THE INSIDE SCOOP ON LATE SEASON RIDING IN BC
As we notice the days getting longer and the temperatures continue to warm, many avid snowmobilers start to think of options for extending their snowmobile season. There are ample opportunities for late-season riding in British Columbia, and we’re not talking about concrete snow conditions. It is not uncommon to see fresh resets of snow in the months of March, April and May in many parts of British Columbia. Here is the inside scoop on a few areas to consider!
WELLS
With frequent snowfall and breathtaking views, many riders enjoy late season riding in Wells BC. If you’re wanting a fun family day, consider the Groundhog Lake Trail groomed and maintained by the Wells Snowmobile Club. This 29km trail is family-friendly and rated for all skill levels with a warm-up shelter located right at Groundhog Lake.
For those more experienced riders, the Yanks Peak zone may be more up your alley. This area is maintained by the Williams Lake Powder Kings snowmobile club. With riding areas around 1,905 meters, fresh snow frequently reset’s this honey hole throughout spring. The summit boasts miles of untouched powder riding amid spectacular views of the Cariboo Mountains and is rated for experienced and expert riders.
Maps of the Wells Barkerville area
REVELSTOKE
With average spring daytime temperatures hovering around plus 4 degrees Celsius, the mountains surrounding Revelstoke BC usually receive consistent snowfall even in the months of March and April. When other areas are experiencing concrete conditions and a depleting snowpack, Revy will continue to deliver the goods. Nestled amidst the stunning Selkirk and Monashee mountains, Revelstoke riding areas seem to have their own unique micro-climate that delivers the goods consistently.
You can keep an eye on the Revelstoke snowmobile conditions by watching the YamaCam sponsored by Yamaha Motors Canada. The Revelstoke Snowmobile Club’s website is a wealth of information on snowpack and trail conditions as well.
There are caribou closures, and park boundaries in the area, so be sure to know which areas are off-limits, and which areas are good to go.
Here is a great article from SnoRiders West Magazine about Boulder Mountain: Elevation is where it’s at in Revelstoke BC.
VANCOUVER COAST & MOUNTAINS
With mild spring temperatures, and coastal effect snow continuing to fall, it isn’t uncommon to ride through the month of May in our Coastal, Sea to Sky snowmobile destinations in British Columbia. Spring usually finds the coastal areas receiving an abundance of precipitation which equates to fresh powder at higher elevations.
The Pemberton Ice Fields offer incredible views with spectacular riding, especially in the springtime. Vast, wide-open treeless riding combined with the breathtaking views of the coastal mountains draw many snowmobile tourists from around the world. The Pemberton ice fields are a collection of glaciers about an hour and a half from Vancouver. It is recommended to hire a guide when riding unfamiliar areas, especially glaciers that present additional hazards such as crevasses and unexpected terrain changes upon the glaciers. The Pemberton Valley Snowmobile Club is also a valuable resource for information on this area.
Here are more links to popular Sea to Sky spring riding zones along the coast.
NELSON
A very unique management agreement exists in the Kootenay Region between Selkirk Snowcat Skiing and the Nelson SnowGoers allowing for early and late season riding in the world-renown Meadow Mountain area near Meadow Creek BC. Selkirk Snowcat Skiing operates on Meadow Mountain annually from December 1 through April 16th with a motorized recreation restriction implemented during their business operations. Early and late season riding of the Meadow Mountain tenure is permitted outside of those dates, opening up pristine terrain which includes meadows, powder-filled bowls, cornice drops, chutes to climb and exceptional tree riding. It is important to respect this grandfathered tenue, to maintain access to this unique area.
