Originally built for the 1988 Calgary Olympics, the Canmore Nordic Center was designed for the cross country and biathlon Olympic events. In 2004, a multi-million dollar project was started to update the Nordic Center to modern standards and branch out from just Nordic sports. On the right are cross country skiers, on the left, a fat bike trail. Better go for a ride!Covering 2000 acres, there are plenty of trails and variety to chose from. We are starting today on a trail called EKG. I assume it is called that as you may need one after pedaling a heavy fat bike up the hills. The top symbol denotes a summer bike trail, the next one down a fat bike winter trail with snow flakes in the wheels. I believe the Canadian flag denotes it is a part of the transcanada trail, but I’m not sure on that. There are plenty of maps and signs so you would have to work pretty hard to get lost. The top map displays the summer trails, and winter trails on the bottom. The Nordic Center is a year round destination, not just for skiing. However, since the primary focus is still cross country skiing, they give skiers with skintight outfits the right of way when paths cross with the bike trail. You are also not allowed to ride fat bikes down the cross country ski trails. Mainly because it could damage the delicate ski tracks they set into the snow. There are also rules for fat bikes as well. Your tires must be at least 3.8” or wider. The maximum tire pressure allowed is 8PSI. If your bikes tires are leaving ruts in the snow or it is difficult to get the bike to go in a straight line, they ask that you not ride until the groomers have had a chance to pack the trail down a bit first. The Nordic Center has a gas powered grooming machine that packs down the fat bike trails after significant snow fall. In this picture, you can kind of see the consistent width of the track the machine leaves behind. But enough rules. Lets have fun! There are some cool little features on the trails. A number of banked corners that are an absolute riot to speed through in the snow. A few technical trail features as well. Better go take a look as this one before sending it. The technical trail feature the sign is warning you about is on the right side of the picture. A couple jumps at the top of the slope. Or maybe you are supposed to go full throttle and jump over the cross country ski trail. I wonder, if you are sailing over skiers on your bike, do you still have to yield to them? Or is clearing them in the air considered acceptable? Depending on the year, the Nordic Center can receive up to 200cm of snow. So these poles on the left are placed to help find the trail after a heavy snowfall. This looks like a nice place to stop, have a bite to eat and enjoy the scenery. But first, let me take a summit selfie! No more pictures, it is time to ride instead!
Solid ride Shawn. Informative report too. I didn’t realize all the bureaucracy involved in fat biking. (Trudeau’s fault?) Also, surprised to hear that CNC receives 200cm of snow.
Shawn
· March 30, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Ha ha ha ha Trudeau trying to ruin fat biking in Alberta too! I’ll get a bumper sticker made for your car. 🙂
2 Comments
Phil · March 30, 2024 at 6:34 pm
Solid ride Shawn. Informative report too. I didn’t realize all the bureaucracy involved in fat biking. (Trudeau’s fault?) Also, surprised to hear that CNC receives 200cm of snow.
Shawn · March 30, 2024 at 7:40 pm
Ha ha ha ha Trudeau trying to ruin fat biking in Alberta too! I’ll get a bumper sticker made for your car. 🙂