Snake Hill Slither IV XCO
Team Relay, Hill Climb
Zones 2, 3, 5 and 6 Alberta Summer Games Qualifier
TECH GUIDE
May 16/17, 2026
Snake Hill - Sundre, Alberta
Introduction
Officially known as the Snakes Head Natural Area but customarily referred to as Snake Hill, it is a provincial natural area managed by the Town of Sundre. You’re unlikely to encounter one of the few garter snakes that inhabit it but deer and moose are not uncommon. Large predators are also around but stay away when there’s human activity present - at least we hope that continues to be the case. The trails on Snake Hill were originally opened by the Biathlon Club and additional development took place for the Alberta Winter Games sometime in the 1980s. The cross country ski trails are maintained by Town staff during the summer while the Bike’n Ski Club develops and maintains single track trails for mountain biking. During the winter, the Club grooms the trails for cross country skiing and fat biking. Welcome to our third year running an XCO in Sundre and good luck to racers aiming to represent Team Alberta!
Land Acknowledgement
We would like to take this opportunity to respectfully acknowledge that we are gathering on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional and contemporary territory of the nêhiyaw (Cree), Dene, Anishnaabe, Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Saulteaux and Nakota Sioux, whose footsteps have marked this land since time immemorial, as well as the Métis people of Alberta, who share a deep history with this land.
Participant Code of Conduct
All participants (athletes, volunteers, officials, coaches and parents) involved in Alberta Bicycle Association activities are expected to behave in a respectful, safe, and sportsmanlike manner. This includes treating fellow riders, coaches, officials, volunteers, and spectators with respect and helping create an environment free from harassment, discrimination, or abuse. The Code of Conduct applies at events, training, meetings, travel, and online interactions, and violations may result in disciplinary action under ABA policies.
Race Organization
Race Organizer: Felix Lee - 403 819 2171 - flixlee@gmail.com
Medical Coordinator: Adam Hooson - 403 312 2549 - ahtl@live.ca
Volunteer Coordinator: Morgan McAdam - 403 559 7271 - spyhollow@gmail.com
Officials
Chief: Robert Armstrong (In Training: Janet Lui)
Panel: Diane Bowles
Panel: James Kendal
Technical Delegate: Sam Hargreaves
Registration - https://zone4.ca/register/V8BrvG/
You will need a race license to participate in each race on the weekend. If you have a Provincial or UCI license then that will cover all events on the weekend. If you do not have an ABA race license you will need to purchase a Single Event License (SEL) for each race you register for. Single event licenses are $20. These can be purchased when you register through Zone4.
Camping at the Sundre Rodeo grounds will be available, no services provided.
If you are competing for Alberta Summer Games Selections please note that All cyclists at the Alberta Summer Games must have obtained, at a minimum, an Alberta Provincial Race License through the Alberta Bicycle Association (ABA).
Categories and Fees
U11 $10
U13 $10
U15 $10
Novice Women/ Men $40
U17 Sport Women/ Men $20
U17 Expert Women/ Men $20
U19 Expert Women/ Men $20
Sport Women/Men $40
Expert Women/ Men $40
Elite Women/ Men $40
Relay Race and hill climb $5 per person (cash only)
Trailblazers $2 (cash only)
Schedule
May 15 1800 XCO course will be fully marked 1800h
May 16 ABA Sanctioned Race schedule
0800 Sign on open
0815-0915 Pre ride, number plate required
0915 Elite Men 5 laps 27.5km
0917 Expert Men, U19 Expert Men 4 laps 22.2km
0919 Elite Women 4 laps 22.2km
0921 Expert Women, U19 Expert Women 3 laps 22.2km
1030-1145 Pre ride, number plate required
1150 U17 Expert Men 3 laps 16.9km
1152 Sport Men 3 laps 16.9km
1154 U17 Expert Women 3 laps 16.9km
1156 Sport Women 3 laps 16.9km
1158 U17 Sport Men 1 lap 6.3km
1200 U17 Sport Female 1 lap 6.3km
1300-1345 pre- ride, number plate required
1350 Novice Men 2 laps 9.0km
1352 Novice Women 2 laps 9.0km
Zone 2,3,5,6 Alberta Summer Games Qualifiers
For more information on Alberta Summer Games click here
1355 U15 Men 2 laps 9.0km
1358 U15 Women 2 laps 9.0km
1401 U13 Men 2 laps 9.0km
1404 U13 Women 2 laps 9.0km
1408 U11 Men 1 laps 5.0km
1410 U11 Women 1 laps 5.0km
May 17 Club Sanctioned Schedule
0800 Sign on open
0815-0900 Pre-ride for Relay Race
0930-1030 Relay Race Teams of 4
1100-1140 Trailblazers Little Rippers, Gnarly and Geared
1200-1240 Trailblazers Dialed
1315-1500 Hill Climb
Awards will be held at the conclusion of each race, following posting of official results and the appropriate protest period.
Directions
Sundre rodeo grounds/ Sundre Ball diamonds.
From Olds, head west on Highway 27 to Sundre, turn north on Center Street, Turn west on Fourth Street (at Joko Convenience). Parking is available along the ball diamonds and along the rodeo grounds fence.
Team tents can be set up on the east side of the access gate by the start finish area and toilets.
Race course
Prologue
The first 500m of the course leads from the start line to the race loop. Once past the first climb, racers will pass by the LAP / FINISH area.
Race course
Novice, U15,13,11
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/172865523
Race course
Sport, Expert, Elite
https://ridewithgps.com/trips/172839404
Registration/ Start Line
Registration will be located next to the start line. On the west side of the access gate in the parking lot. Number plates will be available for pickup prior to your race start here. Do not modify your number plate in any way by trimming, cutting or folding. Number plates must be clearly legible when viewed from in front of the racer. Washrooms will also be available here. There is no water available on site, please be prepared to supply your own.
Timing
Timing for the race will utilize Zone4 timing chips. Ensure your assigned chip is securely attached to your bicycle and returned at the end of the race.
Feed/Tech zone
A single tech will be marked immediately before the lap through zone. This zone is not neutral. You must supply your own feed and technical support. The feed zone is located at the top of the technical root climb just past the lap through area. See diagram below. Please ensure no food, gels or electrolyte drinks hit the ground. Snake Hill is home to many animals and we do not want to disrupt their feeding habits.
Finish
Upon completing the required number of laps, racers will follow the signage back to the start finish area
Relay Race
We will be bringing back the 4 person team relay event on Sunday. Racers will compete on a short course to see which team can complete the most laps! Register only your team captain. Teams may consist of any mix of riders you choose. Pockets highly recommended, basic tools per team mandatory.
Anti-doping statement
The ABA complies with and fully supports the UCI anti-doping regulations, the clauses of the World Anti-doping Code and its international Standards to which the UCI antidoping regulations refer and to the anti-doping regulations of other competent bodies as per the regulations of the UCI.
Medical and First aid
Medical services will be based at the start/ finish area for the duration of the race. There will be 2 medical personnel on shift for the race. Race marshals and ABA staff will have cell phone and radio communication in case of a medical emergency.
ERP
Sundre Hospital- 709 1st Street NE
On site medical support will be available at the start/ finish area.
