The Northland Sno-Goers occupies the western portion of the Golden Triangle that connects snowmobilers in Whitecourt and Swan Hills to Fox Creek. About 250 to 300 kilometres of groomed trails belongs to the Fox Creek area. The boreal forest of central Alberta gives riders scenic views through treed hills and valleys.
Main Fox Creek snowmobile area
Anywhere along the Golden Triangle is a good option once the first snow flies. However, the Sno-Goers' most popular trail is out to Eagle Tower, then on to Herald’s Hut.
Sheila Gilmore, the 2017/2018 club president, prefers riding to Trappers Cabin, an original trapper’s cabin gifted to the snowmobile club years ago.
“It’s a big gathering spot,” she said. “The kids can ride around from there and have lots of places they can go, but the adults can hang out at the cabin and socialize with friends and family.”
Where is the staging area?
The Sno-Goers’ main staging area is the Fox Creek arena and community hall parking lots. Another option is just outside of town on Iosegun Lake Road. For out-of-town riders, sleds are allowed on roads in Fox Creek on low speeds to reach the trailhead from their hotel. The Sno-Goers updates its website with driving instructions, based on snow conditions and construction.
Where to get trail passes for Fox Creek, Alberta
Trail passes can be purchased through the executive board members of the Sno-Goers or at Urban Style Salon in town. They are $70 until December 31. Afterwards, the price rises to $80.
What groomer does the Northland Sno-Goers use?
Bare Contractors volunteer its services to the Sno-Goers to groom the trails. They use a Bombardier Snowcat and a Mogul Master Drag.
How many kilometres of trails do you have?
300 kilometres.
What are your top riding areas?
West Heavy Sound Loop is a favourite. It’s a trail that goes toward the Legion’s Cabin and Trappers Cabin. It has lots of different terrain and a fantastic view of the Iosegun River Valley.
Are there any cabins or warm up shetlers in your area? What are they like?
Trappers Cabin (35 kilometres from Fox Creek)
It’s a very old, rustic log cabin with a wood stove and a fire pit outside.
Beaver Dam (18 kilometres from Fox Creek)
Warm-up area on the Eagle Run Trail with fire pit.
Picnic Table (15 kilometres from Fox Creek)
Warm up area on West Heavy Sound Loop with a fire pit.
Legion Cabin (15 kilometres from Fox Creek)
This is a brand-new large cabin that was put in by the legion, and is on the West Heavy Sound Loop with a wood stove and fire pit.
Eagle Cabin (30 kilometres from Fox Creek)
This is a new cabin on the Eagle Run with a wood stove and fire pit.
Harold’s Hut (60 kilometres from Fox Creek)
This is a very large new cabin. It is named after Harold Bellwood, one of the founding members of the club. He has been a lifelong volunteer and still does much of the trail grooming to this day. This cabin is located on the main Golden Triangle Trail about halfway between Fox Creek and Swan Hills. It has a wood stove and fire pit.
Edson/Grande Prairie Trail Cabin (55 kilometres from Fox Creek)
Although not actually affiliated with the club or on the official trail system, the Northland Sno-Goers usually groom the trail out to this cabin. It’s a beautiful, big log cabin with a wood stove and fire pit.
On average, how many members are in your club?
100-120 members.
The Northland Sno-Goers club meetings
The meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month at 8 p.m. at the Fox Creek Community Hall.
How to join The Sno-Goers?
The Northland Sno-Goers doesn't have any club membership fees. They only ask that riders purchase an ASA trial pass. At club meetings, registration and emails are recorded for any individuals wishing to join. Attendees sign in to each meeting, and the minutes are emailed to members following the meeting.
Annual snowmobile events in Fox Creek
The Northland Sno-Goers hosts an annual poker rally the first Saturday of February each year.
Connect with the Sno-Goers:
Club start date:
Originally founded in 1970 as the Fox Creek Snowmobile Club, the group incorporated to become the Northland Sno-Goers in 1974.
Current president:
Sheila Gilmore 780-622-9489
2018 Alberta Provincial Snowmobile Festival the weekend of February 3.
Each year, clubs across the province bid to host the Alberta Snowmobile Association Festival. This year the Northland Sno-Goers will host the 2018 Festival on the same weekend as its annual club poker rally: February 2 and 3. The festival will not change the Sno-Goers’ annual event in any way, except a lot more people are expected to attend.
The weekend kicks off with a meet-and-greet at the Fox Creek Community Hall on Friday, February 2. Snacks will be provided with the purchase of a full weekend ticket. On Saturday morning, riders will buy their poker hands. The Sno-Goers have arranged two rides: one for more experienced riders and one that is family friendly. Riders will go out on the trails to gather their poker hands, then back to the Fox Creek Community Hall for a family-friendly dinner, dance and awards ceremony.
Riders can register locally with club president Sheila Gilmore. They may also register on the Sno-Goers website. Tickets are $40 per person (12+) for the entire weekend. Kids six to 12 are $20. Tickets for the ride only are $20 per person. Poker hands will be available for purchase at the Saturday morning check-in.
