Peace Valley Snow Riders

The Peace Valley Snow Riders organizational meeting was held on October 15, 2009, with the Club incorporated under the Alberta Societies Act on July 14, 2010. Since the initial organizational meeting, the Club has worked diligently to promote responsible snowmobiling in the area and in particular, to develop formal trails which are intended to form a network on both the east and west side of the Peace River. In addition to providing another recreational venue for current residents that focuses on the positive aspects of our abundant winters, it is anticipated these trails will assist in retaining and enticing residents and businesses to the Peace Country.
The Club’s efforts have been recognized by the Alberta Snowmobile Association which has awarded the Peace Valley Snow Riders with the Mighty Peace Region – Club of the Year Award on five occasions (2010, 2013, 2014, 2020 & 2024). Furthermore, others associated with the Club have also been recognized as follows:

  • Francois Allard was awarded Groomer of the Year 2018
  • Mighty Peace Powersports & RV was awarded Dealer of the Year 2018
  • Dwayne Buchholtz was awarded Outstanding Snowmobiler of the Year 2019
  • The Allard family was awarded the Outstanding Snowmobile Family of the Year 2022

Part of the Solution

Northwest Alberta and the Peace Country in particular have a high ratio of off-highway vehicles compared to other areas of the province. Those who live in the region often consider outdoor activities, including motorized sports, in the sparsely populated area as one of the benefits of residing in the area. A couple of the downsides have been environmental damage and trespass of private land. The Club is seeking to be “Part of the Solution” by:

  • Promoting a motorized sport that leaves a minimal footprint as a result of accessing frozen snow-covered ground.
  • Promoting the development of a trail network that directs snowmobile traffic to areas of acceptable use on trails that are cleared, signed, and groomed.
  • Promoting the use of shared footprints and other existing disturbances for trail routes to minimize environmental impact and the impact on other stakeholders.
  • Promoting safe responsible operation of snowmobiles.

In a report titled “The Economic Impact of Snowmobiles in Alberta in 2009” prepared for Alberta Tourism, Parks and Recreation, the opening statement provides a clear indication that the direction of our Club is in step with the direction of the sport: “The popularity of snowmobiling as a recreational activity has increased dramatically over the past three decades in Alberta. Sightseeing close to home on a managed trail is quickly becoming the preferred pastime of thousands of environmentally conscious snowmobile enthusiasts across Alberta.”

Trail Information:

Developed Trails
The following are common to all of the Club’s existing trails:

  • Direction signs are located on local area highways and municipal roads to assist in locating staging areas.
  • Each trail has a minimum of one staging area at a trailhead which provides space for vehicle parking and offloading of snowmobiles.
  • Each staging area has a large sign showing a map of the trail along with conditions of use.
  • Most trails have signed Community Access points known to provide snowmobile access for local residents. No vehicle parking is provided at these locations.
  • Trails are generally cleared to a width of 5 meters although reduced widths to 3 meters may be encountered in select areas.
  • On-trail signs and markers are provided to assist sledders with route and hazard identification.
  • All trails have at least one rest area including a fire pit, picnic table, outhouse, and wood shed.
  • Trails are cleared of vegetation and groomed, as volunteer resources and funds for contractors allow.

Osmond/Getaway Cabins Leddy Lake Trail (PNT100284)
Operations sponsor - R. Osmond Tree Services Ltd./Getaway Cabins

  • Officially opened on March 19, 2011.
  • The staging area is located north of Peace River and can be accessed using Weberville Road (Highway 743) and the Leddy Lake Road.
  • Runs 40 km north from the staging area shared with the Leddy Lake Recreation Area, to the area of Driftwood Lake near Deadwood. The trail also includes a small loop near the Leddy Lake Recreation Area.
  • This trail currently offers two (2) rest areas with another being proposed. In addition to the usual rest area amenities, a warm-up shelter is available for use at the Leddy Lake Recreation area. The other current rest area is located on the south side of the Whitemud River valley with a new rest area being proposed for the north end of the trail at Driftwood Lake, which if approved, would be available sometime in 2025.
  • A community access point is located at the intersection of RR221 and TR864.
  • Getaway Cabins continues to be under renovation but has been available for rental since the winter of 2019 and can be accessed from the Club’s trail via a short private trail. For more information contact Roger Osmond (cell 780-625-6560).
  • Current regulations for those from the local area accessing the trail via snowmobile are:
    • County of Northern Lights – Currently does not have an Off-Highway Vehicle bylaw in place. Obey all current provincial bylaws, restrictions/bans, and do not trespass on private property.

