FROZEN GIANTS: GLACIER ADVENTURES FOR BC SLEDDERS
Words Nicole Matei | Photos Billy Stevens
British Columbia is renowned for its Super Natural landscapes, offering snowmobilers a constellation of terrain where we can connect with the land and each other. From trails weaving through mature forests and sled-accessed ice fishing on valley-bottom lakes, to wind-swept plateaus and rugged mountain ranges, BC’s wilderness invites us to experience it all.
When timing and conditions align, BC snowmobilers also have the rare opportunity to get up close to the province’s giants. With nearly 17,000 glaciers, these frozen marvels shape our provincial landscape, standing as both iconic and vulnerable features. But they’re shrinking rapidly due to rising temperatures, and experts predict that most of Western Canada’s glaciers could disappear by 2100. This means children born today may never witness their breathtaking beauty or rely on the freshwater they provide.
Enjoying these landscapes respectfully is key—not only to protect them but to foster a deeper appreciation of their significance. By practicing responsible recreation and respecting seasonal access restrictions, we can help preserve these incredible places for future explorers and ensure they continue to play their critical role in BC's ecosystem.
THE PEMBERTON ICE CAP
Located in BC’s Sea-to-Sky region, the Pemberton Ice Cap sprawls across 300 km² of jagged volcanic peaks and snowfields. This colossal icefield delivers endless big lines, icy wind lips, seracs, and powder stashes fueled by Pacific weather systems.
The Pemberton Valley Snowmobile Club maintains access via the groomed Rutherford Valley Trail, which leads riders 22km from Highway 99 to a rustic emergency-use cabin at tree line. From there, follow the route to the Apa Glacier and beyond into the main icefield. The ice cap can also be accessed by the neighboring Powder Mountain Snowmobile Club’s Brandywine zone.
THE CATAMOUNT GLACIER
Hidden deep in the Purcell Mountains, the Catamount Glacier an off the beaten path destination for BC’s sledders. Located northwest of Radium Hot Springs, access begins on the 23km Forster Creek Trail — the route is exposed to numerous avalanche paths but is groomed by the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society when conditions permit. The trail ends just before the club’s day-use warming shelter perched at the edge of Forster Meadow which is open to snowmobiling December 1 to May 31. The narrow valley is flanked by steep mountains but there is small amount of family-friendly riding options on the valley floor. For stronger riders ready to push further, a short but technical climb awaits towards the back of the meadow into the Thunderwater and Whirlpool Lakes zones.
photos: @parker_mcgrath and @hannah.karine
The Catamount Glacier, once off-limits to snowmobiling, is now accessible from February 15th to May 31st thanks to the work of the Windermere Valley Snowmobile Society. Riders will need to route find through one of a few steep climbs on the south side of the meadow to reach the glacier - they are all difficult and near impossible when the visibility is poor. One key rule: the neighboring Northstar Glacier remains a no-go, so check your maps and tread respectfully to help protect this wild, beautiful landscape.
KAKWA
Located in Northern BC, the Kakwa-Willmore Interprovincial Park— is one of Canada’s largest protected wilderness areas. It offers remote riding destinations, including Babbette, Cecilia, and Kakwa Lakes, with select areas open for snowmobiling from December 1st to April 15th or 30th each year. A highlight of the area is the Hoodoos, a striking ice serrac formation near Kitchi Mountain, on the way to Mount Sir Alexander. Kakwa also protects fascinating natural wonders, such as caves, fossils, and dinosaur track sites—many still unexplored within its limestone formations.
Access is challenging, with routes either 75 km down Walker Creek Road in BC or 112 km from Grande Prairie, Alberta. With no public roads or facilities, this rugged and remote wilderness offers a true sense of scale, where vast landscapes and towering peaks redefine adventure. The Kakwa Park Snowmobile Club maintains trails and provides valuable stewardship and local knowledge for responsible exploration.
photos: @les_lheureux
A MOMENT THAT WON’T RETURN
For a time, riders could witness an awe-inspiring glacial ice arch near Babette Lake. By December 2024, it was gone—collapsed forever.
photos: @les_lheureux
KEY GLACIER TERMINOLOGY
Glaciers are immense, dynamic rivers of ice formed by centuries of accumulating and compacting snow. They sculpt the landscape, creating valleys, crevasses, and dramatic ice formations. Here's a quick guide to essential glacier terms:
Icefield: A vast expanse of interconnected ice feeding multiple glaciers.
Crevasse: A deep, often hidden crack in a glacier's surface, which can pose a serious hazard.
Moraine: A ridge or accumulation of rock and debris deposited along the edges of a glacier.
Serac: Towering, unstable blocks of ice formed by fractures in the glacier.
Moulin: A vertical shaft or tunnel carved into a glacier by flowing meltwater.
Snowbridge: A naturally formed arch of snow spanning a crevasse. These structures may appear solid but are often dangerously fragile. Snowbridges can collapse without warning, making glacier navigation hazardous. Advanced travel skills, proper safety gear, and careful assessment are essential for safely crossing them.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Glaciers present a number of hazards that require everyone who travels on them to be knowledgeable in managing regardless of your snowmobile experience. Crevasses, hidden ice bridges, and unstable snowpack can be deadly. Here's how to stay safe:
Get Trained: Avalanche safety, navigation, and glacier travel courses are essential.
Gear Up: Always carry the essential gear for backcountry travel.
Ride with Experts: Don’t go solo — partner with professional certified guides or experienced riders.
Photos: Unless otherwise noted, images are by the talented Billy Stevens (@skid1), a Nelson, BC-based photographer who spends countless days in the field capturing BC's breathtaking landscapes and the riders who bring them to life. Billy captured the stunning shots featured here on the Pemberton Ice Field in early 2025.
