Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains of southeastern B.C., the small mining hamlet of Elkford offers the same kind of sledding as some of the bigger destinations in the Kootenay Rockies but without the crowds. Elkford also benefits from a heavy snow load, thanks, in part, to its high elevation.
Crossing Creek (Koko Claims) is Elkford’s most popular riding area and the trail in is maintained and groomed by the Elkford Snowmobile Club. Some riders will park and unload at the Round Prairie staging area, which is only minutes from town, but the vast majority of those who live in Elkford will ride right from their homes.
From the Round Prairie staging area, a 30-minute ride up the Koko Claims Trail will take you to the Honky Camp meeting area and from there, you can ride into six alpine basins as well as numerous cutblocks and trails.
Keep in mind that all of the work that the Elkford Snowmobile Club does is done by volunteers. To cover the cost of grooming, the club asks that sledders purchase a trail pass in order to ride the Koko Claims Trail. The fee for a trail pass is minimal though; it costs $15 per sled and the pass is good for seven days. An annual pass is only $25. Trail passes are available at any of the local gas stations in town.
Last season's newbie ride
There is riding for all levels in the Crossing Creek (Koko Claims) area, as evidenced by last season’s Elkford Ladies Ride and Take a Newbie Shredding Day. This event, which was organized by the Elkford chapter of The Betties Power Sports Network, was geared towards getting new riders, specifically women, involved in the sport but it saw a mixed crowd of guys and gals of all ages. The event was well supported. Members of the Elkford Snowmobile Club provided lunch for the riders and even the District of Elkford lent a hand by keeping a large area plowed for riders to park at the Round Prairie staging area.
The weather co-operated as well and there was a foot of fresh snow from the night before. The ride was followed by a dinner and social at the golf course in Elkford. Businesses throughout the Elk Valley donated a variety of prizes, from snowsuits to helmets and goggles.
“The support was amazing,” said Adele Borys. “We will definitely be doing it again.”
A backyard playground
A longtime Elkford resident, sledder and, more recently, a network director for the Betties, Borys spends just about every weekend catching air and slaying powder in the mountains around Elkford. Her passion for riding has taken her to other destinations as well, such as McBride, Revelstoke and Fernie, but Elkford is still her favourite simply because she knows the area so well. She can also ride right from her doorstep.
“The trails start right down the road and within 30 minutes up a groomed trail, we are in the mountains,” said Borys.
Borys rides the Koko Claims (Crossing Creek) area as well as Alexander Creek, which is located to the southeast of Elkford near Teck’s Line Creek Mine Operations. Borys said the staging area is just past Grave Lake. It takes about 45 minutes to ride in but once you’re in there, she said there are nine different basins to choose from. If you decide to ride this area, keep in mind, though, that the access trail is not groomed and there is a cabin but that it is only open to members of the Elk Valley Mountaineers snowmobile club in Sparwood.
Sharing her passion
Borys has had many great rides but her most memorable ride of last season was the newbie ride.
She said, “Bringing my friends and family out who never get to see what I see and having them enjoy the sport like I do was great.”
If you’re interested in sledding Elkford, see the Elkford Snowmobile Club’s website. Also, keep in mind that accommodations are limited in Elkford so it is wise to book a room in advance.
