OWLHEAD RIDE GUIDE: EXPLORING SICAMOUS’ SLED ZONES

Nestled amidst the Selkirk and Monashee mountain ranges in the heart of British Columbia lies the snowmobiling paradise of Sicamous. Once an area where many people hurried to be part of the gold rush, it is now a place where many flock to experience the rush of snow.

Overlooking Sicamous, photo @sixx_seven_

Sicamous, BC, is a small town steeped in history and surrounded by natural beauty. Located in the core of the Shuswap region, it is situated between the stunning Mara Lake and Shuswap Lakes, which have earned it the title "Houseboat Capital of Canada." But well before it was known to tourists or even fur traders, it was home to the Secwepemc (Shuswap) Nation. In the mid-1800s, after the arrival of settlers, gold was discovered, and the town rapidly developed as a crucial transportation hub, with paddle-wheelers and railways passing through the town. Today, Sicamous remains an essential transportation and tourism hub, attracting visitors for its raw beauty, diverse year-round recreational activities, and delicious position on the Shuswap Taste Trail. 

photos: left: @_courtney_07 overlooking the lake, center: Sicamous at night, right: Narrows Smoke House

Located only a short distance from downtown Sicamous is the Owlhead Trailhead. This popular destination for sledders is one of four snowmobile recreation areas managed by the Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club. The zone offers diverse terrain and a lovely log cabin, making it an ideal spot for riders of varying experience levels.

DIRECTIONS

To reach the staging area, turn south off the Trans Canada Hwy in Sicamous at the Chevron. Then, immediately turn left at Maclean/MacPherson Road. Stay to the right and continue driving on this road for 1km until you reach the parking/staging area at the start of the Owlhead FSR.

WHERE TO RIDE

Remember to bring fuel as the area is quite vast! After travelling approximately 16.5 kilometers from the parking lot, take a right turn instead of continuing onward on the Owlhead/Blue Lake connector. Travel for roughly another 7.5 kilometers until you reach the Owlhead Cabin! Once you get there, you can find several ungroomed trails that can take you to different riding areas suitable for your skill level.

If you are new to sledding or less confident in your abilities, you can head northeast and find some easy-to-navigate fun terrain that leads to Bob Bar Lake. On this route, mixed with a fresh snow day and deep powder, there are many opportunities for safe, low-angle boondocking! Alternatively, you can take a short ride south from the cabin and reach Twin Lakes, a beautiful open area surrounded by great mellow tree riding.

From the south end of Twin Lakes, a well-defined trail heads southwest towards "Skinny Ridge." This trail is not groomed, but it's easy to spot on most days. Sledders can use this trail to visit the neighbouring club, Hunters Range Snowmobile Association. You'll know when you reach the ridge, as it's narrow and can be daunting for inexperienced riders, depending on the trail's condition.

However, crossing the ridge is well worth the effort, as the other side offers a variety of riding terrain. After navigating a few bumps on the trail, you'll reach a fantastic location known as "Super Bowl." Once you've had your fill of the slopes here, you can ride northward until you reach a well-defined path leading down through the trees to Morton Lake. This spot is ideal for taking a break with friends as it is surrounded by various tree lines, and at the furthest southwest point of the lake, you can enjoy a couple of fun short chutes.

Straight across the lake from where you entered, you'll find a continuing unmarked path that leads through the bush to some incredible mountain vistas. Mara Mountain Lookout, one of the highest peaks in the North Okanagan, offers breathtaking panoramic views; however, be prepared as it's usually quite windy up there! From the Lookout, you will notice that your next riding direction is virtually endless. With a knowledgeable leader and enough fuel, you can continue your exploration to the Gordon Sydney cabin at Hunters Range. However, if you're uncomfortable going that far or unsure about finding your way, you can head back to the route you came from or continue onward to the rustic "Stash Cabin." From here, you can take the ungroomed "down-and-around" trail back to the Owlhead Cabin for a warm-up before returning to the parking lot at the end of the day.

Hunters Range Gordon Sydney Cabin

Inside of the Gordon Sydney Cabin

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

When embarking on a snowmobiling adventure in British Columbia, it is imperative to practice caution due to the potential risks and unpredictable weather. Ensure you adhere to safe snowmobiling practices, wear appropriate gear and protective equipment, and ride at a level that matches your skillset. Conveniently, you will find a "Beacon Checker as you exit the Owlhead staging area. Also, remember to check the avalanche forecast before heading out, and note that sledding is not permitted in the Kingfisher Ecological Reserve. Therefore, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the trail map of the area before riding.

TRAIL FEES

$25.00 per sled, per day available at the trailhead or online in advance at SledSicamous.com

ACCOMODATIONS

Sicamous offers a variety of accommodations to choose from. Whether you prefer cozy cabins, sledder-friendly hotels, or charming Bed and Breakfasts, you can find a comfortable and welcoming place to stay. 

TRAVEL RESOURCES

SLED SHOPS NEARBY

Going on a snowmobile trip can be an amazing experience, but sometimes unexpected situations arise. It can be frustrating if you forget something important that affects your ride, or if you need a last-minute rental. Fortunately, there are sled shops nearby that can help you get back on track. Some popular sled shops in the area include Banner Recreation & Marine, Shuswap Xtreme Recreation, and Full Speed Rentals. These shops offer various services, such as sled rentals and sales, expert mechanical services, and a good inventory of parts, sled equipment, and gear.

With its well-groomed trail and limitless backcountry terrain, you will surely have an unforgettable experience riding Owlhead. And with plenty of accommodations and other winter activities available in the area, you can easily turn your snowmobiling adventure into a full-blown winter getaway. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your next winter vacation to Sicamous, BC, and get ready to experience the ultimate snowmobiling adventure.

READY TO EXPLORE MORE?

Check out the Shuswap Sled, Savor, & Sip road trip! Four days of sledder approved itinerary recommendations for Revelstoke, Sicamous, Enderby, and Salmon Arm, BC.

Photos: Savanna Rennie, Nicole Matei, SledSicamous

Words: 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!