The Creston Valley Cycling Association is making steady progress on its Wynndel trail network, with plans to add several more kilometres of riding terrain this year.
“Around the Kootenays, basically every community has a good network of mountain bike trails, and it brings in quite a bit of tourism dollars,” says CVCA board member Miles Minichiello.
“It’s just a fun thing to do, and it can be pretty social as well.”
Over the past few years, the CVCA has secured land use agreements with the Town of Creston and the Wynndel Dyking District to build trails in the area. Currently, the network includes about two kilometres of riding: a multi-directional beginner trail suitable for climbing or descending, and a downhill-only trail designed for more experienced riders.
The beginner trail, which is being built by a professional trail builder from Salmo, is currently just over a kilometre long.
Thanks to significant fundraising success, the CVCA hopes to add another three to four kilometres later this year.
Last year, the association raised just over $20,000, with major contributions from the Creston Valley Foundation and the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s ReDi grants.
This year’s efforts have been even more successful, with more than $80,000 raised so far. The largest single contribution – $50,000 – came from Columbia Basin Trust. Other funds and lumber donations came from Canfor, J.H. Huscroft Ltd., Wild North Brewing, and the Creston & District Credit Union.
Volunteer work has been a key part of trail development. The downhill trail has been developed entirely by donated hours from dedicated hands.
The trails appeal to both beginners and advanced mountain bikers. (Miles Minichiello)
In 2024, more than 600 hours went into clearing and constructing trails, with an additional 200 hours in 2025.
The association estimates it needs about $30,000 more to connect the trails to another forestry service road, which would allow bikers to start by driving up to the top and enjoying the ride down.
“That’s our initial goal, and then if we are able to raise more funds and have more volunteers, we’d like to make more trails throughout that area,” said Minichiello.
Both trails can be found at the end of Elsie Holmes Road and are listed on trailforks.com, a popular website and app for cyclists and hikers.
Donations to this project can also be made on the website.
Those interested in getting involved or volunteering can connect via crestonvalleycycling.ca/membership or the Creston Valley Cycling Association Facebook group.
Minichiello, who is also a mental health counsellor in Creston, says the trails offer benefits that go beyond recreation.
“The benefit of people moving their bodies and being in nature is great for our mental and physical health,” he said.
“We’re trying to make a beginner trail that is easily accessible for people that may be new to mountain biking as well as having something that’s challenging for people who are a bit more experienced. I just want to get people out and involved.”
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