Griffin

Deep Powder Tree Riding

Discover BC Backcountry

There is a saying among seasoned mountain riders: “When the alpine is socked in, head for the trees.” In British Columbia, storms often bring massive snowfall but also low visibility, turning the high alpine bowls into a disorienting “ping pong ball” of white fog. While some riders might pack it in for the day, the experts know this is exactly when Griffin shines.

Located just west of Revelstoke, the Griffin area is a sanctuary for technical riders. It is a zone defined by old-growth forests, steep glades, and some of the deepest snow accumulation in the Monashee Mountains. For those who love the challenge of weaving through tight timber and exploding through chest-deep powder, Griffin is not just a backup plan, it’s a primary destination.

At Carl Kuster Mountain Park (CKMP), we live for these days. Griffin offers the perfect classroom for mastering technical riding skills and the ultimate playground for those who prefer the shelter of the forest over the exposure of the peaks.

The Magic of Griffin: Why We Ride the Trees

Griffin is unique because of its geography. Situated in a sweet spot for precipitation, it catches heavy storms that dump incredible amounts of snow

Visibility is Key

On storm days, flat light makes reading the snow in open areas nearly impossible. You can’t tell if you are about to hit a drift or a drop-off. Trees provide contrast and definition. The dark timber against the white snow gives your eyes something to lock onto, allowing you to see the slope angle and terrain features clearly. This means you can ride hard and fast even when it’s dumping snow.

The Technical Challenge

Riding Griffin isn’t about horsepower; it’s about finesse. The trees here range from perfectly spaced glades to tight, technical “pines” that require instant decision-making. This is boondocking at its finest. You are constantly on edge, using your body weight to initiate turns, managing your throttle to keep the track spinning but not trenching, and picking lines on the fly. It is a physical and mental workout that is incredibly rewarding.

Terrain Overview: What to Expect

Griffin is accessed via logging roads that wind up from the valley floor near Griffin Lake. The ride up is relatively quick, depositing you into a network of cut blocks and tree lines.

The Cut Blocks: Lower down, you’ll find old logging cut blocks. These open areas are great for warming up, testing snow depth, and practicing carves without the immediate threat of hitting a tree.
The Old Growth: As you push higher, you enter the mature forest. These trees are massive, creating natural corridors and “hallways” of snow. The canopy provides some shelter from the wind, keeping the snow soft and unconsolidated. Perfect for deep powder turns.
Steep and Deep: Griffin isn’t flat. The terrain is pitched, offering plenty of vertical for those who want to climb. Unlike the wide-open chutes of other areas, you are climbing through timber, which adds a layer of complexity and consequence.

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced

Griffin is not a beginner-friendly zone. While the trail up is manageable, the off-trail riding requires a solid foundation of backcountry skills. To enjoy Griffin safely, you should be comfortable with:

Sidehilling: You will often need to traverse steep slopes between trees.
Counter-Steering: The ability to steer with your body weight rather than the handlebars is essential in tight spaces.
Getting Unstuck: In the trees, you don’t just get stuck; you get pinned. You might end up wedged against a tree trunk or buried in a tree well. Knowing how to efficiently extract your sled without burning all your energy is a critical skill here.

Safety Considerations

Tree riding comes with its own set of risks that differ from the high alpine.

Tree Wells: This is the number one danger in Griffin. The branches of large trees shelter the area around the trunk from snow accumulation, creating a deep, hidden void of loose snow. If you fall into one headfirst, it can be impossible to get out on your own. Always ride with a buddy and keep eyes on each other.
Avalanches: Just because there are trees doesn’t mean you are safe from avalanches. Griffin has steep slopes and open glades large enough to slide. Always check the avalanche forecast, carry your transceiver, shovel, and probe, and be aware of overhead hazards.
Impacts: Trees don’t move. Managing your speed and looking ahead (not at the tree you want to avoid) is vital to preventing collisions.

The Best Time to Visit

Griffin is at its best during the heart of winter, typically January and February. This is when the storm cycles are most frequent, refreshing the powder almost daily. Since the primary appeal of Griffin is the deep snow in the trees, you want to go when the base is deep enough to cover stumps and deadfall, allowing for a smooth, bottomless ride. For the rider looking to escape the crowds and the fog, Griffin offers a pure, unfiltered backcountry experience. It’s quiet, it’s deep, and it’s undeniably challenging. It’s the kind of place where you earn every turn, and the feeling of flowing through a silent, snow-choked forest is worth every drop of sweat.