Salmon Arm, BC

Woodcutters welcome

The family-friendly trails here are a source of pride

Man sledding

Happy trails: Everyone can enjoy this magnificent terrain. —photo by Barry Lewis

By Tanya Laing Gahr

The family-friendly trails near Salmon Arm draw people from around the province because of the splendid views that are accessible to anyone—not just adrenalin-addicted hillclimbers. And according to Don Mitchell, the president of the Salmon Arm Snowblazers Snowmobile Club, the improvements to the trails in the past year will definitely make the area more welcoming for every level of rider.

“In the last year, we’ve put about $30,000 into trail maintenance,” said Mitchell. “It wasn’t so much the gravel as it was the trees—they were starting to grow in quite a bit in places.”

For Mitchell, the widening of the trails created an unexpected result.

“I went up there last winter and thought, ‘I’m lost,’ ” laughed Mitchell. “I was so used to going through little trails that I could barely get my snowmobile through that now we could get a DC Cat through.”

Mitchell said the club has had its work cut out for it because of natural events: the mountain pine beetle damage has left a lot of trees dead or dying, and this can be hazardous to anyone using the trails, including snowmobilers. Tree removal and cleanup of deadfall along the most popular routes were part of the club’s maintenance this summer.

One of the perennial issues that Mitchell said the club faces is making sure that the warm-up shelter has available firewood. The Snowblazers try to keep the shelter stocked, and many conscientious users make sure to replace any wood that they use or pay for the privilege. Unfortunately, other users will help themselves without giving back. It’s frustrating for Mitchell, particularly because the trail fees are quite reasonable.

“It’s a user-pay hill,” said Mitchell. “Any hill these days that has services on it—groomers, warm-up shelters, a parking lot—is a pay hill. But (our fee) is $10, and if you’re a member, it costs you nothing.”

While the discussion continues on how to address the problem, Mitchell still takes great pride in the work the club has done to ensure the riding area is safe, well marked and available to everyone.

“That’s what people are paying their money for,” he said.

Kootenay Rockies contacts

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    Discover a great Revelstoke accommodation

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  • How Does Snowmobiling Affect Caribou?

    As most snowmobiling occurs in high elevation areas, there is the potential for snowmobiling to disturb and displace these animals from their preferred habitat into areas less suitable and more prone to avalanches. Mountain caribou may also become stressed, which can affect energy reserves during critical time periods. In addition, snowmobile trails can provide easier access for predators into areas occupied by mountain caribou. Please take caution and be aware of, and avoid, mountain caribou in your riding area.

    Environmental Stewardship Division, Ministry Of Environment
    PHONE: (250) 565-6135

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    Create your dual sport adventure today!

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