The High Rockies Trail — See our Guide — is finished with the exception of signage. The official opening planned for August 26 as part of the Trans CanadaTrail celebrations was cancelled by Trailnet – we consider the trail to be open! It is just under 82 km from Goat Creek to Elk Pass at the powerline. While almost all of the trail can be used in winter there are a few things you should be aware of:
- From Goat creek to Canyon Road the trail can be used by snowshoers, winter walkers, fat tire bikers, and where suitable by skiers. Between Goat Creek and Three Sisters Dam you will share the trail with commercial sled dog operators.
- From Canyon south to Elk Pass, the High Rockies Trail is almost all groomed ski trail. Fat tire bikers and snowshoers are asked not to use this section of the HRT during the grooming season.
- The section of trail through the Buller avalanche control zone is now officially closed between Nov 1st and May 1st. Signs are up at either end of the section and at the winter access (see map).
- The impressive 73 m (240 ft.) suspension bridge at Blackshale Creek is finished. There are trails down to the highway on either side if you want to hike up for a quick look. See map.
Comments on this entry are closed.
I agree Alf. Rummel is an official winter trail. It’s going to make it difficult and dangerous for skiers using the winter campground who will be descending with heavy packs. I suggest you bring this to the attention of Parks, who I am told, have to sign off on the High Rockies Trail. Hopefully it can be remedied by the builders before the trail is officially handed over.
There are only three sections of the HRT that, in my opinion, skiers will enjoy:
– Goat Creek to Three Sisters Dam
– Chester to Sawmill
– The groomed ski trails from Canyon to Elk Pass
The other sections are narrow, winding bike trails that can be winter walked or snowshoed.