Alberta Hiking Association

Ever wanted to get close to a polar bear, while still keeping your distance of course? This Polar Bear Day, you can watch virtually current and past polar b...ear live feeds from the Cape Churchill cam in Wapusk National Park from the comfort of your own home. Check it out: http://ow.ly/heGP50DHPgd Parks Canada Manitoba See more

Skis and mittens? Check! Snacks and gas in the car? Double check! Checking for closures and restrictions ahead of time? Check below before you head in...to the national park this weekend: COVID-19 and your visit to Banff National Park: http://ow.ly/5oVI50DyfTD Seasonal closures: http://ow.ly/ipkl50DyfTC Important bulletins: http://ow.ly/6UGx50DyfTE Reminder: Safety is a shared responsibility. Parks Canada reminds all visitors that anyone recreating in the park is responsible for their own safety. Stay warm, stay safe!

Are you concerned over public land access as a hiker? Do you want to let the government know which areas of our province are too precious to allow coal mining? The Government of Alberta will be asking for your input on the development of a new coal policy. You can sign up below to receive updates on the consultations set to begin March 29th. https://www.alberta.ca/coal-policy-development-engagement.a

The area between the CN rail line and the cemetery (including a portion of trail #13/Bighorn Alley) will be closed for fuel reduction work starting Tuesday, February 16. Work is expected to be completed on March 1. https://www.pc.gc.ca//9B14F892-4463-4916-B1D7-2532EAF9DB33

Attention Many areas around Lake Louise that are easily accessed in the summer are considered backcountry in the winter. This means they are exposed to back...country winter hazards, including avalanches. This includes both the Plain of the Six Glaciers and Lake Agnes teahouse trails, as well as the west slopes of Mount Fairview. This year we have seen many people hiking and tobogganing around the lake unaware they are in areas that often have avalanches. If you plan on visiting Lake Louise, stay away from steep open slopes and be sure to read and understand signs that show where avalanches are most likely to happen around the lake. Remember if you are heading into areas where avalanches are likely, be prepared with the appropriate training and equipment, including a beacon, shovel, and probe. Never enter avalanche terrain without similarly equipped partners.

As many of you have probably already seen, the Government of Alberta announced yesterday that the 1976 Alberta Coal Policy is reinstated effective immediately. The government also committed to the development of a new, modern coal policy pending consultations with Albertans. Recently issued coal leases in the Bighorn area of Clearwater County and across the province remain valid, and it's important that we continue to ensure that Alberta's great landscapes remain accessible ...and intact for outdoor recreation and hiking. Albertans' expectations for outdoor recreation and conservation are much higher now than in 1976. We thank everyone who contacted their MLAs and representatives to voice concerns related to coal development in our province. We urge that people remain engaged so that we can continue to ensure that Alberta remains one of the greatest places for hiking and outdoor recreation. You can read and watch the full announcement here: https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm

Coal has been in the news a lot lately, and many of you might be wondering what this means for Albertans who hike, walk, or snowshoe on Crown or public lands. You may have already seen the maps of coal leases that we’ve posted showing overlays of coal leases surrounding popular hiking and tourist destinations, such as Crescent Falls. In May of last year, the Government of Alberta rescinded the 1976 Alberta Coal Policy, a policy which previously protected sensitive regions al...ong the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. This change was made without public input or consultation and much of the area previously protected has now been leased for coal exploration or development. The Alberta Hiking Association (AHA) is one of the many interveners joining ranchers, First Nations, recreation groups, and conservation organizations seeking a judicial review of the government’s decision to rescind the 1976 Alberta Coal Policy. It is important that the voices of Alberta’s hikers are heard. A cornerstone of Alberta’s Recovery Plan is tourism, something that Alberta benefits from thanks to our beautiful landscapes. With potential coal mines affecting Albertans’ ability to hike and access our public landsas mountains are removed, excavated, and lands are made private and Albertans barred from accessthe AHA is calling on the government to reinstate the 1976 Alberta Coal Policy and engage in meaningful dialogue with Albertans. This photo was taken by a hiker as he left Alberta and descended into the Elk Valley in British Columbia where coal mining has permanently altered the landscape. This is what Albertans have to look forward to if the eastern slopes are leased and developed by Australian coal mining companies. Take action and learn more: https://www.ab4coalfreesw.ca/

Timber!! Parks Canada is gearing up for tree removal in campgrounds this winter. While Wabasso campground remains open to continue to enjoy the current popula...r cross-country ski offer, Wapiti campground and trails within it (Trail 12 & 12a) are now closed to the public beginning today, January 20, for the removal of trees affected by mountain pine beetle. Mechanical thinning and hand falling will be used to reduce the number of dead and dying trees in and around the campground. To ensure the safety of both the public and the crews while this important work is taking place, recreational activities like walking or cross-country skiing in the area are prohibited. More details can be found here https://bit.ly/38ZRXhm

Some coal-related news. Because of so many Albertans writing to their representatives and speaking out, the Government of Alberta has paused future coal lease sales. Key words: "future coal lease sales". This does not impact coal leases that are already in place (aside from those mentioned in the press release). This is a small first step towards the reinstatement of the Alberta Coal Policy and to ensuring that Albertans are able to hike and access public lands now and into t...he future. https://www.alberta.ca/release.cfm

For those who recreate in the West Country (Bighorn, Ram Falls, Nordegg Area).

