Single Track 2 Success

If land could speak, Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN) sacred territory of Montana Mountain, Carcross, would no doubt have much to share. Trees would recount traditional practices of the Carcross/Tagish First Nation (C/TFN); rocks would tell stories of mining along the rugged slopes.

These days, chatter would most likely focus on the incredible number of mountain bikers that visit Montana Mountain every year. Whether pushing uphill or flying back down, this destination is ever-evolving mountain biking bliss.

The creation of these trails can be attributed to C/TFN and the role of Single to Success (S2S), a youth employment initiative launched in 2006 to build and maintain a world-class trail network. Over the years, S2S crews have created over forty kilometers of renowned singletrack trails on Montana Mountain. In fact, Mountain Hero – one of the most famed trails within the network – was inducted into the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s EPICS list, which highlights challenging backcountry excursions worth exploring (and which currently only includes four other Canadian trails).

While the trails are an important outcome, S2S also emphasizes the significance of the process itself. Each day of trail building included both local C/TFN and non-Indigenous youth gaining skills, knowledge and pay while spending time on the land. This process is powerful and healing, helping strengthen community and cultural connection.

Along the way, CanNor funding has supported youth employment, local business opportunities and trail creation, updates and maintenance.

Though stories evolve over time, one thing remains unchanged: Montana Mountain is – and always will be - a hub for healing, adventure-seeking and community building. The trails will continue contributing to the lives of residents and visitors alike, and these tales will continue inspiring news articles, magazine features, YouTube videos and more. The strong spirit of trail stewardship will no doubt live on for generations.