Trailhead Access

The Natural Bridge Cross Country Ski Trails are a 45 minute drive from Radium townsite.  Cross country skiing, biking and hiking is available along 12 kms of trails which provide access to scenic canyon and river views.  Four ski loops of varying length and difficulty are periodically groomed and track set.  Check with the District office for recent trail condition information.  A brochure is available on site or at the Invermere Forest District office, Invermere or Radium Info Centres, and Kootenay National Park westgate.  The system is suited to the average skier.  Highlights include the Natural Bridge and canyon, a 2.8 km ski from the trailhead.  Firewood is provided at the warming hut located on the Oochucks Loop Trail, a sunny lunch spot.  Please sign in at the registration box at the trailhead or warming hut.

Access - Drive north on Hwy 93 from Radium through Kootenay National Park to Settlers Road.  After driving 12 kms on Settlers Road turn left onto the Palliser River Forest Service Road, then left again at the 14 km mark onto the Cross River Forest Service Road.  Trailhead parking is at km 16.  These roads off of Hwy 93 are regularly ploughed and are car drivable in the winter.  Use caution when driving along industrial gravel roads off of the main highway, and give right of way to industrial mine and logging traffic which may be encountered.

Trail Description

The Natural Bridge Cross Country Ski Trails include a total of 12 kilometres of trails which are maintained for public use. The trail system provides access from advanced skiers to the Natural Bridge at the upper canyon of the Cross River. Avoid approaching the steep banks of the river and the canyon edges. It is recommended that skiers stay on the groomed trails.

Other beginner and intermediate trail loops traverse a variety of forested corridors and provide some excellent viewing opportunities.

Firewood is provided at the warming hut overlooking the Kootenay River.  Please ensure your fire is extinguished before leaving.

Snowmobile and snowshoe use is not permitted as such use will damage the set tracks provided for the skiers.

Please sign in at the trailhead registration box or at the warming hut.  This information is used in the planning and servicing of the trail system.

Enjoy Your Ski Outing!