The Government of Alberta is looking for your feedback to ensure that outdoor recreation on Crown land is funded and managed sustainably, now and into the future! There's still time to respond and provide your feedback if you haven't already. The survey closes January 15th, so be sure to respond soon! https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-outdoor-recreation-engag

https://www.cbc.ca//alberta-parks-coal-exploration-mines-u

Rewilding the backcountry

We're losing prime hiking territory and endangering our water supply to "take the coal and run" companies.

Outdoor social gatherings are prohibited this includes things like getting together in a park around a bonfire. Outdoor team sports and physical activity, inc...luding walking, hiking, skiing and skating, are permitted in groups of up to 10 people. Remember to limit your activities to your household where you can, or plan activities with your designated close contacts, as those are the safest options. Physical distancing must be in place between people from different households at all times, unless they are designated close contacts. If you’re unsure whether something is allowed, please err on the side of caution and make the safest choice.

We’re #InThisTogether. Stay cautious and diligent while visiting us, and help keep yourself, your fellow visitors, and our team members safe. Plan ahead BEF...ORE you arrive our website has site-specific information and things to keep in mind while visiting Parks Canada places! Check it out: https://bit.ly/3gVWH9U See more

The report on the AHA Hikers Survey is available on the AHA website. http://www.abhiking.ca/news/?v=d&id=331

Heads up! Our forecasters are monitoring possible snowfall expected today/tomorrow. If there is enough snowfall accumulation, the Icefields Parkway may close for short periods for avalanche control. As always, the latest conditions are on https://511.alberta.ca

Attention Rogers Pass backcountry users During the first avalanche control closure of the season, less than a week into the Winter Permit System, tracks w...ere found entering a closed Winter Restricted Area from the unrestricted Connaught Creek area. Entering an area of the park that is closed for avalanche control, using live artillery, not only puts yourself and others at risk, it also puts the entire Winter Permit System at risk. Winter Unrestricted Areas like Connaught Creek are kept open because this terrain is not affected by the highway avalanche control program. If these areas continue to be used to enter terrain, like Grizzly Shoulder, in closed Winter Restricted Areas, Parks Canada will consider closing Winter Unrestricted Areas during avalanche control.

Winter trails in Banff National Park are often shared, which means you can cross country ski, snowshoe, hike and/or fat bike on the same trails. To help ...keep everyone safe, here are some reminders on trail etiquette: Check the trail description to know what trails can accommodate the activity you are looking to do. Dogs are not permitted on certain trails. Please read the trail descriptions before you go. If you are bringing your dog along always keep them on leash and under control. The track set portion of the trail is for classic skiing only! The flat, groomed lane is for other users. Fat bike and hike only on hard-packed trails to prevent ruts. If your tires or feet sink deeper than 2.5 cm (1 inch) conditions are too soft. When climbing, please yield the right of way to descending skiers and fat bikers. If you fall, move off the track as quickly as possible. When taking a break, step to the side, leaving room for others to pass. Leave no trace. Pack out everything you pack in. See more

Dec 23 2020, BYK Avalanche Control

Due to #COVID19, @ParksCanada reservations will open in April instead of January. You will be able to make reservations for Jasper National Park frontcountry ca...mpgrounds* on April 9, and backcountry campgrounds on April 16. *Parks Canada will advise campers in the new year when reservations will be made available for the reconstructed Whistlers Campground in Jasper National Park. We look forward to welcoming visitors in 2021.

AVALANCHE CONTROL is planned for Mt. Dennis in Yoho National Park on Thursday December 24, 2020: No climbing, skiing or other activities in these areas tomorrow. This includes the popular ice climbs such as Carlsberg Column, Pilsner Pillar and Guiness Gully. Thank and Merry Christmas.

Snow profile near Bow Summit Banff NP 2020-11-21

FireSmart work is taking place in the Lake Annette and Lake Edith areas over the next month. These areas remain open. Please follow on-site signage and instruct...ions from staff to keep everyone safe. FireSmart work keeps potential wildfires on the ground rather than in the treetops. When fire is on the ground, it limits fire intensity, reduces windblown embers, and makes it easier for responders to control.