Salmon Arm Snowmobiling
Snowmobilers near Salmon Arm, Thompson Okanagan Tourism photo
Salmon Arm is an excellent base for snowmobiling in the Shuswap region. Ride with the family or pump some adrenaline. The Shuswap boasts seven different snowmobile areas with wide-open meadows, deep powder bowls and serious climbs.
Snowfall in the Shuswap Highlands and surrounding mountains makes for reliable sledding on good powder from November to May and the season can run as late as June. Expect some steep sections on the trails maintained by regional snowmobile clubs, but generally terrain is quite open with limited avalanche risk.
Fly Hills Snowmobile & Recreation Area
Salmon Arm's own sledding area is amazingly convenient, only 10 minutes west of the city in the Fly Hills Snowmobile and Recreation Area. Ride more than 200km/125mi of trails through forest and subalpine meadows to small mountain lakes, Granite Peak and scenic lookouts with views of Shuswap Lake, the Salmon River Valley and Mount Ida.
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Take it easy on the wide, well-groomed trails or hill climb in the Cut Block. There's plenty of variety without the intimidation factor of the high alpine.
Most trails range around 1372m/4500ft elevation on the Fly Hills Plateau, ensuring good conditions from mid-November to March.
The Salmon Arm Snow Blazers snowmobile club maintains and regularly grooms the trails, which are mapped and well signed. The club also maintains warming huts throughout the area as well as a main chalet.
Visitors pay a trail fee, collected by an attendant in the parking lot.
Practical Points
- Snowmobiling in mountain areas can be treacherous and weather conditions can be changeable.
- Check with experienced local riders on trails and hazards.
- Inform others of intended riding areas, stay on frequently used trails and sign in at chalets.
Ask for the Snowmobile Shuswap trail map brochure at the Salmon Arm Visitor Centre, 20 Hudson Ave, NE.
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