The Watt Mountain Wanderers maintain High Level’s trails and organize a variety of activities and events throughout the winter.
How many kilometres of trails do you have?
About 350 kilometres of signed trails run through wilderness Crown land.
What are your top trails/riding areas?
The Watt Mountain Loop is about 130 kilometres and would take a family about five to six hours to complete or less if your group consists of more experienced riders. And the Machesis Lake Trail is 74 kilometres one way and you’ll end up at the Peace River. It’s a pretty flat run and will take about 1.5 hours each way or longer for families.
How do you get to the staging area?
Both the Watt Mountain Loop and the Machesis Lake Trail can be staged from any hotel in High Level.
Is there enough room at the staging area for trucks with big trailers?
All hotels in High Level are sled-friendly and have enough parking for trailers.
Do trail fees apply to all your trails/riding areas? If so, how much are the trail fees?
Purchase an Alberta Snowmobile Association pass and you will get a Watt Mountain Trail pass included. A trail pass should be purchased each season for each sled that rides the trails.
How much is it for an annual membership?
Season pass: $70 until December 31, $80 afterwards; day pass: $20
Where can I get a trail pass?
In High Level, you can purchase trail passes at the following businesses: Northern Services Yamaha & Rentals, True North Ford or U-Wash Car & Truck Wash
What kind of groomer does your club have?
We have two groomers, both by Mogul Master: a 12x18 pulled by our Bombardier Snowcat and a 4X10 which is pulled by Barry Toker’s Elite snowmobile.
Are there any cabins or warm-up shelters in the area. What are they like?
There are three picnic sites and two warm-up shelters on the trail system, all complete with firepits or wood stoves to add to the adventure.
When and where do you have your club meetings?
Once a month during the off season we try to get together to get updates, usually at the Toker gazebo at Hutch Lake or at a backyard gazebo in High Level. During the season we have official monthly and unofficial weekly meetings for updates and planning at the Town of High Level in room 110 at 7 p.m.
What are your annual events and when do they usually take place?
We have our annual poker rally in February during the long weekend. We hold snowmobile drag races once a month, and we try to work around other events in town so that they are not on the same date. Our Fishing Derby will be an annual event hosted in March before the thaw of Hutch Lake.
We usually get together with riders from Rainbow Lake and High Level to raise donations of toys for families at the Safe Home in High Level and Rainbow Lake. The riders start at their homes and ride to meet halfway at the Chinchaga River where there is an exchange of toys and a meal provided for the riders. We also have been participating in the local Santa Claus Parade and winter family day, providing rides in sleighs and toboggans pulled by our sleds on a groomed trail for families as well as putting our own rendition of a float in the parade.
Is there someone who usually co-ordinates the events? How can he or she be contacted?
We all take on several parts of responsibilities for the events because it makes it easier for all of the members to participate with their busy home lives. However, all of the responsibilities are divided out at our annual AGM in the fall. The main contact is our president, Barry Toker (780-926-1231).
What year was the club started?
1997
On average, how many members are in your club?
130
Who is the current club president and will he/she still be president for the 2016/2017 season?
Our current president is Barry Toker with vice-president Claude Duval. Unless something comes up, both will remain for the next season as they are doing a great job.
If people want more information about the club or area, who can they contact?
Call Barry Toker at 780-926-1231 or go onto the club’s website or Facebook page: www.wattmountainwanderers.ca or www.facebook.com/wattmountainwanderers
