TOOL SHED Stage 3: Crowsnest Pass, AB - Big Bear

Dates:  July 15, 2023

The Location:

Crowsnest Pass, located in southwestern Alberta, is a beautiful area steeped in history and known for its stunning mountain scenery. The region has long been a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a wide range of recreational activities including hiking, fishing, skiing, and mountain biking.

Mountain biking also has a long history in Crowsnest Pass, with the first trails appearing in the 1980s. Over the years, the local community has worked hard to create a network of trails that caters to riders of all levels, from beginners to seasoned pros. Today, the area is home to some of the best mountain biking in western Canada, with a wide variety of terrain, stunning views, and challenging technical sections.

The original TransRockies Challenge made stops in Crowsnest Pass from 2002-2004, as well as in 2013. In 2019 the TransRockies Classic returned to the area, but 2023 will be the first time that Singletrack 6 is hosted there. Despite its rugged reputation, Crowsnest Pass is also a welcoming and friendly community that takes pride in its natural beauty and outdoor heritage. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time rider, there's something for everyone in this stunning part of western Canada.

The Stage:

Stage 3 promises to be an exciting and challenging experience for riders. The stage, set in the stunning Crowsnest Pass region of Alberta, will begin at the base of the Ski Hill Road at the skills park in Blairmore, with parking and event services based at the Pass Powderkeg Ski Resort where the stage will finish. 

The stage starts with a climb up the ski hill road to Pass Powderkeg before transitioning to singletrack and taking on the Chainsaw Massacre Trail to reach the top of the ski hill. From here, riders will start the long climb to the top of Big Bear, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. This climb will wind through forests and meadows with a series of steep switchbacks that will test the endurance of even the fittest riders. 

The descent from Big Bear is one of the most challenging of the entire ST6 race, with several tricky sections at the top that will have some riders walking down for short sections. Riders who are not familiar with this trail are encouraged to make conservative choices on these sections. Once through these tricky sections, the descent rewards riders with a thrilling ride on Sooper Trooper with plenty of rewarding descending. The course then heads to the School of Rock trail, a popular featuring unique rock slabs and features. This trail offers advanced features with easier ride-around options. 

From there, riders will head back to Pass Powderkeg for the stage finish, featuring a final descent on fun and super-fast Buck 50, followed by a final climb back to the lodge on the Double Dirt-Spresso Singletrack. 

The stage covers a total of 38.8 km and 1,300 m of climbing, and the finish line festivities and refreshments will be rocking at Pass Powderkeg for the finish. This is a challenging and rewarding stage, and riders will need to bring their A-game to complete it successfully. With stunning scenery and a challenging route, this stage is sure to be a highlight of the 2023 Singletrack 6 mountain bike race. 

Distance: 38.8 km

Elevation Gain: 1,300 m

Timed Descent: School of Rock & Sweet Duaneage - 160m descent, 2.4 km

Aid/CP: 11.8 km , 26.0 km

Map:

View on Ride with GPS.

All Routes Subject to Change.

*Elevation data may be highly variable by device or mapping platform, as different software may use various data sources and calculation methods. Our total elevation gain for the stage is a middle estimate based on readings from multiple devices.