Valemount, BC
Pass it forward
After a ride to a mountaintop with his son, this avid sledder was hooked
Rest stop: While out for a day of snowmobiling in the Valemount area, the Wieds take a break for a little food and family time. —photo courtesy Shayla Wied
Generally, a love for snowmobiling is passed down through the generations. Parents teach their children to snowmobile and their children grow up and go on to teach their children to sled. However, for the Wied family of Valemount, it was the other way around; it was Arnold Wied’s son, Laurie, who introduced Wied to sledding.
How it all began
“I moved to Valemount in 1980,” said Wied, “but my son had already moved to Valemount in the ’70s and he was an avid snowmobiler. Laurie started me off snowmobiling when I came up here…and the next thing I knew, Laurie had me on the top of a mountain on a snowmobile and I was hooked—I have snowmobiled ever since.”
Wied has had the pleasure of sledding with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren in the riding areas around Valemount. He said that one of his other sons is a snowmobiler too, and Laurie’s children and grandchildren are also sledding enthusiasts.
“This is a generational thing and it is reversed because I learned from my kids,” said Wied. “I also went on from there to stay involved (in snowmobiling) for a number of years. I still ride regularly but I am not an expert rider like my kids—but I enjoy it.”
Promoting the sport
For the past 30 years, Wied has been connected locally, provincially and nationally to organized snowmobiling. He was awarded Snowmobiler of the Year in 2002 by the Canadian Council of Snowmobile Organizations and is the president of the Valemount Area Recreation Development Association (VARDA).
“Now Valemount has a multimillion-dollar winter enterprise,” said Wied. “Our snowmobiling is huge, and that all evolved from a small group of guys that were extremely interested in getting up to the tops of mountains.”
A long-lasting family tradition
Wied said that one of his favourite things about snowmobiling is that it is a great way to spend the day with your entire family.
“I still go riding with them,” said Wied, “and we still have family riding days where we all go out. Valemount has a lot of low-level trails that go through and loop right out of town. I guess my whole thing about snowmobiling is that it is just such a great family sport.”
Thompson Okanagan contacts
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Sicamous, BC
Your Home Away From Home
The Best Western Sicamous Inn is a modern facility designed to provide you with quality accommodations at reasonable rates. Indoors, we offer new, spacious rooms and a well-maintained pool and hot tub. Outdoors at the Best Western Sicamous Inn, the experience continues with four acres of fully landscaped grounds, complete with a lounging deck overlooking the spectacular Eagle River. When you're in the Sicamous area (Shuswap) and requiring a "Home Away From Home" for a night or several, there is no better place. We look forward to meeting you in the near future. Come play in the Shuswap!
Best Western Sicamous Inn -
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 EnvironmentPHONE: (250) 565-6135 -
Valemount, BC
Experience a wilderness paradise with full amenities
Rocky Mountain adventure and the great outdoors await you at our Valemount Best Western—nestled amidst a wilderness paradise. Whether you prefer snowmobiling and heli-skiing in the winter, or hiking and rafting in the summer, the Robson Valley has something to offer everyone. Valemount is known for its fantastic spring sledding, and an impressive annual snowfall of 4 to 6 metres (15 to 20 feet).
Complementing this stunning beauty with a comfortable retreat for your getaway is the brand new Best Western Valemount Inn & Suites, facing spectacular Canoe Mountain and overlooking the R.W. Staratt Wildlife Sanctuary. Our sledder-friendly accommodations and top-notch amenities will make your stay feel just like home.Best Western Valemount Inn & Suites -
Valemount, BC
Let the mountains move you!
Nestled in a valley of three mountain ranges—the Rockies, Cariboos and Monashee Mountains—Valemount has mountains of opportunity waiting for you. World-class snowmobiling offers something for every level of rider. Groomed trails make alpine areas accessible for even novice sledders. For first-time mountain riders, a guided tour is an option that will allow you to get to know the area safely. Winter generally begins in early December and can last until April. December to March, the mountains receive fresh powder almost daily, while spring riding offers trails that are well set up and this allows access to isolated areas for even short-track machines.
