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SNOWMOBILING IN Battleford
Ride the lakes and hills

Field and lake running, hills, bush and rolling meadow vistas are what you can expect if you take a trip to the Battlefords this season.

With an average snowpack of two to three feet and a trail system that starts just outside of the city and offers 200 kilometres of groomed runs, novice and experienced riders can find that trail that is sure to come up in sledding conversations far into the future.

Sledding around Jackfish Lake, the Eagle Hills or just around the immediate Battlefords area, Dale Wotyiuk of the Battlefords Trail Breakers, said that there is one thing that people say to him consistently after a day’s sledding.

“They can’t believe the terrain,” said Wotyiuk.

And with 75 families represented in the snowmobile club, that oversees the trails, the five warm-up shelters and the vast amount of signage put up for both locals and visitors, the area is well taken care of. The evidence for this is not only in the condition of the trails, but also because this group won the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association’s Club of the Year award in 2001.

But winning trophies is not what it is all about for the club. Wotyiuk, a life-time rider, said that he is just happy to have a place to sled that he never wants to leave. And with the amount of snow, terrain and variety of wildlife in the area, visitors may never want to leave either.

And if visiting the area late in the season, there is a thrill for the entire family, as the snowmobile club is hosting a two-day snocross and ice drag race from March 9 to 10. This is the fourth time the club has hosted this event, and Wotyiuk said that racers from across western Canada compete for the trophies.

Plenty of accommodations in the Battlefords, along with the surrounding towns make sure that a visitor’s stay is comfortable. The Jackfish Lodge and the White Tail Resort are just two of the inns ready and willing to see to sledders needs along the trails. And Wotyiuk said that if sledding across area lakes, to be sure to bring your ice-fishing rod as the fishing is fine.

For more information, contact the Battlefords Trail Breakers and ask for Wotyiuk at (306) 445-2079.

Annual snowfall Approximately 1-3 feet Sledding season December - March Trails 200 km of groomed trails Refueling/repairs Gas, food. lodging and five warm-up huts. Plenty of repair facilities and accommodations. Special features Something for everyone Contact Battleford Trail Breakers, Dale Wotyiuk 306-445-2079. Saskatchewan’s Club of the Year 2001