BIG RIVER/DEBDEN, SASKATCHEWAN
Go big at Big River and Debden
Discover hundreds of kilometres of groomed trails and unsurpassed scenery
by KIRSTEN ARMLEDER
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MILES OF FUN: The gentle, rolling hills and heavily forested trails that surround the communities of Big River and Debden provide sledders with hours of fun.
—photo by Barry Nontell (Top); photo submitted |
To the west of Prince Albert National Park, the communities of Big River and Debden offer an array of sledding possibilities. Snowmobilers can enjoy everything from family-oriented trails to deep-powder riding in meadows and on lakes, according to Pat Panter, a member of the Timber Trails Sno Riders snowmobile club.
"The most popular place to ride in the area is the scenic groomed Trans-Canadian Snowmobile Trail," said Panter, "as well as the club trail to the shelter at the west boundary of Prince Albert National Park."
A lot of sledders like to travel the 73-kilometre section of the Trans-Canadian Snowmobile Trail that goes south from Big River to the neighbouring town of Debden. This route is groomed, marked and signed by members of the Timber Trails Sno Riders. From Debden, snowmobilers have access to additional trails that link to many of the surrounding communities.
"The riding in all of these areas range from family rides on the rolling, groomed trails in the boreal forest to unmarked powder in the meadows and numerous side logging trails," said Panter.
The club, incorporated in 1993, provides a strong voice for riders in the area. It does a fantastic job of promoting snowmobile safety and sponsors a safety training program designed for sledders aged 12 to 15 years.
"The club does regular grooming of designated trails in the area," said Panter. "The trails are signed and checked on a regular basis."
The town of Big River is very supportive of the club's initiatives; both Big River and Debden are pleased to provide visitors with a number of
snowmobile-related services, including accommodations with sled-from-your-door access to trails from town.
"I feel that Big River is a great, snowmobile-friendly community which has a motto: Big River, Big Smiles," said Panter.
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