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Bragg Creek
Report Submitted by BenH
(trip) Date: Sunday Dec 10, 2023
Submitted: Tuesday Dec 12, 2023 at 06:43
Discussion:
Had a great day skiing in Bragg despite zero grooming or packing activity and hazards like fallen trees. Hard ice below the snow made poling harder than usual and had to herringbone up the hills more than usual as a result.
Curious if anyone has any info on why there hasn’t been any grooming there yet. Was surprised that there hadn’t been any activity despite the large snowfall being in the forecast. Hazards such as the fallen tree indicate there’s nobody working on the trails yet.
Total distance: 12.00 Km
 Fallen tree on crystal line
12 comment(s) posted
Comments:
2023-12-12 at 07:33 - comment by JeremyN
That is an acute observation. I had several similar discussions on the trails on Sunday and I wish I had something to share but like most, I too am in the dark as to the situation with operations out there this year. Hazards abound so be careful on suspect descents.
 Sunday on Mtn view west
2023-12-12 at 08:06 - comment by SteveR
I have heard of "equipment issues", but it is unusual...
2023-12-12 at 08:22 - comment by Robbo
I heard from a friend of mine that the new management doesn’t have an interest in skiing and all the experienced groomers left. Looks like the place is going to be turning into a fat biking area.
2023-12-12 at 08:49 - comment by MaSid
Why we haven’t heard anything may be to do with a recent position that has been posted. And unfortunate if it’s true about the groomers. There was also a posting some time ago for a new head groomer.
Communications coordinator
2023-12-12 at 08:50 - comment by Ursulaw
That's rubbish to say that West Bragg 'management' is not interested in ski grooming. What Steve says is accurate, that there have been equipment breakdowns complicated by delays in getting new parts. And we have had some personnel turnover, it happens in a volunteer organization.
2023-12-12 at 09:39 - comment by Alf Skrastins
A WBC trail crew removed the downed tree on West Crystalline and a number of others yesterday. Some more downed trees will be cleared from Telephone Loop today.
2023-12-12 at 11:26 - comment by GR
Actually UruslaW, being one of the groomers who left, I can assure you that it is not due to mechanical issues. The operations team has two working snowmobiles, a brand-new side-by-side UTV and Erica, the snow rabbit (though few people know how to groom with it). The old Kei trucks are both broken down, but the organization are positive that the trucks can be replaced by the new side-by-side. So, there is more than enough equipment to have groomed the trails last week.
The exodus of groomers is due to a change in the philosophy that the leaders of the organization have in ski grooming, and the running and culture of the operations group. There is more concern with ensuring that the machines are not overused and do not break down, and thus have to be repaired, than there is for grooming the trails for the public. Plus, there is no consideration for using the experience of the old groomers who made the trails as great as they were.
2023-12-12 at 16:50 - comment by Benh
Wow this is so depressing and upsetting to hear for so many reasons. If this is true, I’d love to learn how I can express my concerns.
2023-12-12 at 17:52 - comment by aqua toque
Hey, it snowed once since the whole place was gravel and ice.
What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding.
2023-12-13 at 07:14 - comment by Diana Piggott
Having recently sent a substantial donation to the Trails Association, for ski trail maintenance, I am quite shocked by these revelations. If true, I want my money back!
2023-12-13 at 09:38 - comment by DW
I have to agree with Diana. As someone who has been donating money I am disappointed in recent developments. I would have hoped that whoever is managing the grooming staff would work to support them to do their job well. I am eager to learn more and hope a solution is on the way. West Bragg Creek trails are a gem and deserve good stewardship.
2023-12-13 at 20:28 - comment by NordicSteve
I checked out the trail work that maybe resulted from this thread, tonight. It sure looks like it was a choice to not work that great storm. There is definitely enough to set a good track, or was. It's beat up with tandem horse tracks, exhausted fat tire swathes and herds of hikers now. Was this a cost saving measure, or other?
Maybe late now, but thank you to the groomers that have moved on. Your team did amazing work. We logged a lot of kms on your track s last year.
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