Long before high-horsepower machines and groomed highways of snow, a small group of determined Elkford riders were carving a winter playground one shovel-full at a time. The Elkford Snowmobile Association was born from that grit and love of the backcountry, with early members boot-packing trails, hauling sleds forward by hand, and slowly opening access to areas that are now local favourites. Places like Tundra and Wayne’s World aren’t just fun names—they’re living reminders of the club’s origins, when creativity, perseverance, and community spirit mattered far more than engine size.
Today, that same grassroots dedication continues to shape snowmobiling in Elkford. With a growing membership, a volunteer-driven trail network, and a deep respect for the land and its history, the association balances rugged wilderness riding with responsible access and community connection. From family-friendly groomed trails to challenging alpine terrain, the Elkford Snowmobile Association goes beyond maintaining trails to preserve a way of life that’s become an integral part of the Elk Valley. We spoke with Association President David Baines and PR team member Lindsey Armitage to hear more about the club’s history, mission, and future.
Can you tell us a bit about the history of the Elkford Snowmobile Association?
The Elkford Snowmobile Association has been part of this community for decades. It started with a handful of passionate locals who loved sledding and wanted to make sure there were safe, accessible trails for everyone to enjoy. All of our spur trails that head into play areas were originally pioneered by those early sledders on their low-powered machines. It would take them weeks to boot-pack and shovel their way forward, move the sled a few hundred feet, then do it all over again. One of our popular areas, called Tundra, is named after the old Ski-Doo Tundra that first made it up there. Another spot, Wayne’s World, is named for the guy who owned that Tundra. The effort those riders put in really laid the groundwork for the trail network we enjoy today.
How many members does the club currently have, and has that number grown in recent years?
Our members range from lifelong residents to newcomers who were drawn to Elkford for its deep snow and welcoming sledding community. Last year, club membership broke 100 members for the first time ever. We’re early in the season yet, only enough snow for the truly intrepid, but we’ve already got 40 members signed up, well on our way to another record year.
What is the main mission or goal of the club today?
Our mission is to promote safe and responsible snowmobiling while preserving access to our incredible backcountry for everyone to enjoy. Our club leadership also participates in regional trail and backcountry management initiatives to make sure our members are informed and that our voice is heard. We’re working toward building a relationship with the Tobacco Plains Indian Band as well, doing our part to show respect to the land and the people who have cared for it for generations.
What makes the Elkford snowmobiling experience unique compared to other areas in the Kootenays?
Elkford is something special. We’ve got deep snow, incredible terrain, and that true wilderness feel that’s getting harder to find. You can ride for hours without seeing another sled, and our trails take you right into the mountains. It’s rugged, beautiful, and still very much wild, just the way we like it.
How would you describe the local riding terrain and trail network?
The terrain around Elkford is as varied as it gets. We’ve got family-friendly groomed trails that wind through the valleys and connect to warm-up shacks, as well as high-alpine play areas that challenge even experienced riders. Koko Claims is one of our most well-known spots, offering stunning views and deep snow all season long.
What kind of maintenance and grooming work goes into keeping the trails ready each season?
Our volunteers put in a huge amount of work every year. Before the snow flies, crews are out clearing brush, checking trails, and prepping equipment. Once grooming starts, it’s constant maintenance. Our grooming fleet includes a Bison groomer, which we keep in reserve for big snowfalls or clearing avalanche debris from trails. Most of the time, we use a tracked side-by-side pulling a drag, along with snowmobiles pulling smaller drags. It lets us groom more often, at lower cost, and on tighter trails, and it’s eliminated whoops from almost all of them.
Are your trails open to all skill levels, or are certain routes better suited to experienced riders?
There’s something here for everyone, but many of our play areas are definitely best suited to experienced riders, it gets steep fast! For those looking for a scenic adventure, our main trail up Crossing Creek passes into the Bull River Valley. From there, the ungroomed forestry road takes you on hours of exploration, almost all the way to Fernie or, depending on logging activity, to Canal Flats. It’s an amazing ride, with great picnic spots and ice fishing in the Bull River Valley. Munroe Lake Day Use is a favourite place for a fire-roasted hot dog.
How important is volunteer involvement to the club’s success?
It’s everything. Our club runs on volunteer power, from grooming and trail prep to events, fundraising, and community projects. Without them, we simply wouldn’t have the trails or the facilities that make riding here so great. We’re lucky to have such dedicated people who care deeply about the sport and the community.
Do you collaborate with the District of Elkford, tourism groups, or local businesses?
Absolutely. We work closely with the District of Elkford and local businesses, and we’re always looking for ways to support and promote responsible snowmobiling. What’s unique here, though, is how sledding is part of daily life. Elkford has in-town trails that connect every neighbourhood to the main riding areas, so a lot of locals never even trailer their sleds. We ride from the driveway straight to the powder, with a quick stop at the gas station for fuel and snacks. It’s an amazing kind of freedom.
What impact does snowmobiling have on Elkford’s winter economy?
Snowmobiling certainly contributes to our local economy, riders buy and food here, but tourism isn’t a huge factor in Elkford yet. Our current infrastructure and amenities just don’t support large-scale tourism, and honestly, that’s part of what keeps Elkford’s sledding experience so authentic and uncrowded. It’s very much a community-driven scene.
Do you offer any community events, like family rides or fundraisers?
Yes! We host several community-oriented events throughout the season, including social rides, poker runs, sled drag races, open houses, and BBQs. We also participate in town-wide celebrations like Remembrance Day Ceremonies, Christmas Parades, and Winter in the Wild celebrations, where we host a family fun event locally known as Cardboard Toboggan Races.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
During the early years of sledding in Elkford, the entire Elk Valley north of town was part of the snowmobile playground. The club even built an overnight cabin about 40 kilometres north of town, it’s a gem and a dream come true, a cozy spot to relax by the fire with friends after a long ride.
These days, a lot of that area is closed to motorized use, so the sledding zone is smaller than it used to be. Some years, logging or other industrial activity means the road is plowed, taking away the chance to sled from town to the cabin. But when it’s not plowed, it’s magical! Riding up the valley with friends, sharing laughs and stories, you can almost hear the echoes of those early riders laughing along with you.
