Experience Fat-Biking in Kananaskis

At 7am my alarm goes off and I peer outside my frosty window to a sight that, well, doesn’t look all that appealing. A thin layer of fresh snow is plastered to the base of the windowsill. The temperature reads -12 Celsius. Everything outside looks dead grey and cold. I’m thinking the best course of action might be hitting the “kill switch” and settling back in bed for the rest of the morning. But, no, I made a plan. And I’ve got to stick to it. Fat-biking in West Bragg Creek (WBC) is calling.

Jeff Bartlett @photojbartlett

At 8:15am, I’m at the trailhead and a few minutes later I start chugging my way up Braggin’ Rights, one of my favourite trails in the area. At 8:45am, I hit a slight opening in the pines just as the sun breaks through a creamy layer of clouds over the eastern horizon. I stop to catch my breath on the slope, tilt my face to the sun, and the warm rays wash over me. Whiskeyjacks and chickadees are chattering in the pines. The trail is ideal for fat-biking, firm and frozen. I step on the pedals and keep going, eventually joining the spectacular Merlin’s View Trail for one of the most exhilarating loops at West Bragg.

Near the summit of Merlin’s View I survey the mountain smeared scene. The sun is hammering the snow-dipped peaks. I feel alive, and completely convinced that getting out of bed on a chilly morning was precisely the right call.

Jeff Bartlett @photojbartlett

Indeed, for many people, the idea of biking during the cold months seems a little crazy. Or, at best, a little out of context. However, thanks to fat bikes - with their nubby, four-inch wide tires that offer plenty of grip and floatation over snow and ice – hitting the trails during the winter and unpredictable shoulder seasons can be a blast. Sure, fat-biking doesn’t always afford the fast speeds and wild thrills of summer mountain biking, however, the riding can be just as invigorating.

While the trails at West Bragg are a perennial favourite for fat-biking (Snowy Owl is also an awesome winter fat-biking trail at WBC), there are many other places where you can ride. Here are a few more to get you going!

Fish Creek Park’s vast network of trails are ideal for fat-biking. And, if you’re a beginner, this is one of the best places to learn as the majority of the trails are relatively flat. If you start at Bow Valley Ranche in the far south end of the park (plenty of parking if you need to drive there), you can head off in any direction and find an easy “cruise” to get you “into the game.”

Jeff Bartlett @photojbartlett

Canmore’s Nordic Center is a pot of gold for every outdoor enthusiast, including fat-bikers! A handful of designated fatbiking trails dip and dive along the pine-coated slopes. One of the most popular trails is EKG, a variety-filled 5 km trail that incorporates quick descents, some leg-burning climbs, creek crossings, and everything else you could hope for in a ride.

Kananaskis Village, thanks to a great atmosphere, including the beautiful Pomeroy Kananaskis Lodge and Kananaskis Outfitters (quality bike rentals), fat-bikers have a real home here. (The new Nordic Spa is the ultimate place to hang out after a winter ride!). The super-easy Bill Milne Trail, a paved path, is always a fun, easy ride for the entire family. And accomplished cyclists can have a riveting ride at nearby Jewel Pass. Not for the faint of heart, Jewell Pass is a full-on adventure in both summer and winter. Expect some grunting!

Carrie Neu @Carrie_neu

Peter Lougheed Provincial Park is situated in the heart of Kananaskis Country and is home to a large network of trails, many of which are multi-use and allow for fat-biking (which is typically not permitted on trails that are track-set for crosscountry skiing). The newly constructed High Rockies Trail is a 63 km fat-biking feast that is the ultimate winter workout. A good place to access this trail (and enjoy other fat-biking loops in the park) is at the William Watson Lodge.

Sibbald Flats, thanks to its close proximity to Calgary, this area is a very popular place to go for a day ride. The Jumpingpound Loop is a sweet 9 km circuit that is fast and fun for all skill levels. Advanced riders can get the full-meal deal with Lusk Pass, Baldy Pass, or Tom Snow. Just be prepared, check maps, weather conditions, and ride in a group. Happy fat-biking!

By: Andrew Penner