Sicamous Snowmobiling
Snowmobiling near Sicamous, Thompson Okanagan Tourism photo
Sicamous is known for excellent snowmobiling, with four different trail systems within 29km/18mi of town. In fact, the area has received many top honours at SnoRiders Magazine's "SnoRiders West Riders' Choice Awards," including "Favourite Area for Family Snowmobiling," "Favourite Groomed Trail-Riding," and "Favourite Overall Snowmobiling Area" in British Columbia.
Ride with the entire family on easy groomed trails, or challenge deep powder bowls and serious climbs. Snowfall in the Monashee Mountains makes for reliable sledding on good powder from November to May, with the season extending even longer at high elevations. Some trails are in remote wilderness areas and pose a definite avalanche risk.
Owlhead and Mara Mountain
With the trailhead about 1km/0.6mi off the Trans-Canada Highway, just east of Sicamous' village centre, Owlhead/Mara Mountain is popular snowmobiling location, offering sledding options for all skill levels along with some great views.
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Ride easily along 24km/15mi of groomed trails to the chalet, or serious climbers can tackle Video Hill and Super Bowl. High elevation, over 2,000m/6,560ft ensures good conditions right through to late spring.
Quest Mountain
Outstanding views of the Eagle Valley, Shuswap and Mara Lakes reward sledders in the Quest Mountain Area. Also located very close to Sicamous' village centre, the trailhead is just north of the Trans-Canada Highway. Quest Mountain encompasses 35sq km/13.5sq mi of terrain above an elevation of 2,000m/6,560ft, with groomed trails, deep powder and challenging hill climbs. The chalet is located about 26km/16mi from the trailhead. Do not attempt to snowmobile the unmarked route to North Quest without consulting a local rider. Exercise caution in danger areas.
Blue Lake
The Blue Lake area offers wide-open sub-alpine and alpine terrain at an elevation of 2,000m/6,560ft, rated for beginner-to-expert snowmobilers. Warm up in the chalet along a 23km/14mi groomed trail from the parking area. Take appropriate precautions in danger zones and check snow conditions before heading down to Blue Lake. Access to Blue Lake is 17km/10.6mi east of Sicamous off the Trans-Canada Highway.
Eagle Pass
Only experienced riders should tackle Eagle Pass and it's best to ride with a local who knows the area. A trail is groomed for about 26km/16mi from the access road almost to the alpine. Beyond that it's on-your-own sledding in the wilderness with wonderful mountain peak views. Elevation is well over 2,000m/6,560ft and there is no chalet, so be prepared for any contingency in this remote and rugged area.
Practical Points
- Check with experienced local riders about trails and hazards, inform others of riding plans, sign-in at chalets, and keep to frequently used trails.
- Get up-to-date avalanche risk information and take all appropriate precautions.
- Be prepared for quickly changing weather conditions.
- Grooming passes are available at trailhead parking areas on weekends and from select businesses in Sicamous.
Stop by the Sicamous Visitor Centre for a Snowmobile Shuswap trail map brochure, which provides directions to trailheads and overview trail maps. Also ask for the Eagle Valley Sledders Passport. Maps in this booklet indicate dangerous areas.
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