Tourism Valemount -
Valemount, BC
Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association
Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association (VARDA) is a non-profit association, consisting of a range of local business and backcountry users. Their key goals are focused on community and public education to help backcountry use and improve the backcountry experience for all user groups. Currently VARDA manages the recreational snowmobile industry for the Village of Valemount, including grooming, maintenance as well as trail and area development. For more information on outdoor recreational activities in Valemount please contact the VARDA office at 1-250-566-4817.
Valemount & Area Recreation Development Association -
Valemount, BC
Terracana Ranch Resort
Dream your next vacation amid the spectacular landscape of British Columbia's Rocky Mountains on a 500-acre ranch resort. Enjoy deluxe riveside log cabins and year-round outdoor adventure one hour west of Jasper, Alberta, and just minutes from the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, the majestic Mount Robson. The Valemount area abounds in excellent snowmobiling destinations, including Allen Creek, Clemina Creek and Chappell Creek. There is an abundance of groomed trails, ranging from areas recommended for the less experienced rider, to more challenging terrain. The Terracana Ranch Resort offers some excellent mid-week December-April sledders' packages. And don't forget to check out the ice fishing opportunities while you're in the area.
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Logan Lake, BC
Where recreation and nature meet
Logan Lake is centrally located between Kamloops, Merritt and Ashcroft. The dry snow and open spaces make Logan Lake a dream for snowmobilers.
Come join us and enjoy our many trail and snowmobiling opportunities. The Logan Lake Snow Riders' club members have committed countless hours of trail clearing and marking to provide some of the best deep woods and open range riding in the Interior. Snowmobilers will find some 500 kilometres (310 miles) of marked trails to explore around the lake. Come check us out, we are easy to find. Just drive towards the clean fresh air, the sparkling water, the beautiful forests and the friendly people of Logan Lake.
District Of Logan Lake -
Logan Lake, BC
Enjoy a majestic getaway!
Now a Bed and Breakfast, Highland House measures more than 4,700 square feet. It consists of five luxury bedrooms—complete with a four-piece bathroom in each room, spacious living room and dining area with a view.
This bungalow has developed into an urban oasis in a rural setting, providing all the conveniences of a city, but still offering a quiet vacation surrounded by mountains, lakes and forests. Logan Lake is also blessed with lots of sunshine, wide-open spaces and ample dry snow. The vast tracks of Crown land surrounding Logan Lake offer snowmobilers a chance to explore winter recreation thrills with over 500 kilometres of backcountry trails.
Highland House Bed & Breakfast -
Valemount, BC
The best accommodation in Valemount
Valemount Super 8 is the perfect accommodation for sledders to enjoy after tearing up the powder on one of the numerous nearby snowmobile trails.
The Super 8 in Valemount features several convenient amenities, including in-room high speed internet, microwaves, refrigerators, satellite with Star Choice and 32-inch televisions to name a few. Pets are accepted with a small fee. Guests can also enjoy a free continental breakfast. While you are staying at our fine facility, you can walk to the nearby restaurants and enjoy an amazing meal. Come and experience the best that Valemount has to offer.Super 8 -
Columbia Shuswap Regional District
Simply superb
Some of the country's finest snowmobiling is found in the Columbia Shuswap region. With seven superb sledding areas: Fly Hills, Spa Hills, Owlhead, Blue Lake, Queest Mountain, Eagle Pass and Crowfoot Mountain. Riders can shred awesome mounds of powder, enjoy challenging climbs and play in huge, snow-laden bowls. Many mountains are groomed to give you a smooth ride to the alpine. The hills here are ideal for beginners, touring families, fun riders and thrill-seekers. With a season that extends from November to May, there is plenty of time to make dozens of unforgettable memories in this snowmobile paradise. Plan your next trip to the Shuswap by contacting the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
Sicamous Chamber Of Commerce PHONE: (250) 836-3313 Email:email this contact
Salmon Arm Chamber Of Commerce PHONE: (250) 832-2230 Email:email this contact
Columbia Shuswap Regional District
