The latest updates on the Fort Chipewyan Winter Road and the La Loche Winter Trail are available by following the links below or by calling the Winter Road Hotline at 1-866-743-6111. Updates and details are provided as they become available.
Fort Chipewyan Winter Road Status
Closed for the season as of March 31, 2025.
La Loche Winter Trail Status
Closed for the season as of March 6, 2025.
Important Information
- There are no regular services like road patrol, gas stations or cell phone coverage on the winter roads so always be prepared for emergencies. High clearance 4x4 vehicles are recommended.
- Workers, equipment and other motorists may also be on the road, so please stay on the right side of the road on hills for enhanced safety.
- Please drive to road conditions and obey all posted signage. When passing equipment, reduce speed to 30 km/h for everyone's safety.
Winter Road Safety Tips
Prepare Your Vehicle
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Emergency Car Kit: Essential items include non-perishable food, water, blankets, extra winter clothing, first aid kit, road flares, vehicle repair tools, shovel, scraper, snow brush, fire starter, flashlight, whistle, toilet paper, and communication devices.
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Winter Tires: Ensure your vehicle has winter tires for better traction on icy surfaces.
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Windshield Maintenance: Keep your windshield fluid topped up with a formula rated for -40°C temperatures, and ensure your wipers are in good condition.
Driving Safely on Winter Roads
- Stay Updated: Regularly check the Winter Road Hotline (1-866-743-6111) or the Winter Roads webpage for current conditions.
- Drive Cautiously: Always adjust your speed according to the road conditions, and avoid traveling on closed winter roads.
- Visibility: Clear your vehicle of snow and ice, keep your lights on, and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Gas Tank: Keep your gas tank full as services are limited on winter roads.
Ice Road Safety
- Speed Control: Drive slowly, especially on ice-covered roads and bridges.
- Be Alert: Pay attention to signage and stay on designated routes to avoid thin ice areas.
- Emergency Planning: Inform someone of your travel plans and expected arrival time, especially since cell phone reception can be unreliable.
General Winter Road Information
- Weather Awareness: Check the weather forecast before traveling and avoid driving during winter storms.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Have a plan for delays or breakdowns, as these can quickly become life-threatening in winter conditions.
Heavy Vehicle Information
Requirements and Tips
- Height and Bridge Clearances: Heavy vehicles exceeding 5.5 meters in height require a special form and a minimum of three pilot vehicles in Fort McMurray.
- Route Haul Permit: Mandatory for heavy vehicles using winter roads. Applications should include a route map, vehicle and cargo description, and a road maintenance plan. Apply for a route haul permit.
- Load Limits: Adherence to posted load limits is critical for road safety and integrity. Overloading can lead to road damage, closures, and heavy fines.
- Driving Conditions: Drivers must control their speed, especially in poor visibility and slippery conditions. Chains are only allowed in designated areas.
- Safe Distance: Maintain a 300-500 meters distance from other heavy vehicles, particularly on ice and over crossings.
- Breaks: Utilize pull-outs along the winter road to rest and stay alert during long hauls.
- Road Condition Reporting: Regular inspections are conducted, but drivers are encouraged to report any significant damage or concerns.
Safety and Communication
- Emergency Preparedness: Check the weather forecast, avoid traveling during storms, and inform someone about your travel plans due to limited cell phone reception.
- Communication: Use LADD Channel 4 173.370 Mhz to report and monitor road conditions every 10 km.
Information and Updates
- Winter Road Hotline: 1-866-743-6111
- Winter Roads Webpage: rmwb.ca/winterroads
- Parks Canada (Fort Smith Winter Road): Phone: 1-867-872-7962, Website: pc.gc.ca/WoodBuffalo
- Alberta Transportation (Highways): Phone: 511, Website: 511.Alberta.ca
Frequently Asked Questions
| How long are the winter roads? |
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The Fort Chipewyan Winter Road is 177 km from gate to gate. The La Loche Winter Trail is 62 km from Hwy 881 to the Saskatchewan border. |
| Are there mile markers on the Fort Chipewyan winter road? |
| Yes. There are mile markers starting in Fort Chipewyan that run south to the entrance gate by the washrooms. Markers can be used for emergency situations and wide loads. |
| Do drivers need to radio in the markers to anyone? |
| No. There is no requirement to call in to anyone while travelling the road. |
| How can I get information on the Fort Smith Winter Road? |
| For information on the Fort Smith Winter Road, please visit the Parks Canada website or call 1-867-872-7962. |