The quaint hamlet of Bragg Creek offers some great trails all year round, but this time of year it is popular for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and fat biking.

There can be anywhere up to 2000 visitors on the trails which are all maintained and groomed by volunteers with the Greater Bragg Creek Trail Association.

Nicole Martin, XC Bragg Creek, Club Administrator/XC Coach says there a ton of trails available but if you are looking for less populated areas, you will need to go further out.

"There is a little hidden trail not on most of the maps yet called Mountain Road West, if you head around Moose Loop which is gorgeous at the southwest corner on the new map is a trail and this is Mountain Road West. It connects back to the Mountain Road Trail and then you can get back to the parking lot from there."

Some other favorites, shares Martin are 'Logger's Loop' off of 'Sundog Loop' and 'Hostel Loop' which has a big hill up and provides a fun way down.

Martin says if you are an early riser it will be easier to locate parking in the area as the lot gets full rather quickly. 

While XC Bragg Creek offers recreation mountain biking for youth in spring/fall the club also teaches recreational and competitive cross country skiing in winter. Martin says the club attracts a number of youth from Bragg Creek, Cochrane, Priddis, Millarville, and Calgary.

Youth age 5 and up are welcome to join XC Bragg Creek and no experience is necessary, the club evaluates youth and places them in the most suited level. Martin says although youth based, the club will also teach adults if coaches are available.

If  you are headed out to Bragg recreationally, Moose Mountain General store rents skis and snowshoes, while Smack Cycle or Cycle 22X rents fat bikes.

Martin, reminds users again to appreciate the trails in West Bragg as they provide fantastic, free entertainment.

"Greater Bragg Creek Trails Association recommends an annual $50/family fee, it is just a recommended amount. They also have a donation box at the trails head by the bulletin board you can donate there, you can donate on line. One day it may be a paid service, right now it is a free service, they are great trails and the grooming is really top notch from the volunteers."

You can find out more on the Greater+ Bragg Creek Trail Association here.