ABOUT THE WHITECOURT TRAILBLAZERS

The Whitecourt Trailblazers Snowmobile Club is a not-for-profit group registered under the Societies Act in Alberta founded in 1979. As one of the largest snowmobile Clubs in Alberta, the Trailblazers are made up of a group of dedicated volunteer members who donate their time to promote the sport of organized snowmobiling in Alberta.

Whitecourt is the official Snowmobile Capital of Alberta.

The Whitecourt Trailblazers currently maintains 485kms of trail system in the Whitecourt area (in partnership with Alberta Parks & Environment), including portions of the The Great Canadian Trail System (formerly Trans-Canada Trail System) and the Golden Triangle Trail System.

Download 2016-2017 Facts & Stats

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BECOME A TRAILBLAZERS MEMBER

Joining the Trailblazers is easy. When purchasing a Trail Pass from a Whitecourt Trailblazers member or a supporting Whitecourt business, your Whitecourt Trailblazers membership is included. An annual Trail Pass is $90/season (or $80 if purchased before January 1 of each year). Day Passes are also available for $25/day.

Find out where to buy your Trail Pass & Membership.

Why you should join:

• You’ll be joining a community of individuals who love the sport
• You’ll be part of a social club that gives back to the community
• You’ll be supporting local trail maintenance and grooming
• You’ll be meeting new riders and making new friends

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TRAILBLAZERS EXECUTIVE

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TRAILBLAZERS TIMELINE

The Trailblazers Club is a very active club and is proud of its many accomplishments. For more information on the club history, visit our History Book.

