Slocan Valley Rail Trail ready to go

By Craig Lawrence

The Slocan Valley Rail Trail has become a popular winter pastime in the Slocan Valley in recent years and this year promises to be better than ever.

Volunteers of the Slocan Valley Heritage Trail Society have groomed the northern half of the trail already and  are ready to groom and trackset the entire 50+km trail when more snow arrives.

Here are a few tips to help make the trail an enjoyable experience.

If wanting to know what the state of the trail is, visit the new Rail Trail website at www.slocanvalleyrailtrail.ca and find out. The home page will have a link to let everyone know where the trail has been groomed and when. 

This website is also a great tool to keep up to date on what’s happening on the historic  former CPR right-of-way. You can also find the Slocan Valley Rail Trail on Facebook.

For those using the trail here are a few reminders: The ‘trackset’ is for skiers, so please try not to walk in it. The trackset will be on one side of the trail so there will be ample room for walking, snowshoeing and skate skiing.

If taking your pet, please try to ‘scoop the poop’ off the main trail to assist with the grooming program. This year, horse riders are being asked to refrain from using the groomed sections of trail from Dec. 1 to mid-March.

There are two upcoming Rail Trail events happening in January that everyone is invited to enjoy. The Full Moon Ski takes place on Sunday, Jan. 8 between 6:30-8 p.m. and the eighth annual Day on the Trail takes place on Sunday, Jan. 28 from noon to 2 p.m.

Both events are taking place aprox. 1.5 km. north of Perrys Siding or two km. south of the Kennedy Road Trailhead at Lemon Creek. Both will feature hot chocolate, a roaring fire and lots of friendly smiles.

• For more information on the event please visit the Rail Trail website or call 250-355-2397.