While the Greenbelt trails are a well-loved destination for summer walkers and bikers, they also offer vast opportunities for recreation in the winter months.
Through the invaluable effort of volunteer Ward Kemerer, Illecillewaet Greenbelt society’s (IGS) operations director, the society maintains the tracks along the Greenbelt throughout the winter season for cross-country skiers, fat bikers, snowshoers and walkers to enjoy.
The IGS was set up in the 1980s when a group recognised the poor management of the woodlands and flat areas along the Illecillewaet River. Its mission has always been to preserve flora and fauna, conserve natural resources and allow responsible recreation in the area.
Initially, the society maintained the Greenbelt trails for use by the community during the fall, summer and spring months.
Roger Galbraith, president of IGS, told the Mountaineer it was just a few years ago that Kemerer suggested expanding the trail maintenance into the winter months.
“Kemerer had to communicate with BC Hydro to gain approval to expand the trails onto their lands,” Galbraith explained. “We appreciate they have allowed us to do that.”
Kemerer took the lead on the initiative and began establishing winter tracks, personally financing the machinery required so the community could enjoy the Greenbelt all year round.
The equipment he used to manage these trails in winter has evolved since the initiative began. Originally, a snowmobile-width track sled was used to groom narrow trails solid enough for the fat bikers to ride on. Then Kemerer acquired a Suzuki truck and replaced its wheels with treads to make it a four-season vehicle and grooming machine.
Eventually, to handle heavier snowfall, the society purchased a small snowcat.
“It had to be the size to get across the pedestrian bridge, and Ward found one that fit the bill,” Galbraith explained. “It produces professional quality cross-country ski tracks on both sides of the river which is fabulous.”
Greenbelt trails in winter
Using a combination of the three grooming machines, the Greenbelt trails are groomed during winter for cross-country skiers, snowshoers, fat bikers and walkers.
Wider trails are created to facilitate cross-country skiing, and once groomed these can last several days depending on the level of snowfall.
There are also narrower trails that wind through the woods, adequate for both walkers and fat bikers, and Kemerer uses the track sled to groom these pathways.
The Nordic Pulse website and app are key for users of the Greenbelt trails in the winter months. They provide real-time information on how recently the tracks have been groomed. This resource is particularly important for skate skiers, who require as little traffic as possible for optimal conditions.
IGS is also in conversation with Parks Canada to groom the first eight kilometers of the Meadows in the Sky Parkway in the National Park. While many individuals already snowshoe and cross-country ski up the road, a groomed trail will enhance this experience, laying down proper tracks that can also be utilised by skate skiers and fat bikers.
“It’s a beautiful trail with a slight incline,” Galbraith said. “Cross-country skiing in Revy really started on Mt Revelstoke so it will be a return to the roots.”
Illecillewaet Greenbelt Society funding and community support
For just $30, individuals can purchase an IGS membership and access the many trails Kemerer grooms. IGS’ membership base has skyrocketed from 40 members in 2023 to now over 400.
Galbraith attributes the growth in part to the increased awareness of what the IGS does, and the necessity of memberships to cover costs.
“There is a growing understanding that we depend on memberships to buy the diesel fuel and pay for any repairs that Ward can’t do on his own,” Galbraith explained.
In addition to increasing member support, the society received a major grant from the Economic Opportunities Fund last year. It also receives support from sponsor companies including Mustang Powder Cat Skiing, Selkirk Dental Clinic, Skookum Bike & Ski and Apex Rafting.
However, Galbraith notes the society still needs to raise around $170,000 to purchase all its equipment in full and compensate Ward for his significant financing.
“We’ll continue with grant applications, and we’ve had some very generous donations from individuals,” he said. “It’s a generous community and so I’m confident that we’ll get it.”
“We’re really hoping to continue the transition away from this being an endeavour funded by one generous and passionate individual to a community resource for all the Revelstoke community supported by the community.”
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