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SNOWMOBILING IN Castlegar
Castlegar, the crossroads of the Kootenays
Looking for a new destination to ride this winter? Are you tired of saying, “Been there done that!” whenever one of your buddies brings up one of those hot riding destinations?
Then point your truck and trailer in the direction of the crossroads of the Kootenays. That’s right, why not check out Castlegar? You’ll find some of the finest snowmobiling around just 12 short kilometres northwest of Castlegar on Pass Creek Road.
The season generally runs from late November until late April. There is a wide range of riding opportunities from open meadows to deep powder to winding through the trees.
The Castlegar Snowmobile Association (CSA) grooms over 70 kilometres of trails. Ride the groomed trails of the Norns, Ladybird or Goose Creek areas by taking the Pass Creek Road.
From these trails, there are magnificent wide open play areas. The scenery is as awesome and breathtaking as anywhere in the West Kootenay.
Castlegar has a wide variety of good quality accommodations and restaurants for the visiting riders.
Here are some other riding suggestions:
Numbers correspond to map
| 1) |
Pedro Creek to the towers via the Forest Service Road or 1a “up the hard way” from Slocan Junction. |
| 2) |
Cayuse Creek hooks up to Ladybird from the Deer Park Road. |
| 3) |
Rialto Creek, also on the Deer Park Road, just past Keenleyside Dam. |
| 4) |
Columbia & Western (KVR) abandoned railbed, destined to become part of the Trans-Canada Trail. Various access and egress points from Castlegar to Christina Lake, along Lower Arrow Lake. Travel through tunnels (slowly, with good lights!) over trestles and bridges for fabulous family fun. Safe and scenic. |
| 5) |
Grizzly Creek - experienced riders’ “to die for” territory. Volunteer guides are waiting for any excuse. |
| 6) |
Buckley Road or College Creek Forest Service Road into Mt. Mackie environs. All abilities for fun or challenge and great views. |
| 7) |
Cooley Lake, right off the groomed trail leading to the CSA cabin.
Look out over the Slocan Valley and don’t step off the side of your machine unless your hand is on the running board! |
| 8) |
Koch Creek and into Dago and McKean drainages, next to the Valhallas. Don’t you dare forget your cameras, preferably the panoramic type. Everyone should experience this and have the chance to show off a bit in the varied terrain. Suit it to you. |
| 9) |
Fauquier powerline road off Koch Creek Road. |
| 10) |
Grassy Mountain east of Castlegar has nice easy scenic riding with side trips for the most adventurous. |
The CSA reminds everyone that whenever you tour the backcountry, remember the safety basics and be avalanche aware. Take a course and save a life.
Remember, there are six other snowmobile clubs in the West Kootenay and their trails are equally fascinating. Check out those trails located in Slocan, Beaver Valley, Nelson, Salmo, Rossland, Nakusp and of course, Castlegar. You are sure to find enough premium riding to make you wish you could spend all winter exploring the backcountry of the West Kootenay.
| Castlegar | The essentials |
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The season goes from late November until late April, with a wide range of opportunities from deep powder and open meadows to winding through the trees. You will find your pleasure, no matter what your age, ability or style. |
Click to view the Castlegar PDF Trail Map |
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