DON’T CANCEL YET: WHY THIS WEEKEND STILL BELONGS ON YOUR WINTER CALENDAR
January in British Columbia is where the season starts to stack up. The snowpack deepens, confidence grows, and good days in the mountains begin to link together. This week’s atmospheric river—bringing higher freezing levels and moist snow to parts of the province—may have you second-guessing your plans. Before you do, here’s why this weekend is still very much worth the trip.
photo: JS Media House | Revelstoke, BC
1. CONDITIONS AREN’T AS BAD AS THE HEADLINES SUGGEST… REALLY.
BC’s snowpack took a hit—no sugar-coating that. But context matters. British Columbia’s riding areas are vast, varied, and built to handle weather swings, and many zones came through this system better than expected.
Higher elevations held snow, and while some valley-bottom trails are feeling a little thin, local snowmobile clubs are adapting quickly and doing everything they can to manage the impacts. The result? Solid riding remains available in several regions across the province.
Don’t take our word for it—check out this on-the-ground update from Valemount for a clear look at what riders are actually seeing out there.
2. WHAT COMES AFTER THE STORM
In the wake of the system, the forecast is pointing toward something many riders actually look forward to—clearer skies, milder temperatures, and winter days with a little less bite. It’s the kind of weather that invites you to slow the pace and enjoy being out there.
These are ideal conditions for trail rides, cabin missions, and easygoing days that focus more on the experience than the objective. Perfect for bringing kids, grandparents, partners, or friends who don’t need a high-adrenaline day to have a good one.
Round up the whole crew, soak up some winter sun, and make a day of it. Any day on the snow beats another one spent inside watching the weather go by on a screen.
3. A CALENDAR FULL OF EVENTS
This weekend is packed with events across the province—from demo days and safety sessions to club rides and community gatherings. These moments are a big part of BC snowmobiling culture and are a reason enough to get out there just on their own!
4. A GOOD TIME TO RIDE DIFFERENTLY
Variable conditions have a way of nudging riders to rethink the plan—and that’s not a bad thing. Maybe this is the weekend you finally check out a riding area you’ve always been curious about, explore a different trail network, or keep it simple with a shorter day closer to town.
BC’s strength has always been its depth. There’s almost always another option, another zone, another way to ride—and those quieter, lower-pressure days often turn into the ones you remember most.
If you’re looking for ideas, the BC Snowmobile Visitor Guide and the BC Provincial Snowmobile Trail Map are great places to start. Sometimes all it takes is a fresh pin on the map to spark a new favourite.
5. HOW THE SEASON STACKS UP
January isn’t about chasing one perfect ride. It’s about momentum. Every weekend out adds to the stack; time on the sled and memories with your crew. Skip now, and it’s harder to get rolling again. Show up, and the rest of the season starts to line itself up.
BC winters are dynamic. That’s part of what makes riding here special. This weekend isn’t a write-off—it’s a chance to keep the rhythm going and add another layer to your winter.
See you out there!
