With vision to create a mountain bike tourism destination, the Municipality worked with IMBA to prepare a 5-year Master Plan to support economic diversification, more recreation opportunities for youth and increase tourism in Crowsnest Pass. Alongside, the UROC (United Riders of Crowsnest) bike club has been developing trails with volunteers to facilitate mountain biking, group rides and building.

 

In 2011, Hoots was hired to design and construct a bike skills facility as well as 5 km of XC trail. Completed over 2 months, the Bike Park provides something for everyone with beginner and intermediate jumps, big jump line for more advanced riders, drop zone, pump track and variety of skills features boasting a 170 ft log and rock ride. Big thanks to Graham at Bike Bros for helping test out the jumps!

In 2014, Hoots returned to expand the trails that included 3.5 km of additional intermediate XC and 2 km of singletrack connecting existing trails to the top of the Pass Powderkeg Ski Hill chairlift with small - medium berms to help keep uphill momentum and control downhill speed.

The 1 km Berma-Grin dirt & wood Flow trail was also built for beginner - intermediate riders on the lower half and intermediate - advanced on the top half with large berms, table jumps and carefully spaced grade reversals to create a ‘roller coaster’ feel. 

Hoots worked with the UROC, Municipality and Community Futures, alongside the Alberta ESRD to help support the Master Plan vision; and teamed up with volunteers and summer work program students to leverage assistance in sustainable trail and Bike Park development, successfully bringing a range of riding opportunities and all things mountain biking to Crowsnest Pass!

(photos / images from rockiesfamilyadventures.com, UROC & Hoots)