Baytex Wesley Creek Trail (PNT140001)
Operations sponsor – Baytex Energy Ltd.

  • Officially opened on March 5, 2016, in conjunction with the Club’s first Poker Rally.
  • This 35 km trail runs in a loop to the east and north of St. Isidore and includes an extension into St. Isidore.
  • The staging area can be accessed from Highway 688 by traveling north of St. Isidore and turning east on Township Road 842.
  • Community access points are located in St. Isidore and at the intersection of RR200 and TR832.
  • This trail is preferred by many families as it is primarily flat with a short ride to the rest area.
  • Current regulations for those from the local area accessing the trail via snowmobile are:

Zavisha Smith Mills Trail (CNT120007)
Operations sponsor – Zavisha Sawmills Ltd. in conjunction with Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta

  • Officially opened on March 11, 2017.
  • Runs 80 kilometers from north of Figure Eight Lake to just east of Stony Lake and includes a significant loop provided in association with the community access in the Last Lake area.
  • The east-end staging area is located to the north of Grimshaw and can be accessed from Highway 737 in the area of Figure Eight Lake. The west-end staging area is located to the north of Hines Creek and can be accessed from the Canfor P-100 road.
  • A community access in the Last Lake area is located at the north end of RR11 which is accessed from TR840.
  • Current regulations for those from the local area accessing the trail via snowmobile are:
    • County of Northern Lights – Applicable to the east end of the trail, currently does not have an Off-Highway Vehicle bylaw in place. Obey all current provincial bylaws, restrictions/bans, and do not trespass on private property.
    • Clear Hills County – Applicable to the west end of the trail and the Community Access, see Bylaw No. 212-16.
       

Canfor Hines Creek Trail (CNT180005)
Operations sponsor – Canadian Forest Products Ltd. in conjunction with Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta

  • Officially opened in February 2022.
  • Runs 50 kilometers from the Village of Hines Creek to a connection with the Zavisha Smith Mills Trail approximately 6 kilometers south of the Zavisha Smith Mills Trail west end staging area.
  • The staging area is located in the Village of Hines Creek where access to fuel, food, and the services of a snowmobile dealership are available.
  • A community access point is located at the junction of TR850 and the Canfor P-100 road (known as kilometer 5).
  • A scenic viewpoint is located near the midpoint of the trail in conjunction with the rest area.
  • Current regulations for those from the local area accessing the trail via snowmobile are:
  • Clear Hills County - Clear Hills County – See Bylaw No. 212-16
  • Village of Hines Creek – See Bylaw No. 573-17 
    http://hinescreek.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Bylaw-573-17.pdf.

Additional Trail Plans

As part of the long-range goal to complete a network of trails on both the east and west sides of the Peace River, the Club is always considering the addition of other routes for new trails. From a conceptual perspective, the Club has identified the potential of the following trail becoming part of the local trail network:

  • Harmon Valley Trail – An Expression of Interest requesting concept approval from the primary stakeholders was issued on 12NOV24 with only one stakeholder reply outstanding. This proposed trail would be located on the east side of the Peace River and be an extension of the existing Baytex Wesley Creek Trail.
     

