TRY TO KEEP UP!
Three days in Valemount sounds like plenty. Then you start counting riding areas.
Tucked beneath some seriously big mountains in BC's Robson Valley, this little mountain town has built an outsized reputation for snowmobiling. The riding is varied, the welcome is genuine, and there's always another drainage, trail or view making you question whether you really need to leave Sunday.
Local rider Taylor Gidney knows the feeling. Here's how she'd spend 72 hours in her backyard.
DROP THE TRAILER. FIND THE COFFEE.
First, somewhere to call home for the weekend. Taylor's pick is the Best Western Plus Valemount Inn & Suites, with room for trucks and trailers and a knack for becoming a gathering place when everyone comes off the mountain. Prefer something quieter? Whisper Creek Cabins puts you among the peaks.
Come morning, there's one non-negotiable: Vale Coffee. Locally roasted beans, a good latte and homemade sandwiches that fit perfectly in a cooker can.
Get the sandwich. Thank Taylor later.
OK. NOW WE RIDE.
If you only ride one area, Taylor says make it Allan Creek. An eight-kilometre groomed trail leads to the cabin, where the terrain opens into meadows, alpine bowls and plenty of possibilities. Families can explore closer to the cabin and lakes, while experienced riders have room to venture farther.
"It's home for me," Taylor says. And despite all the other options around Valemount, it's the place she keeps returning to.
For a view worth shutting off the engine, head into Clemina Creek toward Lakeview Plateau. With the mountains unfolding around you, it's the kind of place where everyone reaches for their camera before remembering to just look.
"You honestly have to see it to believe it."
Still have a day to fill? The Westridge Family Loop offers approachable riding, a cabin and a pretty spectacular view overlooking town. Experienced riders feeling a little spicy can look toward Upper Westridge, where the access gets more technical and the terrain deserves a closer look.
Chappell Creek is another option. Or another day at Allan. This is why we gave you 72 hours.
PARK IT. YOU’VE EARNED DINNER.
Back in town, Taylor's sending you to Caribou Grill for a proper post-ride meal or Glacier Fire Pizzeria for stone-fired pizza and a little more time to debate who found the best snow.
Travelling with family or giving your throttle thumb a rest? Explore the local shops, cross-country ski trails and bakery. Valemount has plenty going on beyond the staging areas.
As Taylor puts it, some of her favourite memories have happened after the sleds were loaded back onto the trailer.
And that's the thing about Valemount. You can ride a different area every day, spend the evenings swapping stories with the crew, and still leave with a list of places you haven't explored.
ONE MORE THING. TAYLOR THROWS A PRETTY GOOD PARTY.
What started as Taylor's birthday ride has turned into one of the Robson Valley's biggest snowmobile gatherings. Forever 29 returns to Valemount on March 13, 2027, bringing riders together for a weekend of mountain camaraderie, avalanche awareness, a little friendly fun and a whole lot of good company.
Now in its fourth year, the event includes avalanche education, companion rescue practice, family-friendly activities, giveaways and a community banquet. It's a pretty good example of what happens when someone loves their riding community enough to bring everyone along for the ride.
THERE’S MORE WHERE THAT CAME FROM.
Taylor's given you a taste of Valemount. Now dig into the riding areas, get the lay of the land, and start plotting your own trip.
