Cross Country Skiing at Chester Lake / Smith-Dorrien Highway

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Description: It would appear that the incredibly popular Chester Lake Trail has replaced the Cascade Fire Road in Banff National Park as the traditional early season opener for Calgarians. It's an official K-Country Trail, well-signed, just the right length and most important, the snow comes early in November. But for some strange reason, everyone thinks of this trail as easy. It's not. Not unless you're alone and it's just snowed 30 centimeters. While there's no avalanche danger on the trail, be vigilant if going further afield.

The start up steeply inclined logging roads is less than aesthetic, but after that it's a pleasant and mostly easy ski through alternating forest and snow covered meadows.

The picturesue valley to the north of Chester Creek holds three small frozen lakes. When the snow conditions are just right, this is an excellent ski.

Distance: 12.2 Kilometers Return

Height Gain: 311 Meters

Maximum Height Gain: 2216 Meters

Difficulty Level: Moderate / Intermediate

Carpool Depart: Please arrive 15 minutes before so carpooling can be arranged, as we will be leaving at 8:00 a.m. sharp. The Club suggests a compensation of 6 cents per kilometer both ways for the driver(s).

Driving Distance: 145 Kilometers one way. The Club suggests a compensation of $0.06 cents per kilometer both ways for the driver(s) of the carpools. (Approximately $17.00)

Event Coordinator: For inquires, please contact the event coordinator Paul Omlin at (403) 270-7879 between 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Notice of Cancellation: The trip leader will contact registered participants by telephone or email if the trip is cancelled or postponed. Registrants are asked to contact the trip leader if they are not able to attend.

Guest Policy: Guests are welcome to 'try us out' on a couple of events. Please complete a Guest Waiver (https://calgaryskiclub.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Calgary-Ski-Club-Informed-Consent-and-Assumption-of-Risk-Agreement-.pdf) and bring it with you and provide to the trip leader.

Please check the Cross Country Checklist regarding recommended equipment at https://calgaryskiclub.org/resources/cross-country/ on the Club Website.

Before returning to Calgary, for those of you that are interested, we will be stopping at Kananaskis Village for light snacks and refreshments.

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