FROSTBITE FURY: RACING, ROOTS, AND THE ROBSON VALLEY
A grassroots winter snowmobile tradition that starts on the oval track and spreads through the community
Framed by the Cariboo, Monashee, and Rocky Mountain ranges, Valemount sits at the heart of the Robson Valley. It has long been legendary among sledders for backcountry zones like Allan Creek, Chappell Creek, and Clemina. Each winter, thousands arrive chasing bottomless powder, alpine bowls, and wide-open meadows.
Each winter, the Frostbite Fury gives visitors another reason to gather: a community celebration that blends grassroots motorsports with mountain culture. Streets line with sled decks, families fill hotels, and local cafés and pubs pulse with winter energy as Valemount comes alive.
The centerpiece unfolds at Rocky Mountain Speedway, where the Rocky Mountain Racing Association, with grooming support from Cariboo Snowcat Skiing, hosts one of the few snow oval races in Western Canada. While the pits overflow with machines and mechanics, families fill the bleachers and huddle around fire pits as racers tear into tight corners and long straights.
Oval racing has deep roots in British Columbia. When snowmobiles first arrived in the 1960s, clubs organized races that quickly became more than competition. They were gatherings that built friendships, showcased new machines, and gave riders a reason to connect.
The BC Snowmobiling Racing Division soon brought structure and standards, but it also revealed broader issues: trail access disputes with forestry, inconsistent safety practices, and the need for government recognition. Racing showed snowmobilers they needed a unified voice.
The organizational skills and leadership honed on the race circuit became the foundation for the British Columbia Snowmobile Federation (BCSF). Many of its early leaders came directly from racing, carrying experience in event management, sponsorship, and advocacy into a provincial framework. In this way, racing acted as an incubator for BC’s entire sledding community. Modern oval events still carry that legacy forward.
Classes range from Kitty Cats for kids to pro-level heats, with nonstop action and plenty of photo finishes.
Racer Taylor Craig-Gidney put it best:
“The highlight wasn’t crossing the finish line. It was spotting my nephews in the stands with their homemade signs. Their cheers fueled my adrenaline and turned the day into a true festival of speed, celebration, and family.”
Spectator Shawn Gidney echoed the sentiment:
“Valemount was in high gear. The excitement was palpable. Families, racers, and fans came together in a true celebration of motorsports.”
Downtown businesses often report some of their busiest winter weekends during Frostbite Fury, as families discover more of what Valemount offers in winter — from cafés and shops to overlapping community events.
Organizer Tamara Cinnamon recalled a moment that captured the spirit of the event: when a young rider’s vintage sled wouldn’t start, two retired oval champions from the 1970s stepped in to help. That mix of tradition, generosity, and adrenaline is what makes Valemount’s sledding culture unique.
As the sun sets on race day, one thing is clear: Frostbite Fury has become part of Valemount’s winter identity — a gathering that continues to bring riders, families, and fans back to the heart of BC sledding.
EXPLORE MORE VALEMOUNT
Everything is bigger in Valemount. From the towering 12,972 ft Mt. Robson to the powerful headwaters of the Fraser River, this is mountain country at its most magnificent. Here, three rugged mountain ranges converge in the ‘Vale,’ a renowned snowbelt and adventure hotspot.
The Valemount and Area Recreation Development Association manages three expansive snowmobile areas, including Allan Creek, Clemina, and Chappell, along with the 22 km Westridge Family Loop and Crystal Ridge sled skiing zone.
The welcoming, full-service village of Valemount is ready to meet every need. From trees and trails to peaks and powder-filled meadows, and from bakeries to breweries, Valemount offers a playground for everyone.
Words and photos: Megan Dawn
