Picture yourself at the top of mountain overlooking thousands of square kilometres of pristine backcountry covered in trails that stretch as far as the eye can see. This isn't a dream—it's the Thompson Okanagan. A region of spectacular beauty, the Thompson Okanagan takes outdoor recreation to the next level with a variety of scenery, activities and wildlife. From Grand Forks to Valemount and every place in between, there's fun at every corner. So what are you waiting for? Escape the confines of modern-day life and take a trip to the Thompson Okanagan this winter—but remember to bring your snowmobile and sense of adventure.
Just east of Enderby is the Hunters Range Trail System, considered to be one of the best snowmobile ranges in Canada and a great RV area in the summer.
Within an hour-and-a-half of the city (population roughly 84,000) are an incredible variety of riding experiences, from groomed trails and novice slopes to radical mountain riding.
Valemount has received many awards and accolades for being one of B.C.'s favourite snowmobiling area. The town of Valemount is snowmobile-friendly and invites sledders to come and check out the area's beautiful trails.
Key Contacts in the Thompson, Okanagan region
Three Buoys Resort & Marina
A winter recreation heaven
When winter arrives, Sicamous becomes a snow-covered wonderland. Hundreds of winter enthusiasts are drawn to this area for its fantastic snowmobiling, skiing, curling and hockey opportunities. With endless trails and huge mountain areas, snowmobilers find Sicamous an awesome place to ride, and with its abundant snowfall, they never run out of fresh powder.
After a day in the snow, powderhounds can enjoy a hot chocolate and warm soak in their own hot tub at Three Buoys Resort & Marina. Overlooking the Mara and Shuswap lakes, this luxurious condominium complex features more than 67 units with pools, gym facilities, hot tubs and roof-top patios scattered around the property. Condos range from 780 to 1,900 square feet and have one to three bedrooms overlooking the lake, the mountains, landscaped grounds or the marina.
Contact Three Buoys Resort & Marina to purchase your slice of heaven in the Shuswap.
Three Buoys Development Corporation
630 Riverside Ave.
Box 709
Sicamous, B.C.
V0E 2V0
(250) 836-2403
WEBSITE:
BLIND BAY, BC
BLIND BAY RESORT
Blind Bay Resort is a full-service gated community, nestled on the shores of magnificent Shuswap Lake, and it's open year-round—snowbirds and sledders take note!
Just 20 minutes west of Salmon Arm in quiet, secluded Blind Bay, the resort makes a perfect winter base camp.
An early-morning ski around beautiful Copper Island is one option; hitting the snowmobile trails is another. Or maybe you'd prefer curling up with a good book beside a crackling fire. At Blind Bay Resort, the choice is yours.
The resort is located on the “civilized” side of the lake—no trains, easy access, and a quiet bay that is protected from wind and storm.
Enjoy a secure family environment at this four-season recreational destination, six hours from Calgary, and under five hours from Vancouver.
Blind Bay Resort
2698 Blind Bay Road
Blind Bay, BC V0E 1H1
Phone: (250) 675-2595
Call no charge: 1-800-667-3993
Website: www.blindbayresort.com
Columbia Shuswap Regional District
Simply superb
Some of the country's finest snowmobiling is found in the Columbia Shuswap region. With seven superb sledding areas—Fly Hills, Spa Hills, Owlhead, Blue Lake, Queest Mountain, Eagle Pass and Crowfoot Mountain—riders can shred awesome mounds of powder, enjoy challenging climbs and play in huge, snow-laden bowls. Many mountains are groomed to give you a smooth ride to the alpine. The hills here are ideal for beginners, touring families, fun riders and thrill-seekers. With a season that extends from November to May, there is plenty of time to make dozens of unforgettable memories in this snowmobile paradise. Plan your next trip to the Shuswap by contacting the Columbia Shuswap Regional District.
Columbia Shuswap Regional District
PO Box 978
Salmon Arm, B.C.
V1E 4P1
PHONE: (250) 832-8194
FAX: (250) 832-3375
WEBSITE:
ENDERBY, BC
ENDERBY & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The summer season in Enderby, BC, offers days filled with sunshine in one of the most beautiful spots on earth. But Enderby is also a great place to visit in the winter, thanks to nearby Hunters Range, one of British Columbia's most popular snowmobile destinations.
Some of the driest powder around can be found on these trails, maintained by the 160-member Hunters Range Snowmobile Association for the past 28 years.
The approximately 90 kilometres of groomed trails feature riding terrain suitable to all riders. Whether you're into the steep and deep hill climbing or carving in the meadows—Hunters Range has it all. Average snowfall is 12 to 22 feet in the alpine.
Check out the Hunters Range events calendar on the web—there are some dates you won't want to miss—and look for regular updates on trail conditions.
Looking for quality accommodations at a reasonable rate? No matter what your sport, we will give you that home away from home feeling!
The Best Western Sicamous Inn is a modern facility designed to provide you with quality accommodations at reasonable rates. Indoors, we offer new, spacious rooms and a well maintained pool and hot tub.
Outdoors at the Best Western Sicamous Inn, the experience continues with four acres of fully landscaped grounds, complete with a lounging deck overlooking the spectacular Eagle River.
When you're in the Sicamous area (Shuswap) and requiring a "Home Away From Home" for a night or several, there is no better place. We look forward to meeting you in the near future. Come play in the Shuswap!