1979	Whitecourt Trailblazers Club established
1981	Trailblazers affiliated with the ASA (Alberta Snowmobile Association)
1982	Alberta Forest Service develops Eagle River Recreation area with 83km of trails
1983	Trailblazers awarded ‘ASA Club of the Year’
1984	Trailblazers host their first ASA Jamboree
1985	Whitecourt recognized as Snowmobile Capital of Alberta
1986	Trailblazers awarded ‘Ski-Doo New Generation Club of Canada’ from Bombardier
1989	Trailblazers host their second ASA Jamboree
1993	Trailblazers take over operation of Eagle River Recreation area and trail system
1994	Golden Triangle trail system opens
1995	Silver Summit trail system opens
2000	Trailblazers host their third ASA Jamboree
2003	Trailblazers purchase groomer
2004	Trailblazers build log cabin on Athabasca Loop and relocate old shelter to Groat Creek Trail
2004	Trailblazers awarded ‘ASA Outstanding Snowmobile Club of the Year’
2005	Trailblazers celebrate 25th Anniversary
2005	Town of Whitecourt officially registers Whitecourt as ‘Snowmobile Capital of Alberta’
2007	Trailblazers lose trail boss Dale Gunderson in a tragic accident on the trails
2007	Trailblazers build new cabin and rest area in Virginia Hills known as the Gundy Rest Area
2009	Trailblazers host their fourth ASA Jamboree along with Sled Invasion – record number of sleds in attendance (900) and record back-flip achieved (Sam Rogers, 117ft)
2010	Trailblazers awarded ‘Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations Excellence Award for Tourism Promotion’
2010	Trailblazers develop and relocate 127km of trail. Trail system now totals 420km. New trails include Groat Creek Canyon Trail, Goodwin Lake Trail and Manweiler Trail. Look-outs established on trail system – Athabasca Look-out, Goodwin Lake Look-out, Groat Creek Canyon Look-out
2011	Jordan Linford recognized at ASA awards for Outstanding Youth Contribution
2012	Alex Manweiler recognized at ASA awards with Sherren Lifetime Achievement
2012	Summit Cabin burns to ground along with woodshed and outhouse
2012	New Summit Cabin opens after many volunteer hours of work led by Jeff Brooks
2012	Club purchases 2nd groomer and drag
2012	SnoRider’s West Magazine, Riders Choice Awards: Platinum – Favourite Scenic Snowmobile Area in Alberta Gold – Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Groomed Trail Riding in Alberta
2013	Annual Family Sled Rally attracts 715 sledders
2013	New record for trail pass sales. 540 season passes, 621 day passes
2013	Committee formed to begin planning of the 2015 World Snowmobile Invasion consisting of Town/County & Trailblazer Representatives. Event Planner – Cindy Brooks hired
2013	SnoRider’s West Magazine, Riders Choice Awards: Bronze – Favourite Scenic Snowmobile Area in Alberta Gold – Snowmobiling Area You Would Like Most to Ride in the Future Alberta Gold – Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Area for Family Snowmobiling in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Powder Riding in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Groomed Trail Riding in Alberta
2014	VIP & Media Ride takes place January 29, 2014
2014	Family Rally takes place February 15 & 16. Record number of sledders – 850. Raffle of 2 sleds – Polaris & Ski-Doo
2014	Ladies Cancer Ride takes place February 24 & 25. Ladies ride from Athabasca to Tumbler Ridge and Trailblazers members participated Swan Hills to Whitecourt and Whitecourt to Fox Creek legs. Close to $5000 was raised
2014	Committee for World Snowmobile Invasion expanded to include a Trailblazers and community committee
2014	ASA Excellence Awards: Ken Linford, Outstanding Snowmobiler
2014	SnoRider’s West Magazine, Riders Choice Awards: Bronze – Favourite Scenic Snowmobile Area in Alberta Bronze – Snowmobiling Area You Would Like Most to Ride in the Future Alberta Gold – Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Bronze – Favourite Powder Riding in Alberta Bronze – Favourite Scenic Riding in Alberta
2015	VIP & Media Ride takes place January 30, 2015 – Over 100 participants to the Carson Cabin
2015	5-day event World Snowmobile Invasion takes place February 11-15. read more
2015	Record for 2014/2015 trail pass sales. 693 season passes, 854 day passes
2015	Need for Executive Assistant – Cindy Brooks hired
2015	Developed Bessie Creek Trail and Shiningbank Look-Out with outhouse and benches
2015	ASA Excellence Awards: Don Price, Outstanding Groomer Operator Dan Guenette & Family, Outstanding Family Contribution Award NW Zone – Club of the Year ASA Outstanding Club of the Year
2015	SnoRider’s West Magazine, Riders Choice Awards: Gold – Favourite Scenic Snowmobile Area in Alberta Gold – Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Area for Family Snowmobiling in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Groomed Trail Riding in Alberta
