Fort McMurray prides itself on its generous snowfall every year. David Janes, president of the McMurray Sno-Drifters Association, said the area also features a wide variety of terrain and interesting elevation changes. Sledders can go from the flats all the way up to the mountains, with opportunities to ride numerous types of trails along the club's large, well-maintained trail system. The scenic views and chances to see wildlife are abundant.
The Anzac Trail
For an easy ride for families or beginners, the Anzac Trail is perfect. The most challenging part of the trail is a railway crossing. There are not a lot of terrain changes and sledders can stop at a couple of really nice rest areas along the way. The trail is well signed and easy to navigate.
Staging area: Just inside city limits, about two kilometres from the airport on Highway 69
Length: The loop is 60 to 80 kilometres
Difficulty level: Easy
Thickwood Tower Trail or Stony Mountain Trail
These trails offer challenging sections but are not extreme, said Janes. The Thickwood Tower Trail has two ravines that are easy climbs and are pretty easy going. The Stony Mountain Trail has large hills and valleys and a warm-up shack that sledders can stop at for a break or to make a bite to eat.
Length: The Stony Mountain Trail is 44 kilometres, and the Thickwood Tower Trail is 69 kilometres.
Difficulty level: Moderate
The Connector Trail
The Connector Trail, which opened last season, is the club's newest trail. It connects the Stony Mountain and Anzac trails.
"It starts off simple, where you have a lot of open areas with rolling terrain," said Janes, "and then it starts climbing into forest area, where the turns get sharper . . . and (there's) a lot more powder. It is definitely a challenging trail."
Staging area: There is no official staging area, since this trail connects two other trails. Park at either the Stony Mountain or the Anzac staging area.
Length: 35 kilometres one-way
Difficulty level: Challenging
Sledding events
Poker Rally: March 2, 2013
Family Fun Rides: for information visit the club's website
