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SMITHERS, BRITISH COLUMBIA
The Switzerland of Canada
Riders can enjoy everything from groomed trails to alpine bowls
by WHITNEY BLACK
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SKY-HIGH ACTION: Smithers has something for everyone—from groomed trails to extreme alpine areas for advanced riders.
—photo by Harry Hofsink |
If your dream is to snowmobile in places with only the most breathtaking natural beauty, then Smithers is the place to go. Hudson Bay Mountain is a stunning backdrop to this beautiful Swiss-style town, which boasts a plethora of fabulous sledding trails.
With riding geared to anyone from nine years old to 75, Smithers has something to entice any sledder. The fantastically groomed trails allow even beginners to be treated to gorgeous scenery, while the extreme alpine areas give more advanced riders the chance to challenge themselves as they enjoy nature’s beauty.
Shed no tears
A favourite among locals, The Onion offers a little bit of everything. The groomed trails allow beginners or those out for an easy ride to enjoy themselves, while snowmobilers looking to get a little more aggressive can head up above the treeline; with lots of fantastic bowls, there are numerous places for highmarking and more challenging sledding. While the riding here is among the best anywhere, possibly one of the most attractive features of this area is its proximity to the town of Smithers; just a 20-minute drive on mostly paved roads, and you are ready to hit the trails.
Play around in the “U”
Above the treeline in the Onion, you can find one of the greatest bowls in the region. With many different layers of height, this great big bowl gives riders hours of fun. Once you have had your fill of sledding in the “U,” you can sit at the bottom and catch some sun.
See the view from the Dome
Only 15 minutes from the Onion, the Dome affords fantastic views all the way down to Babine Lake. Snowmobilers of all skill levels will enjoy the groomed trails here.
Challenge the Microwave
The most extreme of the three major sledding areas around Smithers can still offer some easier trails, though caters more to advanced riders.
A close-knit community
The town of Smithers has three shops that offer snowmobile rentals. According to Max Starr, president of the Smithers Snowmobile Association, visitors who are planning on coming with large groups and need sleds should contact them in advance to ensure enough snowmobiles are available.
“If we know people are coming, usually we can make some type of arrangement to find some other sleds that people have got,” Starr explained.
Local snowmobilers are very welcoming to visitors, and their pride in their community has also meant they have contributed to the community in significant ways.
The Smithers area has been the top fundraiser in B.C. for the annual Snowarama for the past eight years, aside from last year when they came in second. Top raisers receive back a portion of the money raised.
“Last year we donated our $1,500 to the local search and rescue team,” said Starr. “We have decided to donate it every year to something that will help the snowmobiling community in whatever way they can.”
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