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Telemark Trails During the Green Months

When ski season is over, the Telemark Club encourages everyone without an engine to use the trail network. You may meet cattle, who have always been docile when we’ve seen them, because they too are permitted to stroll the trails. (Some are handsome Black Angus- quite impressive. )

In Green season, too, you could get to the stadium area after a quiet walk from the parking lot, and discover a tent city full of cub scouts, or a row of horse trailers ! You can come here ten times without seeing a soul, then find yourself in the midst of a major event- like a Wild in the West equine endurance ride !

What you’ll find on the Telemark Cross Country Ski Trails in Green Seasons

• A few maps on posts, to help you plan your route- (remember your time checks)
• A different ecosystem from the Ponderosa Pine grassland you’ve come to know in drier areas in lower elevations of the Westside – there are more species of trees, (with great deciduous colour in the fall ), more shrubs, and more insects !
• Streams and valuable wetlands, rocky ridges and plenty of cool shade
• Evidence of plenty of wildlife – and sometimes, critters “up close and personal”
• A few domestic cattle, peacefully sauntering around sampling the vegetation
• Some horse riders with their mounts *
• The occasional group of naturalists, cheerfully snapping pics of the many wildflowers or nibbling the berries
• Mountain bikers – the Westside is full of deliriously happy extreme cyclists !
• Some very happy dogs with their humans – who, if they’re complying with Regional District rules, are connected to one another by a leash
• Yes, you could see a bear, or a moose. The odd cougar is around but invisible
• Did we mention some high elevation trails with stunning panorama views ?

BEFORE YOU GO, check the Glen Canyon Regional Park “what to bring” list. Though most of the Telemark Trails are very wide, conditions are otherwise similar- though here, the footing is generally good.

Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return. Some people leave a little note with their return time on the windshield of their cars.

What to Bring?

If you love wildflowers, this is an excellent place to see and photograph a wide variety of them, so bring a camera in case you see something memorable.

Children, yes, but this isn’t an area to take toddlers - unless you plan to carry them. However, so long as you’re cautious near the steep bluffs, these trails can be greatly enjoyed by energetic primary school-age children as well as adults. Just remember to keep kids from wandering away; keep your group together, just in case a Mama bear is around somewhere with her own family.

If someone you love is disabled but loves to visit the forest, you could bring them along the driveway into the stadium area or to one of the trail junction areas for a picnic, especially if you have one of those athlete-type wheelchairs, and perhaps a portable picnic table.

Trail Tip

See horses up ahead ?

Please don’t startle horses by ‘sneaking up on them’ or making sudden noises or motions. Most horses in the Okanagan are well-trained and calm and love the trail, but a few may be young or inexperienced and easily frightened. A frightened horse can turn a great day of riding into a disaster. If you’re with someone who wants to pet a horse, ask the rider first.

Disclaimer: Please remember to hike safe. Consider your level of fitness, the terrain, the weather, the wildlife, and the expertise/age of those you are hiking with. Since conditions of trails change over time, we do not guarantee the accuracy of our information. Hike at your own risk.

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