EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT TAKING YOUR KIDS SLEDDING IN SALMON ARM, BC
Taking your family snowmobiling is no walk in the park. From packing and loading everyone's necessities to gearing up the crew and heading into the mountains - it takes organization, teamwork and commitment. With the elements working against you, finding safe and suitable terrain, well-mapped trails, and a nearby chalet is essential - Come and explore Fly Hills of Salmon Arm, BC!
Well known for its beauty, vibrant taste in arts and music, and impressive wood wharf, Salmon Arm, is located on the southern ‘arm’ of Shuswap Lake. It is here each fall large, determined runs of salmon return from the Pacific Ocean on their long journey back to their birthplace on the Adams River. It boasts stunning mountain ranges, breathtaking valley views, and a growing network of trails - making it an excellent place for outdoor enthusiasts! With great places to dine, like the Shuswap Pie Company and Nineteen05 Kitchen at the Prestige Harbourfront Resort, you will certainly find something to drool over and a comfortable place to rest your head. Providing city conveniences with a small-town feel, Salmon Arm is a perfect place for families, not to mention sled families.
The Salmon Arm Snowblazers Club has been putting snowmobiling at Fly Hills on the map since the 1970s! Hosting a beautiful chalet, several warm-up huts, and a series of groomed and ungroomed trails, the snowblazers club is favoured for its family-orientated atmosphere! Knowing you can head out and keep your children warm along the way allows you and your family the flexibility to experience more! Fly Hills is well known for its family fun vibe and the great events they put on - making this club a well-rounded one for any family group!
Two kilometers up Fly Hills Forest Service Road, not far from downtown Salmon Arm, you will find the Main Parking Lot. The LetsRideBC Provincial Snowmobile Trail Map is an excellence source of information to check before you ride and provides trail status, location of staging areas, shelters and more. For your convenience, you will also discover an area map on a billboard in the parking lot, and from here, you will meet the groomed trailhead! On your way up the main Access Rd to the Chalet, you will be greeted with those "breathtaking valley views" and a fantastic look at Salmon Arm and Shuswap Lake.
Follow along the Chalet Loop until you meet the doorsteps of the Main Cabin. Head inside to the nearest picture window booth to regroup; an excellent rest stop to warm up, have a snack or empty anyone's tinkle tank! Once your group is ready, you can go any way you'd like, but if you are looking for more family-friendly groomed access, head back out on the Chalet Loup to the Wallensteen Trail. When the grooming ends, take the path marked No.3 to the "Soccer Ball" Radio Tower - Play around, take some group photos and try out the nearest warming hut when you're ready for lunch!
Your afternoon is left with endless riding options for you and your gang. Depending on the group consensus, make your way to the cut block via Moose Meadows for a bit of hill climb action, or maybe everyone is ready for an adventure through China Valley to Granite Peak!
The adventure doesn’t have to end when you make it back to the parking lot. Salmon Arm has a number of off the beaten path Taste Trail foodie delights and family-friendly activities to keep kids of all ages entertained. Check out Arc Gaming Center, the indoor climbing center at Gym of Rock, or Jungle Mania. The area also hosts an abundance of distilleries and wineries for adult palettes. Whatever you decide, Fly Hills and The Salmon Arm Snowblazers Club are waiting to welcome you!
Savanna Rennie is a rider and writer from Enderby BC. She was introduced to snowmobiling 10 years ago and has been deeply passionate about it since!
SALMON ARM INSPIRATION
4-5 DAYS: REVELSTOKE, SICAMOUS, ENDERBY, SALMON ARM
Long before The CPR rail line made its way through the Eagle Pass, BC's interior lakes and waterways played an important role ferrying passengers and supplies. The historic paddle wheelers have now been replaced with houseboats, orchards, and snowmobiles, solidifying the area as one of BC's best four-season destinations and culinary delights. Sled, savor and sip your way through this 4-day celebration of BC’s Shuswap sledding buffet.
