On November 29th, 2022, Black Jack Ski Club (BJSC) and the Rossland Mountain Bike Society (RMBS) signed a 2022/23 Winter Trail Use Agreement. The goals of the agreement are to:
Promote responsible winter use of KCTS trails in the BJSC Rec Site;
Reduce the potential for incidents between skiers at BJSC and other recreationalists; and
Manage the demand on shared resources, such as the Biathlon Area parking lot.
The key points of the agreement are:
Black Jack Ski Club groomed trails remain open only to Nordic skiers, with paid membership or day passes. These trails include Aqueduct, Little Rock (new dog loop), and Adventure trail.
Upper Mxiɬp Xewílh (Cedar) is being groomed by RMBS and is open to all users.
Dogs are allowed, but only if accessing from 100 Acre Wood / Murphy Creek.
This trail is not part of the BJSC network and users of this trail do so at their own risk.
Lower Mxiɬp Xewílh (Cedar) is being groomed by RMBS and is open to fat bikers and snowshoers only (no skiers or dogs).
This trail is a 4 km (each way) out-and-back - we ask that bikers and snowshoers please do not continue past the turnaround.
COG is under review by RMBS and BJSC for suitability (Nov 2022). In the meantime, it is ungroomed. Stay tuned for updates.
We ask all users to follow our coordinate policies and respect each other ☮
If you have any questions or comments, see the FAQ below or reach out to our trails director.
Trail access from the Biathlon parking lot.
Winter bike trails in the Biathlon area
Frequently Asked Questions
+ Is this a permanent agreement?
Nope. This is a trial agreement for 2022/23. We will review the agreement at the end of the season. If necessary, changes may also be made mid-season.
+ Don’t fat bikers have trails close to town they can ride?
RMBS will continue to groom trails on KC and Montecristo, as well as Blue Elephant. However, these trails also see use by walkers and joggers, which can damage the grooming.
The rolling, mellow grades of Mxiɬp Xewílh make it well suited to fat bike grooming and riding. With the creation of the joint Winter Trail Use Agreement, RMBS aims to establish an area for only fat-biking and compatible activities, like snowshoeing.
+ Where are fat-bikes allowed to ride within the Black Jack Rec Site?
Upper and Lower Mxiɬp Xewílh; that’s it. COG is currently under review (Nov 2022).
+ Where can fat bikers (and other non-BJSC trail users) park?
Fat bikers can park at the 100 Acre Wood.
+ Will there be enough room for everyone in the biathlon parking lot?
RMBS has agreed to keep Lower Mxiɬp Xewílh (and COG if approved) closed until lower trails at Black Jack are open and we give thumbs up. During this time, fat bikers looking to access Upper Mxiɬp Xewílh are encouraged to use 100 Acre Wood parking.
+ Will the fat biking community contribute to the cost and maintenance of the biathlon parking lot?
Yes. Biathlon parking is plowed through a shared contract with Friends of the Rossland Range, costing BJSC roughly $1000/yr. RMBS has agreed to contribute $250 towards this cost.
+ Are dogs now allowed at the biathlon area?
No. All users wishing to recreate with a dog should park at 100 Acre Wood for access to Upper Mxiɬp Xewílh. Dogs are not allowed on Lower Mxiɬp Xewílh, COG, or BJSC trails at Biathlon.
Skiing with dogs is allowed on select canine trails at Black Jack.
+ Do fat bikers need to pay trail fees?
No. Fat bikers are encouraged to purchase annual RMBS membership, but it is not required.
+ Do other ski centres have fat bike trails?
You bet. Many of Canada’s premier Nordic centres (including Canmore, Silver Star, and Mont Sainte-Anne) have fat bike trails alongside ski trails.
We spoke with managers and users at several other Nordic areas to find out how to best manage shared use of our area.
+ Can I ski on any fat bike trail?
Lower Mxiɬp Xewílh is for fat biking and snowshoeing only. Further, Black Jack skiers are not insured for use of fat bike trails.
Individuals may choose to ski on Upper Mxiɬp Xewílh (outside of the BJSC Rec site) at their own risk.
+ Can I snowshow / walk / run on fat bike trails?
Snowshoeing is allowed on all fat bike trails. Walking and running are not allowed on Lower Mxiɬp Xewílh.
Upper Mxiɬp Xewílh is open to all users, but walkers and runners are encouraged to choose another trail if conditions are soft to avoid post-holing and damaging the grooming.
+ Is there insurance if there is an accident?
Yes. BJSC, RMBS, and KCTS all carry insurance policies which apply to the Winter Use Agreement. User adherence to the permitted trail uses is required.