get excited for the sledding season.

by Jillian Clark —

A line of riders from the Athabasca Rier Runners club, on the Grassy Lake trail.
The Athabasca River Runners organize an annual media ride to promote Athabasca's trails. This shot is from the route to Grassy Lake in February 2015. Lynn Olson photo

There’s no denying the beauty born on the trails of Athabasca each year when the snow falls. Alberta’s winters can be unpredictable, but Athabasca’s trails ceaselessly provide snowy escapes.

“The Cabin” under a large dump of new powder snow, on the South West end of the Bilsky Loop, about 7km off of the Trans Canada Snowmobile Trail.
The cabin on the southwest end of the Bilsky Loop, about 7 kilometres off the Trans Canada Snowmobile Trail. Lynn Olson photo

They trail system spreads as far as Spotted Horse Lake in the north and joins with the Westlock trails in the south, providing ample space for sledders. With an expanding 300 kilometres of groomed trails, as well as ungroomed trails for seasoned snowmobilers, Athabasca is any Albertan's winter wonderland.

Better yet, Athabasca’s trails are perfect for the whole family. These ASA approved trails offer the adventure of a western winter along with the safety of rest stops and shelters. Five fully stocked fire areas and two warm-up shacks give sledders a break from the chill. You can thank the Athabasca River Runners Snowmobile Club members for their regular maintenance of these trouble-free trails.

The Junction off of the Trans Canada Snowmobile Trail to Grassy Lake and beyond. Dennis Irving, special projects, and Dave Bilsky, club president, checking out the trails before the annual club rally. February 2013.
The junction of the Trans Canada Snowmobile Trail to Grassy Lake and beyond. Dennis Irving, special projects, and Dave Bilsky, club president, checking out the trails before the annual club rally in February 2013. Lynn Olson photo

With the River Runners watching the trails, you’re guaranteed a great day trip. Regular club trips promote safe family snowmobiling, and their annual snowmobile rally is a great place to meet and greet like-minded sledders.

Taken on the Athabasca River Runners' media ride a couple years back by The Athabasca Advocate, the local paper. The rider is Marianne McGee from Travel Alberta.
Taken on the Athabasca River Runners' media ride a couple years back by the Athabasca Advocate, the local paper. The rider is Marianne McGee from Travel Alberta. Lynn Olson photo

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