MACKENZIE, british columbia
Breaking new ground
The snowmobiling around Mackenzie is about to get even better
by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER
 |
MOUNTAINS OF FUN: A group from Rocky Mountain Trench Adventures enjoy a bluebird day in Mackenzie.
—www.rmtadventures.ca photo |
With plans in the works to enhance Mackenzie’s Porch to Powder status and increase the town’s winter tourism offerings, there’s no telling what the future will bring for this snowy playground.
And the season is off to a good start; by mid-November, Mackenzie had about 10 feet of snow on the mountains with lots more on the way. Clint Desrosiers, owner of Rocky Mountain Trench Adventures, believes it will be another great year.
“The early birds have already been out riding at Powder King and Morfee Mountain,” said Desrosiers.
Morfee Mountain is one of the most popular places to sled; it’s also a favourite of Desrosiers’. Boasting four riding areas with steep hills, mountain meadows, alpine trails, two warm-up cabins and groomed trail access right from town, Morfee has something for everyone. The scenery is pretty amazing, too.
“The view looking west on a sunny day from the top of Morfee is incomparable,” said Desrosiers. “You can see for literally hundreds of kilometres north or south up the Rocky Mountain Trench. Turn to the east and you will see hundreds of snowcapped peaks just waiting for fresh tracks—all this within 25 minutes of the community of Mackenzie.”
Murray Range/Beaver Creek, Old Friend Mountain and Bijoux Mount West Trail are some other familiar trail names among snowmobilers. For riders who want to do some exploring, the valley that runs north and south of Mackenzie is replete with hundreds of kilometres of powder-laden logging roads that have been deactivated.
Around Mackenzie, snow is a commodity that is easy to come by, and with plenty of places to ride, it’s not hard to find fresh powder—which is something Desrosiers is thankful for.
“You feel like you’re on top of the world when you pull into your favourite riding area and you get to make the first tracks,” he said.
Like most powderhounds, Desrosiers is eager to hit the hills and show visitors his amazing backyard.
“I am always so pumped at this time of year,” he said. “The powder calls to me.”
Expanding the fun
According to Desrosiers, some major developments in trail enhancement are taking place. The Rocky Mountain Riders snowmobile club has partnered with the District of Mackenzie to create an access trail that goes from Mackenzie right to the Mount West Trail. The Province of B.C. granted funding to the club for the project; the club is now waiting on a trail tenure from the Ministry of Tourism.
With the purchase of a new Bombardier 275 groomer with a Mogul masher attachment, the District of Mackenzie can keep the community trails and the slopes at the local ski hill in excellent condition.
Throughout the year, the Rocky Mountain Riders organize a number of exciting events, such as care and share rides, a show and shine, sled drags and hill- climbs. Dates and information about upcoming events can be viewed at www.mackenziesnowmobileclub.ca.
|
