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.
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 Alberta Community Development and search by activity to find areas where snowmobiling is permitted, onsite and offsite.
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.
Snowmobiling by Region
All of Alberta’s six tourism regions have snowmobile areas and trails that are open to the public. Use our advanced search feature in the top right menu. Type in “snowmobiling” to find a whole host of areas, tour operators and clubs. Many offer vacation packages and rentals. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Alberta Central
A visit to the town of Whitecourt will soon reveal why it is known as the Snowmobile Capital of Alberta. It is the main link in a 354 km (220 mi) loop known as the Golden Triangle that includes connections through Swan Hills and Fox Creek. Within the Triangle, check out the Carson, Eagle and Athabasca loops. "Powder hog" heaven.
Less than an hour northeast of Edmonton, the Redwater Natural Area allows snowmobiling. The areas around Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg have gorgeous trails and are very popular because of their proximity to Red Deer, Edmonton and Calgary.
Alberta North
Snowmobiling in the High Level area is one of the best kept secrets among local sledders. Because of its northerly location, the snow lasts a lot longer—snowmobiling season has been known to run as long as nine months. There are 350km (217 mi) of groomed trails weaving through flatland and boreal forest, making it an ideal family adventure. The remote backcountry of Kakwa Wildland Park approximately 600 km (373 mi) northwest of Edmonton allows snowmobile access.
Alberta South
The Crowsnest Pass region caters to snowmobilers. The Carbondale Snowmobile Area near Beaver Mines is one of the best, with 45 km (28 mi) of marked and groomed trails.
Canadian Rockies
Grande Cache, Cataract Creek, Sibbald Flats and Fisher Staging Area are Rocky Mountain favourites. Kananaskis Country has many snowmobiling trails. McLean Creek Provincial Recreation Area near Bragg Creek allows onsite snowmobiling.
Edmonton & Area
Around Edmonton you’ll find 250 km (155 mi) of groomed trails in Westlock and others in nearby Spruce Grove. On Highway 16 directly south of Elk Island National Park, the Cooking Lake-Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area allows snowmobiling.
Special Events
The province hosts numerous events and races, with a major crowd pleaser being the ASA Jamboree—all snowmobilers are welcome to attend trail rides, competitions, a banquet and dance. The jamboree is held every February or March in a different area.
Related Holiday Ideas
Additional Resources
