Snowmobiling in BC
Snowmobiling is extremely popular in BC with over 70 snowmobile clubs in operation across the province. The sport is also a large contributor to BC’s multi-billion dollar tourism industry. So how can you take part in this activity and where should you head? Depending on your level of experience and aptitude for risk-taking there are areas you’ll love and some you should leave. Read on for a short introduction to snowmobiling in BC.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned-pro, BC offers a snowmobiling excursion guaranteed to make your vacation. Groomed trails suitable for families or beginners can be found all across the province, and commonly at ski resort towns. Those more experienced and looking for a rush can opt for steeper, more remote areas with lots of fresh powder. Whichever category you fall into, BC vacation packages are sure to be found, leaving the guess-work out of your vacation planning experience.
A BC ski resort is a great place to start when searching for a snowmobile excursion that’s appropriate and safe for the whole family. Many offer guided tours with fun extras like campfires or rustic meals.
Sun Peaks ski resort in the Thompson-Okanagan region offers guided tours through the backcountry via trails, frozen lakes and expansive meadows. Only adults with a valid driver’s license can operate the machines but children are welcome to ride along as passengers for less than half price. You can even add a weenie roast to the evening tours!
Whistler Blackcomb ski resort, about an hour and a half north of Vancouver also offers some great guided snowmobiling tours. Evenings present the opportunity to ride up the same mountain you skied earlier in the day and when you get to the top, enjoy a fabulous fondue dinner, overlooking the Village below.
Whistler Blackcomb and Sun Peaks are BC’s two largest ski resort towns, likely to offer more numerous and frequent snowmobile tours as well as plentiful BC vacation packages.
Experienced snowmobilers looking to hit the BC backcountry have plenty of options to choose from. BC vacation packages offer the opportunity to join a group for some serious riding or plan your own adventure – just be sure to follow safety procedures including wearing an avalanche beacon, carrying a shovel and letting someone know where you’re riding each day.
In the Thompson-Okanagan region, Sicamous was voted “Best Overall Snowmobiling Area in BC” in the 2007 SnoRiders Rider’s Choice Awards. Perhaps this is because it can be enjoyed by many different levels and types of snowmobilers and could have been listed above in the family-friendly category as well. However, adrenaline-junkies will quickly head off the trails and tackle the steep and deep. Head to the remote and rugged Eagle Pass area for stunning views from 2000 feet but only if you’re prepared: this is pure solitary sledding with no chalet to retreat to.
Head further east to Revelstoke in the Kootenay Rockies region for huge snowfall and huge terrain. Voted one of the ten best snowmobile adventures by Supertrax Magazine, Revelstoke impresses sledders with easy highway trail access, excellent amenities and a variety of tour options. Boulder Mountain and Turtle Mountain are specific areas not to be missed.
Looking for a more remote snowmobiling getaway? Head to Northern BC for expansive, untouched terrain and a longer riding season (mid-November to mid-May). Mackenzie is the most notable northern snowmobile destination offering porch-to-powder access and a fenced-in compound for storing your sled in the town centre. Visitors should note that rental sleds are only available as part of a guided tour.
