If you appreciate sledding in the mountains, then Elkford, B.C., just might be the place for you. This little town tucked into the Rocky Mountains is a great community that is very accommodating to riders; the area is beautiful and the amazing terrain can’t be beat.
The above trail map has been created from the Elkford Snowmobile Association trail map. To view the association's maps, click here.
Koko Claims serves up delicious powder
Some of the most popular sledding in the Elkford area can be found at Koko Claims; there is an exciting array of options that exist here. The staging area, known as Round Prairie, lies just north of town at Kilometre 105. Head directly west of Round Prairie and you’ll find Koko Claims. There are about 20 kilometres of trail; the trail is generally groomed once or twice a week and leads to nearly limitless riding. Experienced sledders can choose to follow the trail to gorgeous alpine bowls that are often full of deep powder. Also accessible from the Koko Claims trail are Bull River and Munroe Lake. Facilities are minimal in these places, but these are great areas offering stunning scenery that make for an ideal lunchtime stop. Munroe Lake has a network of trails that beg to be explored. Mear Lake and Smith Basin are awesome destinations for the intermediate rider, while advanced snowmobilers can consider heading up to Tundra and the Gorge. Wayne’s World is another area for experienced sledders; it is often excellent later in the season.
Although Koko Claims has regularly groomed trails, it is important to remember that you’re riding in the mountains. Always use caution and make sure you have appropriate avalanche safety gear. With some common sense, experience and a few good friends, your sledding experience in Koko Claims should be awesome.
The upper Elk Valley offers family-friendly fun
The upper Elk Valley is a little less in the alpine but provides more options for family snowmobiling. The trails can take you 60-plus kilometres north of town—all the way up to Alberta. The Elkford Snowmobile Association cabin is at Kilometre 140; this is a good place to stop for a break and a bite to eat. This area features a number of rewarding sledding spots, such as Britt Creek, Little Weary and Aldridge Creek. If you’re looking for family riding, then Britt Creek is a great choice, and the power-line riding is seemingly endless. Aldridge Creek is a place best left for advanced snowmobilers.
At times, the Elkford Snowmobile Association has groomed up to 80 kilometres of trail in the Elk Valley. This is now dependent on the logging in the area and whether the roads have been plowed. Regardless, the power line is always an easy riding option.
You can pick up your voluntary trail pass at either of the two gas stations in town; when you do so, be sure to also get the available trail map. Although there is less chance of an avalanche in the valley—making it an excellent family destination—it’s still very important that you use common sense when snowmobiling here.