2016	VIP & Media Ride takes place January 29, 2016 – 54 participants to the Summit Cabin
2016	Family Rally scheduled for February 13 & 14 cancelled due to lack of snow. Raffle of 2 sleds – Polaris & Ski-Doo
2016	Despite a low snow year, tremendous support with trail pass sales. 436 season passes, 176 day passes
2016	Summit wood shed tinned and outhouse moved at Carson Cabin
2016	ASA Excellence Awards: Cyril Lanctot, Louise Sherren Lifetime Achievement Award Bailey Hearn, Outstanding Youth Contribution Award Dan Guenette & Family, Outstanding Family Contribution Award
2016	SnoRider’s West Magazine, Riders Choice Awards: Gold – Favourite Scenic Snowmobile Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Area for Family Snowmobiling in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Powder Riding in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Groomed Trail Riding in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Snowmobiling in Western Canada
2017	VIP & Media Ride cancelled due to lack of snow.
2017	Great Canadian 150 Family Rally scheduled for February 18 & 19 cancelled due to lack of snow. Raffle of 2 sleds – Polaris & Ski-Doo
2017	SnoRider’s West Magazine, Riders Choice Awards: Platinum – Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Scenic Snowmobile Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Groomed Trail Riding in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Powder Riding in Alberta Platinum – Most Challenging Riding in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Area for Family Snowmobiling in Alberta ADRENALINE POWERSPORTS – Favourite Snowmobile Dealer in Alberta
2017	Avalanche Canada Back Country Workshop hosted by the Trailblazers
2017	Participated in the Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade and won “Favorite Non-Profit Organization”
2018	Annual VIP & Media Ride had 3 Ministers attend – Minister of Agriculture, Minister of Tourism, Minister of Economics. 50 Riders with Eagle River Casino Celebration – 75 people attended
2018	Annual Family Rally was well attended despite -25c weather. 650 Riders. Canadian Tire was a major prize sponsor
2018	Golden Triangle Adventure 350 – 40 Riders participated. Riders could ride from any of the three locations- Whitecourt, Swan Hills and Fox Creek. Weather was -25c but we received about 12″ of snow throughout the weekend – great riding!
2018	Summit Cabin repairs – porch roof re-built and attached
2018	SnoRider’s West Magazine, Riders Choice Awards: Platinum – Favourite Area for Family Snowmobiling in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Scenic Snowmobile Area in Alberta Gold – Favourite Groomed Trail Riding in Alberta Gold – Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Silver – ADRENALINE POWERSPORTS – Favourite Snowmobile Dealer in Alberta
2019	Annual VIP & Media Ride had 65 people attend. Rode to the Carson Cabin with an evening mixer at the Eagle River Casino.
2019	Annual Family Snowmobile Rally was well attended with another cold year of -25 temperatures. About 550 Riders. Canadian Tire was once again a major prize sponsor
2019	Snow Rush Event: Golden Triangle Rally. Partenered with Teen Challenge in teh fight against addiction. 27 riders. 65 people attended charity dinner. Raised $35,000
2019	OHS issue came foward from the government. Brought uncertainty to the club. All ‘High Risk’ tasks to be contracted out.
2019	SnoRider’s West Magazine, Riders Choice Awards: Platinum – Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Scenic Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Groomed Trail Riding in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Area for Family Snowmobiling in Alberta Gold – Area You Would Like Most To Ride in the Future in Alberta
2019-2020 Season	40th Anniversary Celebration. Volunteers are recognized weekly for their contributions to the Whitecourt Trailblazers as well as to the community.
2019	ASA Excellence Awards: Elaine Gunderson (long time volunteer), Louise Sherren Lifetime Achievement Award Aaron & Chrissy Munro (Adrenaline Powersports), Dealership of the Year
2019	SnoRider’s West Magazine, Riders Choice Awards: Platinum – Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Scenic Snowmobiling Area in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Groomed Trail Riding in Alberta Platinum – Favourite Area for Family Snowmobiling in Alberta Platinum – Area You Would Like Most To Ride in the Future in Alberta
2019	Trailblazers participate in Chamber of Commerce Santa Claus Parade with truck, trailer and Snow Cat decorated.
2019	Snow Cat is sunk in Sakwatamau River. Replacement Cat is purchased in summer of 2020 with insurance funds and funds that are set aside annually for replacement snowcats.
