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SHUSWAP, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Wide open spaces
The terrain throughout the Shuswap provides fun and challenging rides
by AMBER CRAIG
FLYING HIGH AT FLY HILLS: Snowmobiling in the Fly Hills near Salmon Arm is mostly done at elevations of 4,500 feet, where snow conditions are ideal.
—photo by Barry Lewis
The Fly Hills area near Salmon Arm gives snowmobilers every reason to make it their No. 1 winter destination.
Just a mere 10 minutes from Salmon Arm is a vast expanse of beautiful scenery and trails that are perfect for sledders of any calibre.
Family-friendly riding
The majority of sledding in the Fly Hills area occurs at elevations of 4,500 feet, which ensures good snow conditions and a season that extends into late March.
All of the trails are well mapped with ample signage so that sledders can make their way around the mountain with ease.
The Cut-Block is an interesting spot to check out; there are plenty of hillclimbs as well as places to eat lunch while you enjoy the Shuswap scenery. Popular areas to ride in the Fly Hills are the Soccer Ball and Moose Meadows.
Join the club
Snowmobiling in the Fly Hills has been managed and maintained by the Salmon Arm Snow Blazers snowmobile club since the early ’70s.
The Snow Blazers always welcome new members and are a good source to go to for trail information.
The club recently built a large chalet for sledders to use; it is located to the right of the main access trail.
The Snow Blazers charge a trail fee to users of the area; payment can be made to an attendant in the parking lot. A collection box can be found in the chalet for donations to the club.
Other areas to ride
Situated along the north shore of Shuswap Lake is the Crowfoot Mountain area. This scenic region provides intermediate to expert riding along meadows, slopes and cliffs.
With an average annual snowfall of 13 feet, Crowfoot Mountain has a sledding season that often extends from November to June.
The Crowfoot Snowmobile Club regularly grooms the trails in the area.
