KOOTENAY STAYCATION
With borders between the United States and Canada remaining closed in 2020, many are opting for staycations in their home or neighboring provinces. What better way to celebrate winter than a snowmobiling vacation in the beautiful Kootenay region of British Columbia? With ample snow, and moderate temperatures you’ll be popping pillows and embracing breathtaking scenery with every adventure had.
There are several prime snowmobile Destinations in southeastern British Columbia. We’ll give you a little insight on what to expect when snowmobiling in the Kootenay region of British Columbia.
Fernie offers unparalleled terrain options with a little something for everyone. The Fernie Snowmobile Association has a very active grooming program and excellent trail systems. Through land use agreements made with government and private landowners, Fernie offers 5 distinct riding areas across the Elk Valley that can be accessed with a $25.00 daily trail fee.
Fernie’s riding areas are quite high in elevation, and the Rocky Mountains seem to start loading long before other mountain ranges in British Columbia which means great early season riding, and consistent snowpack throughout the season. The town itself is a very snowmobile friendly town, with other amenities to offer for those family members who may not ride including the Fernie Alpine Resort which boasts world class skiing. Did you know that Fernie was the location where the movie “Hot Tub Time Machine” was filmed? If you were a fan of the popular 2010 John Cusack movie, you’ll get a kick out of recognizing local landmarks featured in the film.
With ample lodging options to choose from, you’ll find exactly what your group or family is looking for. Here is a helpful guide listing accommodation options: Places to Stay in Fernie
CRANBROOK
Ninety-six kilometers east of Fernie sits the bustling city of Cranbrook. Driving down the main drag you’ll notice the abundance of snowmobiles in the back of pick-up trucks letting you know that you are absolutely in a sled-friendly city.
The Cranbrook Snowmobile Club (CSC) has three main riding areas. Perry Creek, the Wildhorse and Lumberton. Lumberton situated 25km east of Cranbrook is by far the most popular area to ride and unlike Perry Creek and the Wildhorse, Lumberton is groomed and maintained by the CSC.
There is a $20.00 trail fee implemented that you can purchase at the staging area that leads you into over 50kms of groomed trails in the Lumberton area. Memberships and trail passes can also be purchased at All Season Motorsports, Mulisha Small Engine Repair and Peak Performance. No matter if you are looking for adrenaline pumping adventure, or a more mellow trail ride with the family you will love the riding in the Lumberton area.
Here is a look at accommodations in the Cranbrook area: Where to stay
Special note: The Lumberton Forest Service road can get slick, so please drive to conditions and ensure that you have good winter tires.
These two zones are just the tip of the iceberg for snowmobiling opportunities in the Kootenay region. Stay tuned for more Sled-cation destinations!