2019	Cindy Brooks has a snowmobile accident on the trails involving other Club Members. Emergency Crews (RCMP, Fire Department and Ambulance are all involved). A review of the accident and protocols prompts the Club to join forces with the Emergency Groups to form a committee to look at practices/protocols regarding accidents. Group looking into purchasing emergency equipment, reviewing recoveries of accident victims in our area.
2020	Annual VIP & Media Ride had 50+ participants with windup at the Eagle River Casino afterwards.
2020	3 day 40th Anniversary Sled Invasion planned for Club over Family Day Weekend. Guinness World Record Attempt at 650 snowmobiles. The current record older – US at 1047. The record is not broken. Over 900 participants in 2 day Rally, 2 Free Octane Addictions Freestyle Events downtown mainstreet of Whitecourt. Freestyle Events sponsored by community sponsors. Partnered with Food Bank to encourage donations to their group. Performing Arts hosted a community concert. Over 5000 participants in the weekend events.
2020	Golden Triangle Snow Rush Event is hosted. 45 Riders, 125 participants at the evening celebration and over $30,000 raised in the fight against addiction.
2020	COVID 19 Pandemic threatens season, however with record snowfall this year, riders rode into April. Meetings, Events and Fundraisers are looking different. Club is attempting to make the best of the situation on a monthly basis. Online Zoom meetings, Online fundraising, no ASPS Event in the fall. Awards are presented online through the ASA Zoom Meetings.
2020	ASPS Event Cancelled due to COVID 19 ASA Excellence Awards: Whitecourt Trailblazers, Zone Club of the Year award (for work on the 40th Anniversary Sled Invasion) Dave Newbury, Groomer Operator of the Year
2020	First Online Raffle 50/50 – very successful
2020	No General Meetings held since March 2020 due to the COVID Pandemic.
2021	2nd Online Raffle with a sled deck. To be drawn at Rally. Rally cancelled. Held online and winner announced at scheduled draw time at the cancelled Rally.
2021	VIP/Media Ride – Cancelled due to COVID 19
2021	Annual Family Rally – Cancelled due to COVID 19
2021	All in person General Meetings cancelled due to COVID 19. Executive met on zoom throughout the season.
2021	ASPS Event Cancelled due to COVID 19. Online ASA Awards presented. Congratulations to Dan Guenette who was awarded the Louise Sherren Lifetime Achievement Award.
2021	AGM Held at Eagle River Staging Area – September, 2021
2021	Held an Online Sled Raffle from October to February, 2022. Very successful way to fundraise.
2021	Participated in the Halloween Trunk or Treat – October 31, 2021
2021	Gundy Trail to Letter K Closed due to industry work for the season – November to April, 2022
2021	Xmas Social – Boston Pizza and Xmas Family Party – Eagle River Staging Area
2021	No General Meetings held in 2021 due to the COVID Pandemic.
2022	Fun Ride – January 2022 – Over 75 riders joined the group – rode the south side starting at the Forest Interpretive Centre, Goodwin Lake to Summit Cabin, up Manweiller, Bessie and Summit Trails.
2022	Annual Family Rally – Held 2 routes, 2 days. Online registration started due to COVID restrictions. Also held in-person registration at Westward Community Centre Gazebo and Eagle River Staging. No social other than weiner roast at the Westward Centre both days. Great riding. Epic snow. People loved the 2 routes. Very quiet at the cabins – no checkpoints. COVID Restrictions have really changed the rally. Staging at Eagle River Casino for the north route. Over $6000 in prizes. All but a couple were gift cards so that we could mail them out. Online Sled Raffle drawn on Sunday at Westward Gazebo. Very successful weekend considering the pandemic played havoc on ridership. We had over 350 riders over the 2 days. 100 kids participated in the weekend. We tried many new things this weekend, overall it streamlined many of the activities. Everyone missed the socializing the most.
2022	Golden Triangle Iron Sledder Challenge – 2nd Year. Riders participated in 4/4 Rally events. Cash money available and medals awarded.
2022	Volunteered at the Casino in St. Albert. Great fundraiser
2022	AGM held in September. Bylaws revised.
2022	1st General Meeting held in October since March 2020.
2022	2nd Online Sled Raffle – 2 sleds to be given away at the 2023 Rally. 2023 MXZ and Summit X Turbo
2022	Alberta Snowmobile ATV and Offroad Show held in October. No nominations for awards were given.
2022	Season Opener – Boston Pizza
2022	Family Xmas Party – Eagle River Staging Area
2023	Fun Ride – Cancelled – Lack of snow
2023	Rally Postponed. Cancelled Event. Virtual Rally – Pics taken to enter to win a prize. Virtual Ride Held as we were a part of The Golden Triangle Iron Sledder Challenge.
2023	AGM Held. Bylaws Revised. New Executive
2023	Alberta Snowmobile ATV and Offroad Show held in October. Nominations – Snowmobiler of the Year – Jeff Brooks. We also received N/W Zone Club of the year.