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HOUSTON, BC
Mountain meadows
Steep, snowy and stunning are the words that best describe Houston
by AMBER COWIE
As cold weather approaches and a white shroud begins to envelop the tip of Morice Mountain, riders in Houston start tuning up their sleds, polishing up their machines and busting out their new gear. Houston is a town that takes sledding seriously, and for good reason. The complexities of riding in an area that offers challenges to even the most experienced of riders are not to be taken lightly. With proper care and consideration, riders will be able to take the ride of their life over the fields, meadows and steep terrain that surround the mountain town.
Safety first
The members of the Houston Snowmobile Club believe that the best rides are always the safest rides. It is part of the reason why they spend so much of the off-season making preparations for the winter to come. It means that riders in the area can take advantage of well-built, well-finished emergency cabins on most of the popular sled routes in the area in times of trouble, and that trails are kept free of dangerous debris or overhanging hazards.
The club has been active in the Houston community for nearly four decades and its strong presence is both a comfort and a joy to riders in the area. The tight-knit group organizes a number of different winter activities throughout the snowmobiling season.
Freedom of movement
Whether riders are looking for a groomed trail or a chance to test out the limits of their machine and their skills, Houston is a choice location. Very experienced riders can hone their skills on the steep hill climbs of the Telkwa range, then power through the open alpine meadows at the top of the hill. Ravines, creek beds and old mining areas all present their own set of obstacles to riders who need to keep alert as they enjoy the icy mountain air. With a deep base of powder pretty much guaranteed every year, it does not get much better than Houston.
"Houston's terrain is better because it's not crowded," said John Bodner, owner of North Star Performance. "You can go riding and not see anybody all day long."
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