The wait is over.
Enough snow has fallen for sledders to don helmets and fire up machines. Time to hit those trails … and have some fun.
But as ever people have been urged to remain vigilant and obey safety rules.
“The trail is open with marginal snow,” said Alan Breitkreitz, president of Barrhead’s Northern Lights Snowmobiling Club.
He asked club members to stay on the track set at 10 feet wide and stick to the 50km/h speed restriction.
“There is not enough snow to set up the trail markers or lake markers,” he said. “The corner and stop signs are up and in place to the lake.”
Breitkreitz said ice on Shoal Lake – one of the many sledding areas – was 8 inches with some floodwater in places.
Sledders should stay on the tracks across the lake, he said, and not stray from them.
“Make sure you sign in at the cabin,” he said.
The opening of the trail is great news for the club, particularly after a disappointing 2011, which saw relatively little snow.
Sledding requires a minimum of six inches of snow to prevent dirt being dragged from one field to the next and potentially spreading crop fungus.
As a member of the Alberta Snowmobiling Association, the Northern Lights club has access to a vast trail network system throughout Alberta.
Each winter the club offers Barrhead enthusiasts of different ages and skill levels the chance to explore a vast network of trails.
The club ensures there is plenty of lodging, food and gas.
Sledders have multiple options before them. One is to go north out of town towards the Misty Ridge Ski Hill, travelling over the frozen Shoal Lake. They can then either visit the ski hill or head towards the Goodridge Cabin.
Experienced sledders can spend a day travelling up to Athabasca or Swan Hills, or going towards the Flatbush Cabin.
The Northern Lights club averages about 70 members and is always keen to recruit new enthusiasts.
There are no age restrictions, although minors must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Trail passes are on sale for $60 a year until Jan. 1, when they rise to the regular price of $70.
“People should ask about our family discount on three or more sleds,” said Breitkreitz.
Trail coordinator Dale Bentz said recently that the club had so far sold 40 of its trail passes for the coming season.
Passes are available at Barrhead Motor Sports, Barrhead Electric, J’s Place or from the club executive. Would-be members or anyone seeking further information can contact Breitkreitz at 780-674-7770 or Bentz at 674-7825.
“Part of the trail pass dollars goes to provide liability insurance for the landowners over whose land we cross,” said Breitkreitz. “The ASA insurance protects the landowner and non-trail pass sleds are trespassing at the cabins and on any quarters of land that the trail passes over.”
Breitkreitz added that snowmobile prices range from $14,000 for a new machine to as little as $1,500. A good used sled could cost about $3,000 to $4,000.
The NLSC was founded in 1999 as a non-profit organization run solely by volunteers. Funding is raised through membership fees and fundraising events and the vision is to share a common passion for snowmobiling through activities with friends and family in Barrhead and at other local clubs.
The club’s next meeting is at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 at the old Frank Pizza location in the Mall, #2-4921-50th Avenue.
“Support your sport and your trail system,” Breitkreitz appealed to members.