Benefits Provided by the Club

  • Members:
    • Responsible snowmobiling on formal trails with minimal risk of prosecution due to trespass or unintended impact to other users such as forestry, oil & gas, or trappers.
    • Reduced risk of personal injury and damage to snowmobiles as trails are generally cleared of vegetation, signed, and groomed.
    • Access to viewpoints, warm-up shelters, or rest areas.
    • Social network of other snowmobilers provides the opportunity to meet and ride with others with similar skill levels and family involvement.
    • Given the pressure on the land base for other uses, the opportunity to work with the Club to leave a legacy of trails for future generations while the opportunity is available.
  • Landowners and other land-based stakeholders
    • Formal trails direct snowmobile traffic to areas of acceptable use minimizing inappropriate use of lands.
    • Eliminates risk as formal trails crossing private land or dispositions are covered by formal agreements and include Alberta Snowmobile Association liability insurance coverage.
    • Provides a formal avenue to communicate with area snowmobilers.
  • To the local area in general
    • Enhances the recreation opportunities in the area thereby retaining or enticing residents and businesses to the area.
    • Economic benefits from increased tourism in the area or at the very least, by reducing those in the area leaving for other destinations.
    • Minimizes improper activities associated with the sport and by working with all stakeholders, promotes acceptable and safe practices.

Related Associations:

Peace Valley Snow Riders is a member of the Alberta Snowmobile Association (ASA) which supports the Club in many ways including liability coverage for trails, Online Youth Safety Course, avalanche training programs, and working to improve the sport in Alberta, Canada, and internationally. Club membership requires the purchase of an ASA membership in the form of an Annual Trail Pass which is valid on all ASA member trails in the Province of Alberta. ASA Annual and Day Trail Passes are only available online http://albertasnowmobile.ca/ by selecting the Join Now button at the top of the web page.

Supporters of the Club:

The Club’s day-to-day operations are primarily funded by the Province of Alberta, Trail Sponsors, Alberta Snowmobile Association Trail Pass sales, and Club fundraising activities which currently include an annual Poker Rally. Supporters of the Club have generously funded major and capital projects when fundraising has been required. The contribution of donations in kind by Supporters of the Club and Club volunteers has assisted in minimizing the cash required for both operations and projects. Following are those who are acknowledged as Supporters of the Club:

Development of the Osmond/Getaway Cabins Leddy Lake Trail:
      Ace Machine & Welding (Peace River) Ltd.
      Lorette Truck Services (2005) Ltd.
      Signs by Wood ’N’ Art
      Alberta Snowmobile Association
      Rick Serhan o/a 10300844 AB Ltd.
      Weberville Community Club
      Highland Helicopters Ltd.
      Roadrunner Leasing and Sales Ltd.

Development of the Baytex Wesley Creek Trail (including St. Isidore Connector):
      Ace Machine & Welding (Peace River) Ltd.
      Can West Propane
      Roadrunner Leasing and Sales Ltd.
      Allard Logging Ltd.
      Explore Surveys Inc
      Shell Canada Limited
      Amen Consulting Services Inc.
      Lorette Truck Services (2005) Ltd.
      Signs by Wood ’N’ Art
      Avenge Energy Services Inc.
      MacMillan Construction Ltd.
      Weaver Welding Ltd.
      Baytex Energy Corp.
      Northern Sunrise County
      Western Canadian Mulching Ltd.

Development of the Zavisha Smith Mills Trail:
       Ace Machine & Welding (Peace River) Ltd.
       County of Northern Lights
       MacMillan Construction Ltd.
       Alberta Snowmobile Association
       Daishowa-Marubeni International Ltd.
       Peace Fuel Distributors
       Allard Logging Ltd.
       Explore Surveys Inc.
       Roadrunner Leasing and Sales Ltd.
       Amen Consulting Services Inc.
       Government of Alberta – Community Initiatives Program
       Rosenberger Log Salvage
       Armarillo Contractors Ltd.
       Kirby Controls
       Stealth Projects Ltd.
       Baytex Energy Corp.
       Longrun Exploration Ltd.
       Weaver Welding Ltd.
       Clear Hills County
       Lorette Truck Services (2005) Ltd.
       Western Canadian Mulching Ltd.

Development of the Canfor Hines Creek Trail:
       Ace Machining & Welding (Peace River) Ltd.
       Explore Surveys Inc.
       Roadrunner Leasing and Sales Ltd.
       Avenge Energy Services Inc.
       H. Friesen Slashing Ltd
       Scanalta Power Sales Ltd.
       Alberta Environment and Parks
       Hines Creek & District Recreation Board
       Signs by Wood ’N’ Art
       Amen Consulting Services Inc.
       Jamey Bettenson
       Troy Lorencz
       Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
       Peace River Correctional Center/Northern Lakes College
       Weaver Group
       Clear Hills County
       Peace Country Ventures Ltd.

