The Kamloops area’s abundant snowfall and diverse, often mountainous terrain make it an attractive tourist destination for snowmobilers from all over western Canada and the U.S.
One of the many snowmobile clubs in the region, the Kamloops Snowmobile Association, makes it easy to explore the limitless opportunities by maintaining infrastructure, trail networks and warming shelters for powder-hungry sledders to enjoy. With an annual membership ranging between 350 and 400 members from Kamloops and the surrounding communities, KSA invests over 3,500 volunteer-hours a year into snowmobiling in the area.
Celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, the association also brings safe, fun family snowmobile events to the area each year.
“Our main event is our Snowarama/Family Day, which is very popular, and open to the public,” says KSA’s Clemence Samson. “It will be held on Feb. 12 at our main chalet located off Sawmill Lake Forest Service Road.”
Snowarama is an annual B.C. Snowmobile Federation fundraiser, hosted by different snowmobile clubs throughout B.C. Proceeds go to the Easter Seal Foundation, and KSA’s event this winter will feature various fun activities, including a “poker run,” raffle tickets, food tickets, door prizes and more.
“Snowmobile dealers also come up with their demo teams, giving people an opportunity to test their products and help them make a decision about which sled would work best for them,” Samson says.
The Kamloops Snowmobile Association maintains over 180km of trails and 8 day use warming shelters. Credit: BC Snowmobile Federation
Trails and back country to explore
The Kamloops area is in the heart of backcountry snowmobiling in B.C., where KSA grooms hundreds of kilometres of trails, and actively manages two riding areas – Tranquille/Bonaparte Plateau (Porcupine Ridge) and Sunpeaks (Todd Mountain).
Located only 25 minutes outside Kamloops, Porcupine Ridge offers family-accessible terrain, endless well-signed trail loops and plenty of warm-up shelters.
With access trails to 2,700-hectare Porcupine Meadows Provincial Park and its 100-year-old fire lookout, this area provides unlimited sledding adventure!
READ MORE: Answer the call of the powder! Snowmobiling hot spots in B.C.’s North Thompson Valley
Located about an hour from Kamloops at Sun Peaks Resort, the Todd Mountain riding area offers an exciting combination of sledding options, with sub-alpine riding similar to Porcupine Ridge, mature forest riding for snow bikes and plenty of opportunities for off-trail riding.
The unloading area is conveniently located adjacent to the ski-village, with access from parking lot 6, making for a fun-filled “stay-and-ride” vacation, combining skiing, snowmobiling and enjoyment of the village amenities. Or, for more affordable options in the town of Kamloops, check out Tourism Kamloops’ travel deals. Smaller family-friendly groomed runs and access trails make this area a must for your next winter family adventure!
The Kamloops area offers endless snowmobiling adventure and family fun. Credit: BC Snowmobile Federation
“We plan on having a few night rides during the winter as well, depending on snow and weather conditions,” Samson says. “We also have many ‘work bees’ throughout the season, where we call out for members to come out and help with things like firewood splitting, filling up the wood sheds, clearing the trails and installing fog poles. Many families participate, from grandparents to grandchildren, making it a fun outdoors activity for everyone!”
So, whether you plan to take the trail or carve your own path this winter, the Kamloops area offers powder-lovers opportunities to revel in a backyard playground so vast, you’ll have to come again and again to experience it all.
Family-friendly aprés snowmobiling activities in Kamloops:
B.C. Wildlife Park is home to nearly 200 animals and 65 different species that are native to B.C., including cougars, bears, wolves, reptiles and birds of prey.
Apex Adventure Plex Kamloops features 30,000+ square feet of bubble soccer, trampoline obstacle court, ninja warrior course and athletic challenges. Designed for ages 5+, obstacles are setup for all ages and skill levels.
Sweet Home Café parents can take a break from sledding and sip coffee and enjoy a treat in the comfortable lounge area while their children are supervised in the staffed kids’ play area.
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