The Best Western Sicamous Inn’s Amenities include…
Indoor pool
Indoor and outdoor hot tubs
Fridges in all units
Equipment drying room
Large parking lot
Guest laundry service
Free high speed internet access
Tim Hortons on site
Sorry No Pets
Best Western Sicamous Inn
Box 910
TransCanada Highway
Sicamous, B.C. V0E 2V0
With varied terrain, dry light snow and sunny skies, Kamloops is the ultimate destination for winter sports.
There's terrain for all levels of snowmobile riders, with the season often extending from mid-November until late in April.
Only one word can sum up Kamloops riding terrain: variety! Alpine bowls, hill climbs, and long stretches of trails that provide untouched fresh powder make the Kamloops region truly a sledder's paradise.
Opt for a guided tour or take on the great white wonderland yourself and venture out to the mountains. Kamloops has an incredible riding terrain on its doorstep.
Recommended snowmobiling areas include Sun Peaks Resorts, Rossmore Lake, the Adams Plateau, Greenstone Mountain, and the Green Mountain and Indian Meadows.
The Kamloops area also abounds in downhill skiing, snowboarding, and cross-country skiing opportunities.
Outdoor skating, tobogganing, winter sleigh rides, dogsledding and ice fishing at some of the hundreds of lakes that surround Kamloops are also popular winter activities.
As well, visitors can celebrate winter in style at the many festivals and events that take place throughout the season. Many surrounding lodges are winterized, which makes for a great white wonderland getaway for family and friends.
Enjoy the fresh air and glistening snow of Kamloops country. You won't regret it!
Tourism Kamloops
1290 West Trans Canada Highway
Kamloops, BC V2C 6R3
Phone: (250) 372-8000
Website: www.tourismkamloops.com
VALEMOUNT, BC
VALEMOUNT TOURISM
Nestled in a valley of three mountain ranges, the Rockies, Cariboos and Monashee Mountains, Valemount has “mountains of opportunity” waiting for you.
World-class snowmobiling offers something for every level of rider. Groomed trails make alpine areas accessible for even novice sledders. For first-time mountain riders, a guided tour is an option that will allow you to get to know the area safely.
Winter generally begins in early December and can last through until April. Spring riding may continue later in the year. December to March the mountains receive fresh powder almost daily, while spring riding offers trails that are well set up and this allows access to isolated areas for even short-track machines.
Recommended sledding areas include Clemina Creek, Allan Creek and Chappell Creek.
Clemina Creek offers spectacular scenery while riding the 21 kilometres of groomed trail. A warming hut is located at the 19-kilometre mark. From there a trail will lead you to the alpine with a magnificent landscape of bowls and meadows with some of the most challenging slopes the Monashee Range has to offer.
Allan Creek is one of the largest riding areas located near Valemount and is usually the first riding area to open each year. On the seven-kilometre groomed trail to the alpine warming hut, riders will gain an impressive 2,000 feet of elevation on the short ride in. Beyond the trail is an endless system of bowls, meadows and steep hills that make Allan Creek one of the easiest and one of the most difficult areas to ride.
As for Chappell Creek, the groomed access route is 26 kilometres long and delivers its visitors a scenic ride on a trail of forest roads and cut areas. The last six kilometres of the trail takes riders on an intermediate-level climb into the alpine.
Dream your next vacation amid the spectacular landscape of British Columbia's Rocky Mountains on a 500-acre ranch resort.
Enjoy deluxe riveside log cabins and year-round outdoor adventure one hour west of Jasper, Alberta, and just minutes from the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, the majestic Mount Robson.
The Valemount area abounds in excellent snowmobiling destinations, including Allen Creek, Clemina Creek and Chappell Creek.
There is an abundance of groomed trails, ranging from areas recommended for the less experienced rider, to more challenging terrain.
The Terracana Ranch Resort offers some excellent mid-week December-April sledders' packages.
And don't forget to check out the ice fishing opportunities while you're in the area.
Terracana Ranch & Resort
P.O. Box 909
Valemount, BC V0E 2Z0
Phone: (259) 968-4304
Call No Charge: 1-866-968-4304
Website: www.terracana.com
BLUE RIVER, BC
Blue River Tourism
Jewel of the Yellowhead has been the crowning phrase describing Blue River, B.C., since the first pioneers began exploring and settling in the North Thompson Valley years ago
Sparkling glacier-fed lakes, breathtaking mountain peaks and intriguing wildlife welcome visitors from around the world to Blue River throughout the year.
Located half-way between Kamloops and Jasper, Blue River is the perfect rest stop for a snowmobile tour, a heli-ski adventure, a mountain bike experience or a Yellowhead picnic.
Blue Jewel Snowmobile Tours will guide enthusiasts through the powder with their certified professional mountain guides in the lead. If you don't have your own sled or equipment, rentals are available, reasonably priced.
You can book ahead for a cozy cabin, or enjoy the amenities at the Holy Smoke Inn B & B.
The Blue River area is picture postcard-perfect and feels like Christmas all winter long.
Blue River Tourism
P.O. Box 1107, RR 1,
Clearwater, BC V0E 1N0
Phone: (250) 674-3530
Website: www.blueriverbc.ca
