we've added a section on driving on forest roads (resource roads) as this is a key component of accessing the Gorge ski touring terrain safely. Visit the touring page for more info. You absolutely need to have the following:

• VHF Radio with the RR9 channel
• 4x4 or AWD with good winter tires with good clearance
• chains
• shovel

Also, good to have items are:

• towstrap (fabric, not chains)
• truck antennae for VHF radio (remember, handhelds don't transmit very far)

With changing temperatures throughout the day and at different elevations, road conditions can go from good to super slippery in a matter of meters. Throw in loaded logging trucks and you need to make sure you are ready for anything.

Some more tips and requirements for the road:

• Logging trucks have the right of way. Pull over well in advance of them coming and wait for them to pass
• You need to be completely off the road when parking. If a parking spot is full, keep driving to the next spot

And finally, watch the below video and make sure that you follow this when travelling on the Gorge road. Please remember that it will only take an incident or two before the road is shut down for non industrial winter use.

The Gorge Ski Touring Association, lead by Gord Bose and Luke Grubbels attended the Shuswap Trails Round Table meeting on October 26, 2022. From the meeting minutes:

East Shuswap
Gord Bose reported the following new priorities: Sicamous bike park (currently in the process of a Section 57 and First Nations engagement), hoping to break ground next year; the Gorge Creek backcountry area for ski touring and snowmobiling, and working on mitigating recreational conflict and ensuring safety on the access road for all users; and understanding and adhering to closures due to caribou habitat and wildfires (post 2021 wildfire season closures).  

 The Gorge Ski Touring Association attended the latest Shuswap Trails Alliance Meeting. Good discussion was had and talks will continue with the key stakeholders.