Spray Valley

Kananaskis Country

Updated: April 17, 2025

Updated: April 17, 2025 | Print Report

A Kananaskis Conservation Pass is required to park your vehicle in Kananaskis and the Bow Valley.

April 17th: Expect freeze thaw conditions with some areas being icy, slushy and/or muddy as the days warm up. Spikes are recommended. Higher elevation trails will hold more snow in shaded areas and snow depth may vary.

Updated grooming and track setting information for cross-country ski trails is included on the Live Grooming Report link on the right side of the page.

If heading into the backcountry, be aware of avalanche conditions. Skiers/riders and ice climbers should be aware of overhead hazards. Current conditions can be found at Avalanche Canada.

Note that hiking, snowshoeing and biking are permitted on Watridge Lake Trail only.

At any time come prepared for a variety of conditions. You may want to consider bringing hiking poles, micro spikes, toques, gloves and multiple layers.

Be aware of closures in the area and check advisories before you go.

Closures:

Galatea Day Use Area Toilets - Closed due to flooding.
West Wind Valley: Closed Dec 1 - Jun 15 for protection of critical winter range for elk and bighorn sheep.

Notes:

Be aware of avalanche conditions. Current conditions can be found at Avalanche Canada.
Practice wildlife safety. Travel in groups, make noise on the trail, and keep pets on leash. Carrying bear spray and knowing how to use it is highly recommended, even in winter.
It's tick season! Make sure to check you and your pets when you get home. For best protection, use a bug repellent with DEET.
Caution is advised for natural hazards such as downed trees, washouts and missing bridges. Route-finding may be necessary. Please report any downed trees on the trails.
Be sure not to overestimate your ability when planning your trip: Humility can be a life saver. Plan for rapidly changing conditions and bring extra socks.

Snow Depths:

Burstall Pass: 163cm

Mud Lake: 98cm

Maps

Trail Name	Permitted Activities (Legend)	Length	Status
Burstall Pass (Backcountry)	Skiing		Open
Chester Lake	Skiing	4.6 km one-way	Open
Chester Lake Snowshoe	Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing	3.4 km one-way	Open
Frost Heave Snowshoe	Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing	2.5 km	Open
Graupel Snowshoe	Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing	5.6 km	Open
High Rockies Note: Between Nov. 1 and May 1 the trail is closed through the Buller Slide Path due to Highway Avalanche Control.	Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing	63.0 km Goat Creek to Peninsula Day Use	Open
Hogarth Lakes Loop Snowshoe	Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing	3.9 km	Open
Rummel Lake	Hiking (Winter) Skiing Snowshoeing		Open
Sawmill Loop Snowshoe	Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing	5.1 km	Open
Snowdrift Snowshoe	Fat Biking Hiking (Winter) Snowshoeing	8.3 km	Open

Spray Valley

Kananaskis Country

Maps