Sicamous, BC

A balmy spring ride

Rory Roberge of Shuswap Xtreme Recreation enjoyed the late sledding season at Owl Head

People sledding

Spring sledding: The weather was perfect for a late season ride.—photo courtesy Rory Roberge

By Danielle Cameron

Even though it was late May and spring weather was fast approaching, Rory Roberge (owner of Shuswap Xtreme Recreation—an Arctic Cat/Suzuki dealership in Salmon Arm) was intent on hitting the trails again. The result was a late season ride to remember.

“A few friends and I took four of my customers from Lumby to Owl Head,” said Roberge. “Owl Head is one of four riding areas in Sicamous maintained by the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club. The terrain is very diverse, the snow is usually great, and the season typically runs from October to June.”

Sled-friendly terrain

Roberge has spent a lot of time sledding the Owl Head trail network, and he identified several reasons for its popularity among snowmobilers.

“Anyone can experience this area, beginner or expert,” he said. “There is lots to challenge those that want to be challenged, and there is usually an easy route for those who don’t. Owl Head also has one of the nicest cabins in the area—not that we needed a cabin to warm up in last weekend.”

Fair weather and fine scenery

Needless to say, the spring climate was more forgiving than winter sledding tends to be, but it also made for some unique terrain challenges as well.

“We unload(ed) about half way up the mountain at 10 a.m. and rode in T-shirts all day,” said Roberge. “The views are awesome from Mara Lookout, which is at about 7,500 feet east. You can see the snow-capped mountains in Revelstoke. To the south you look down at Mabel Lake and (to the) northwest you are looking at Shuswap Lake.

“Conditions were powder—like but not too sloppy. The snow was soft enough to carve in and make climbing a challenge. We only ran into two other sledders all day, although we could hear a few other sleds at a nearby riding area, Hunter’s Range in Enderby.”

Overall, the experience was a great one and Owl Head proved to be yet another exhilarating choice for Shuswap riders to visit.

Kootenay Rockies contacts

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