SPRING SLEDDING IN THE SHUSWAP
When the lower elevations of BC begin to blossom, critters awaken and the earth appears to come to life again. One may think that sled season is close to over, but here in the Shuswap, riders are just perfecting their skills. Bringing milder weather, increased daylight, vitality, fresh air, and a surplus of sunshine, spring riding hosts an energetic atmosphere for all riders to bask in.
It's 9 am; You leave your driveway and roll the truck windows down, taking in every gust of fresh air that you can. Outback, the exhaust from your pick-up barks louder than every neighborhood dog as you burp the throttle down the street. The sun is shining, the earth is spinning, and there’s a glowing smile upon your face; It's springtime. Last night's rain brought fresh snow to the mountain tops, and although many start thinking of the end of the season, you rejoice over the thought of March Pow! With the sled tarps flapping behind you, mud flinging up the truck fenders, and a group of buddies in your rearview, you can’t help but feel excited. It’s a vibe. Spring riding is here.
When you reach your destination, you step out from behind the wheel and exhale a loud and livened “yeeeeooow!” The day is young, and so are you, or at least you feel you are! It won't be long until the groomer is parked for the season and the parking lot becomes a road trip higher up the mountain, but today you catch fresh groomies and bluebird skies. Before leaving the staging area, you perform a routine beacon and gear assessment knowing springtime is no excuse to be lax. Everyone checks out; beacons are above 70%, and your buddies are all fitted with the proper equipment, including sunscreen! You zip up your coat, buckle your helmet, put your gloves on and flash up your sled; it's go time! Braaaaap!
Spring draws such an abundance of energy to the Shuswap area that it's hard not to become part of it. Spanning from late March until the better half of June, spring riding means there's still plenty of time for a rider to put on some miles. The change in the season delivers many options to the fellow “Shuswapian” rider or “out of towner”:
BECOME PART OF THE ‘NOON CREW’
Where a rider can now choose to sleep in, due to the increase in daylight hours, or enjoy other morning activities before heading up the mountain such as: golfing, fishing, watersports, dirt biking, quadding etc. (We call this a multi-sport day).
PLAN OUT AN ADVENTURE
As the days grow longer and the snow compacts, some terrain becomes easier to access, making for an excellent opportunity to pack more fuel and explore mountain ranges!
BUILD A BOOTER
When the snow packs together and the weather's nice, it creates the perfect setting for jump building! Now is a terrific time to use your shovels for something other than stucks and Avy practice! Take this opportunity to mingle with your riding buddies, enjoy a mountain top smokie, and of course, catch a suntan!
CHUTE CLIMBING
Need an adrenaline rush? Have you been looking at a chute all winter but weren’t sure if your sled would make it in the deep snow? Hammer down! Spring snow can generate an ample amount of traction to get you and your sled wherever you point!
Springtime doesn’t suggest that one should retire their sled gear for the season or nudge their snowmobile to the back corner of the garage. If anything, spring proposes a last chance to catch some incredible days traversing mountain tops via sled. It signifies a few more rides with your favourite riding buddies, experiencing those late evening snow covered sunsets and that classic goggle line sunburn!
So with this season change, don't hang up your gear. Get out there, feel the vibe, enjoy the groomed trails while they last, and when the groomers are all finally parked as the snow recedes further up the FSR, fire up those BC Sled Haulers and trek higher up the mountain!
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!
MORE SPRING SHUSWAP 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.
