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RADIUM HOT SPRINGS, B.C.
The valley's hidden gem
Radium Hot Springs is an undiscovered sledding paradise
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ROOM TO RIDE: Radium Hot Springs offers riders of every level a chance to get away from the crowds that flock to more well-known snowmobiling areas of the province.
—Kevin Bordeleau photo |
Radium Hot Springs is known for its soothing mineral springs and wonderful summer activities. Not many people have the privileged knowledge of what a great snowmobiling destination this small village at the edge of the Rockies is.
“We’re kind of like the hidden secret out here,” said Barry Lightfoot, president of the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society. “It offers just about any kind of snowmobiling you’d like; it’s got short trails, long trails, meadows and lots of steep terrain for more experienced people.”
Size doesn’t matter
Just because Radium Hot Springs doesn’t get the crowds of sledders that more popular destinations like Revelstoke do, it doesn’t mean there is anything lacking. The two most popular snowmobiling routes allow riders of any level to sled anywhere. With a 12-foot-wide trail leading all the way to the sledding cabin and first meadow, Forester Creek is great for the entire family.
“If you want, the kids can play in the meadows while you climb right there,” said Lightfoot. “There are about four different areas that you can get to and everybody can do their own riding.”
Extended sledding season
While most other clubs are winding up their sledding season around the first week of April, snowmobilers in Radium are still up in the mountains enjoying themselves. Their secret? Glaciers.
“We can get on a couple of glaciers that are really nice in the summer,” Lightfoot said. “You can usually wear your shorts right from the parking lot—just winter boots and shorts and away you go.”
Extreme sledders rejoice
Snowmobiling around Radium Hot Springs isn’t for the faint of heart. Forester Creek hides two lakes—Thunderwater Lake and Whirlpool Lake—above a 1,000-foot climb. If you are looking for an extreme ride and a secluded spot away from the crowds at Radium, this is the place for you.
“Some people can’t make it up there,” said Lightfoot. “If you don’t have a big enough sled, it’s a pretty long pull to get out of the valley and up on top.”
Forester Creek is also home to four cabins, numerous glaciers and lots of steep inclines to climb.
“You have these four cabins in one area and it’s surrounded by glaciers,” Lightfoot said. “You can sled in so many different areas and go up two or three times in a row and ride a different area each time. It’s got lots of extreme riding and some steep stuff that is good to climb. That’s why I go up there."
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