Snowmobiling
Alberta's snowmobile trail system was established for destination touring so sledders are never far from rest stops and amenities. Choose from more than 5,000 km (3,100 mi) of groomed trails across a variety of terrain around the province. Our snowmobile season typically runs from early December until April, depending on the snow pack and the region.
Snowmobiling in Alberta Central
Snowmobilers head for areas around Whitecourt and Westlock to sled through forested terrain. Whitecourt is the “Snowmobile Capital of Alberta”, a reputation that is richly deserved. With over 350 km of groomed trails, Whitecourt, Swan Hills and Fox Creek make up the Goldon Triangle Trail, a snowmobiler’s paradise. The Eagle River Snowmobile Area, located 13 km northwest of Whitecourt on Highway 32 is 120 km of snowmobile trials open, free of charge, from December 1st to May 1st. Special events occur in the area all winter long.
Snowmobiles are welcome on the “Silver Summit Trail”. Snowmobile trails interconnecting between Silver Summit, Edson, Fox Creek and Whitecourt.
The Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area in our northeastern cooridor offers excellent snowmobiling experiences on un-groomed trails and along peaceful lakeshores. The Air Weapons Range Boundary Trail from Heart Lake Tower to the north shore of Spencer Lake, then around a bay on the northwest end of Spencer Lake and south to the north shore of Seibert Lake, and Pinehurst South trail south from Pinehurst Lake to the TransCanada pipeline are also favorite places to snowmobile.
The Iron Horse Trail a 300 km multi-use trail system is a popular snowmobiling route. The trail is signed and it will take you through some of the most breathtaking winter wonderland scenes in the region. The southern portion of the trail is also a part of the Trans Canada Snowmobile Trail.
Fresh crisp air will heighten your senses and bring on a good hearty appetite, so when your day is done stop in town and savour some savoury country cooking.
Snowmobile drag racing is an event you don’t see everyday, but it’s a regular occurance at several winter festivals around Alberta Central. If you want to see the snow really fly, check out the Winter Festival of Speed in Lac La Biche.
Still think outdoor fun ends with the passing of summer? Not here in Alberta Central; whether it’s summer or winter, the fun lasts all year long!
Getting Started
Everything you need to know about snowmobiling can be found at Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA). This comprehensive site provides information on trail passes, vehicle registration, licences, snowmobile safety, nature conservation, avalanche courses, special events and survival gear. The ASA’s 2,400 members establish and maintain high quality trails using grooming machines to connect region to region and also to link to neighbouring provinces. Along the network of trails there are numerous safety shelters. Purchase a season pass or day passes through the ASA’s website, its local clubs, some snowmobile dealerships and retail outlets near the trail network.A Word of Caution about Provincial Parks & Recreation Areas
In general, our provincial parks and recreation areas prohibit snowmobilers. However, some parks allow snowmobile access to lakes with boat-launch parking areas. Visit Gateway to Alberta's Parks winter activities page where you can also search by activity to find areas where onsite and offsite snowmobiling is permitted.
Sites that provide access to developed snowmobile trails include Atlas Road, Big Mountain Creek, Carbondale, Cataract Creek, Chambers Creek, Eagle River, Fallen Timber South, Krause Lake, Little Sundance Winter Staging Area, Losegun Lake, McLean Creek, Sibbald Area and South Ghost. In the Lakeland Provincial Recreation Area near Lac La Biche, sporadic plowing occurs at Seibert, Ironwood, Pinehurst and Touchwood lakes. Snowmobiles here are not allowed on roads or within campgrounds, only on designated trails.
