Maintained by the Nelson Sno-Goers Snowmobile club, the Nelson/Kaslo snowmobile zone boasts riding which is nothing short of epic. There are no trail ambassadors demanding trail fees, but you can purchase a membership or trail pass at Main Jet Motorsports in Nelson, Woodbury Resort near Kaslo or Playmor Power Products in Crescent Valley. Club numbers and contributions are a vital life force in the fight to keep ride areas open.
The Sno-Goers groom over 100 kilometres of trail. The main focus is the Giveout area, up the Six Mile Lakes Road, Redfish Creek and the Lemon Creek and Springer Creek drainages.
Nelson is a unique city, with much to see and do. Many riders find themselves at Jackson’s Hole Grill for food and drinks.
Hill climbing competition
The second Sunday in February hosts the Meteor Mine Hill Climb event, which attracts riders and spectators from all across western Canada and the northwestern United States. Access can be made minutes from Nelson on the Six Mile Lakes Road, or on the Slocan side up Lemon Creek. Both accesses to the trail are well marked in preparation for the day.
This is a timed event, and showcases thrills and spills of adventurous climbers. Classes are varied: veterans, women’s, 700 cc and under, stock 800, mod 800 and a turbo class provide ample opportunity for riders to strut their stuff as they climb high in hopes of cresting the top of the mountain. Not everyone makes it, especially towards the end of the day, but this well-run event has many hill spotters to keep the carnage to a minimum. (Yes, I once found myself in need of their assistance.) Hot chocolate, hotdogs and prizes are the icing on the cake. Wonderful winter fun for the whole family.
Kaslo and area
The Kaslo ride season is a long one. Riding generally begins in late October and stretches right through to July. Powder is deep and ample, urging riders on. With so much territory to explore, Kaslo riding never gets old.
Many a weary rider has ended the day with a soak in Ainsworth Hot Springs. Whether you are enjoying a soak under the stars or decompressing in the hotter temperature of the cave, your muscles will thank you—especially if you plan on riding the next day. Take advantage of the smack-dab-in-the-middle-of-everything location of Woodbury resort, which is not only moments from Ainsworth, but right across the road from incredible riding.
Empire, located 12 kilometres from Kaslo up the New Denver highway, is a wonderful getaway for any enthusiast. The massive staging area is accommodating for even the biggest of rigs. Heading up an ungroomed logging road to the right is Buchanan, a tame family road ride which finds you at a breathtaking lookout. The fork to the left ends up at the Empire Cabin, which is maintained by the Empire Wilderness Society Surrounding it is epic boondocking fun for those who want to get it on with the fresh powder.
It’s always good to have a local along to point the way, but many places provide trail maps of the area. Woodbury Resort, Playmor Power Products and Main Jet Motorsports will have maps and information on how to hook up with some locals.
Thirty minutes from Kaslo is the world famous Meadow Mountain area. Meadow Mountain area is a Tenured Cat skiing area with some designated snowmobile areas. With deep bowls, epic meadows and challenging climbs, this truly is sledtopia. Meadow Mountain is a huge mountain zone, so as with all mountain riding, check the avalanche forecast before riding and ride prepared. With the annual snowfall exceeding 50 feet, caution and preparation are keys to success. For more information about sledding in the Meadow Mountain area, please contact the Nelson SnoGoers for rules and regulations.
The Kootenays is a playground for many ladies’ rides. If you are a shredding woman, please visit, http://www.thebetties.ca or email [email protected] or [email protected] for more information. Last season there were ladies’ rides near Nelson, up Giveout, Char Creek and Meadow Mountain.
