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Sicamous, british columbia

Exceptional snowmobiling

In Sicamous, the snow is great and sledders are made to feel welcome

by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER

Judging by the number of platinum awards Sicamous won in the ninth annual Rider’s Choice Awards, it’s safe to say this place is one of Western Canada’s best spots to sled.

The quest begins on Queest
Queest is the most established area in Sicamous. With 35 square kilometres of deep powder terrain, scenic vistas, a chalet and hillclimbing spots, Queest leaves visitors with a lasting impression.

Getting there: Turn north off the Trans-Canada Highway onto the Sicamous/Solsqua Road and follow this road for approximately one kilometre to the start of the 1800 FSR on the left. If the road is plowed, use the parking lot situated right after the 14-kilometre marker.

Play at Blue Lake
Blue Lake is a good choice for snowmobilers who love to hit the throttle and let loose in wide open alpine and subalpine terrain. According to Tim Corless, president of the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Grooming Society, Blue Lake is the perfect place to take a group of sledders who have different levels of experience.

“It’s a good, all-around area,” said Corless.

Getting there: Drive about 17 km east of Sicamous to Malakwa Loop Road, then turn south on Oxbow Frontage Road. Take the next left and drive to the end of Yard Creek Loop Road. The parking lot is located at the beginning of Yard Creek Forestry Road.

Reach new heights
A relatively new area, Eagle Pass is rugged and remote but has breathtaking views and towering mountain peaks. With an elevation reaching above 2,000 metres, Eagle Pass is not for the faint of heart. If you’re a newcomer, it’s a good idea to ride with someone who knows this territory well.

Getting there: To access Eagle Pass, drive about 29 km east of Sicamous on the Trans-Canada Highway and turn north just after Beardale Castle, then drive past the gravel pit to the start of the East Perry FSR.

Have a hoot
From mild to wild, Owlhead has something for everyone. A 21-kilometre ride on groomed trails leads to a beautiful chalet where families can warm up and enjoy a hot chocolate while thrill-seekers go for a climb on Video Hill and the Super Bowl. At Owlhead, it’s not unusual for the season to last well into spring.

Getting there: Turn south off the Trans-Canada at the Petro-Canada and Esso gas stations and turn left immediately at Maclean/MacPherson Road. From here, the parking lot is half a kilometre.

Freshly groomed
Every year, the grooming society and Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club work very hard to keep the trails open and accessible. They also post snow reports and up- to-date information on their website, www.sledsicamous.com.

“Probably one of our biggest efforts is to make sure we get out and groom the trails in a timely fashion,” said Corless.

Travelling to Sicamous, snowmobilers can expect a warm welcome. Over the years, the town has recognized the importance of this activity and Corless said businesses have many services for their winter guests.