Gorge Ski Tour Association

10/08/2026

Happy Thanksgiving weekend from the GSTA, (No that is not a real time conditions update!) but there is snow in the forecast this weekend.

To answer the most asked question - will the Gorge be plowed this winter? the answer (insert drum roll sound effect here) is "NO" - no logging planned that way this season (subject to change).

K3 will still be plowing to their turn at 3K - and YES you will NEED your radio 24/7 - YES even for just those 3K

Parking on Lybarger and sledding up the plowed road is never a good idea - remember Grade 10 Physics about size mattering in the event of a tie?

If you have't sign up for an Avy course, or a higher level course - make sure all your gear is dialed, new batteries in your beacon? - winter tires on?

Keep hitting refresh on the Weather forecasts while you sip your 3rd latte.

Soon...

Have a great and safe Thanksgiving from the GSTA

04/17/2026

The snow is now slowly disappearing, spring turns are still out there but unfortunately it won't be long before the snow will be Schmoo. :(

This season we received many less trip reports as compared to last season, however last season the Gorge FSR was plowed, and additionally this season was a non-banner snow year. We did receive a number of reports, which is great, and we had two prizes from our sponsors which were awarded to random report submitters:

Brent Dewolff from Salmon Arm won a Jetboil Stash Stove Kit and a Happy Yak Mandarin Beef and Rice hydration meal. Value before taxes $231.94. Courtesy of TW Outdoors in Kelowna.

Ben Kwiatkowski from Golden won an MEC Tour 32 Ski/Board Touring Pack. Value before taxes $189.95. Courtesy of MEC Kelowna.

For future seasons kindly submit trip reports for your visits to The Gorge, and you just might win a tremendous prize! The information from the reports provides us with data that we can use in the future as we work to keep the area as an accessible and safe backcountry skiing destination.

02/27/2026

Our generous sponsors have provided a couple of excellent prizes to be awarded to people who submit trip reports via the Gorge Ski Touring Association website. To submit a report just click 'Trip Report' on the linked page and fill out the information in the form: https://www.gorgeskitouringassoc.ca/trip-report.html

We have received very few reports so far this season so if you submit a report in the next week or two you have an EXCELLLENT chance of winning one of the prizes! We randomly select a report for the winner. The report data we collect helps us to establish objective information that we can use for the association.

The prizes and sponsors are as follows:

TW Outdoors- Kelowna: Jetboil Stash Stove Kit (one setting only- just for boiling water, will burn anything else) and a Happy Yak Mandarin Beef and Rice hydration meal. Value before taxes $231.94.

MEC: Tour 32 Ski/Board Touring Pack. Value before taxes $189.95

Go out and Get After It! ❄️

02/21/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ET3i87TMy/

02/10/2026

Snow has returned - Yay! Be sure you are educated on where the Caribou closures are, and following the rules so areas stay open for all of us to enjoy!

01/31/2026

Winter has returned... 30-40 cms of snow @ 1600 meters and above. (Be sure to check out Avalanche.ca for the latest on how it is sticking!!)

Our friends down at Trout Waters and MEC - Kelowna (Thanks guys!) have let us have a couple AWESOME prizes for one lucky person - who has 1 - Skied @ the Gorge, 2 - had an awesome day, and 3 filled out a "Trip Report" from our website ( link at the bottom) from the GSTA's homepage.

The more times you ski - the more you can enter, the better your change of winning and the more smiles you will be over apres-ski and a cold b**r or 3.

www.gorgeskitouringassoc.ca/trip-report.html

01/23/2026

When you do ski at the Gorge (12-18km) be sure to fill out a "Trip Report" from our website. This provides us (the GSTA) a framework for user days, conflicts, issues and animal encounters. Plus you could win a AWESOME prize from our friends at Trout Waters in Kelowna - a new one each month.

Spread the word

Winter will be back - change coming this week - when it dos be sure to also keep those MIN reports flowing to or friends over at Avalanche.ca - and keep a good eye on that bulletin going forward - this new interface is going to be "interesting!"

Avalanche.ca

GSTA Website ----> https://www.gorgeskitouringassoc.ca/

Trout Waters ------> https://www.twoutdoors.ca/

Cheers from the GSTA

TW Outdoors, formerly Trout Waters Fly & Tackle, is British Columbia's best online store for outdoor gear, fly fishing, Patagonia clothing, and local and regional knowledge.

01/23/2026

While we patiently await the return of winter...

One of the biggest questions we have been receiving is "Where is the Sled Closure @ the Gorge with regards to Caribou?"

The rough answer is +- 17km - 17.6km. Attached is the "official" link to the Government website.

There are 3 products, a PDF, a larger overview map and a aKMZ (Google Earth File) to open. Personally the KMZ file shows things best.

You can still ski tour through the closure - it is for motorized (ie snowmobiles) only.

As with anything be aware of the closures - respect them, and in years past there has been enforcement of this area by the Conservation Service - so be aware.

Keep doing snow dances - winter will return

The link --------> https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/sports-culture/recreation/motor-vehicle-prohibitions/snowmobiling-in-bc/snowmobile-closures (Look for the "Revelstoke - Shuswap" areas specifically.

Cheers from the GSTA

Snowmobile closures in British Columbia for Mountain Caribou Recovery. Includes georeferenced PDF maps.

12/27/2025

Good advice from our friends over at SAR. Whether a sled for fun or access lots of good ideas. ⛄️❄️

The snow conditions are getting better everyday, are you going out sledding this holiday season?
To ensure a safe ride, a good winter mountain kit should include:

- Avalanche transceiver, probe, shovel, airbag pack
- Helmet, goggles, gloves, balaclava
- Riding boots (high cuff, waterproof, ankle support)
- Extra clothing (down jacket, dry base layers, spare gloves, toque, socks, goggles)
- Food & water
- Two-way radio & Handheld GPS
- Satellite communicator (InReach, Spot, Zoleo, etc)
- Folding saw or manual chainsaw
- Pocket knife
- Helmet light / headlamp / flashlight
- Spare batteries & Spark Plugs
- Stuck strap
- Tow rope/straps
- Toolkit for sled & spare starter rope
- Tuck tape & zip ties
- Lighter and firestarter
- Emergency shelter/blanket (bothie/bivy)
- Whistle
- Compass
- Medications

If you have an injury or get lost in the back country these items could help save your life, or keep you safe until SAR arrives.

To active SAR call 911 - we are a FREE service!

Have fun and be safe out there!