Osmond/Getaway Cabins Leddy Lake Trail Maintenance & Projects:
       Ace Machining & Welding (Peace River) Ltd.
       Baytex Energy Ltd.
       MDP Oilfield Services Ltd.
       Alberta Snowmobile Association
       County of Northern Lights
       R. Osmond Tree Services Ltd.
       Allard Logging Ltd.
       Fehr and Square Construction Ltd.
       Signs by Wood ’N’ Art
       Amen Consulting Services Inc.
       Fehr Building Materials Ltd.
       Weaver Welding Ltd.
       Attack Oilfield Services Inc.
       Lorette Truck Services (2005) Ltd.

Baytex Wesley Creek Trail Maintenance & Projects
       Ace Machining & Welding (Peace River) Ltd.
       Bernard Fortin
       Northern Sunrise County
       Allard Logging Ltd.
       Explore Surveys Inc.
       St. Isidore Coop
       Baytex Energy Ltd.
       Mike Kolebaba Water Transport
       Versatile Builders Inc.

Zavisha Smith Mills Trail Maintenance & Projects:
       Alberta Snowmobile Association
       Frank Armella
       Scanalta Power Sales Ltd.
       Allard Logging Ltd.
       H. Friesen Slashing Ltd.
       Signs by Wood ’N’ Art
       Amen Consulting Services Inc.
       MDP Oilfield Services Ltd.
       Valley Landscaping
       B&E Hardware (Hines Creek) Ltd.
       New Gen Projects Ltd.
       Western Canadian Mulching Ltd.
       Clear Hills County
       Peace Country Ventures
       Zavisha Sawmills Ltd./Forest Resources Improvement Association of Alberta
       County of Northern Lights
       Roadrunner Leasing and Sales Ltd.

Canfor Hines Creek Trail Maintenance & Projects:
       Allard Logging Ltd.
       Canadian Forest Products Ltd.
       Ski-Doo Snow Pass Program
       Frank Armella
       Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd./ Forest Resources Improvement Association of Alberta
       Zavisha Sawmills Ltd.
       B&E Hardware (Hines Creek) Ltd.
       Scanalta Power Sales Ltd.

Purchase of Arctic Cat Groomer (sold in 2020) & Trailer:
       Government of Alberta – Community Initiatives Program
       Peace River Ford
       Shell Canada Limited

Operations & Administrative Support (including Poker Rally):
       Ace Machine & Welding (Peace River) Ltd.
       GB Truck & Diesel Ltd.
       Rentco Equipment Ltd.
       Allard Logging Ltd.
       Grimshaw Business Centre
       Roadrunner Leasing and Sales Ltd.
       Avenge Energy Services Inc.
       MacMillan Construction Ltd.
       Ruel Concrete Ltd.
       Baytex Energy Ltd.
       Maximum Powersports Ltd.
       Scanalta Power Sales Ltd.
       Buchholtz Financial Services Inc.
       Mighty Peace Powersports & RV
       Stat Energy Services Inc.
       Can West Propane
       Mercer Peace River Pulp Ltd.
       Tim Lagace
       Daishowa-Marubeni International Ltd.
       Northern Arc Fabrication Ltd.
       Thomas Homes & RV Center
       Diverse Truck and Equipment Inc.
       Northern Sunrise County
       Travis Schmidt
       Dwayne Thomas
       Peace River Go RV & Marine
       Vision Credit Union
       Explore Surveys Inc.
       Province of Alberta
       Freson Markets
       RT Grading and Road Building

Contact Information:

The following can be contacted for additional information on the Club:

For maps, the status of trails, and other Club information please refer to the Club’s website at https://peacevalleysnowriders.com/. 

You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PeaceValleySnowRiders.

“Peace Valley Snow Riders – Part of the Solution”