Most people think of Saskatchewan as nothing but flat, but you only need to take a trip to North Battleford to realize this just isn't true. Sledding here consists of rolling hills, beautiful river valleys, boreal forest and lots of powder. The Battlefords Trail Breakers club has the third-largest trail system in the province with over 450 kilometres of trails.
The club is also extremely proud of its 10 unique shelters, and the Saskatchewan Snowmobile Association recognized the club last season for having the best shelters in the province.
The club is rebuilding one now, the Rider Hut, with a full Saskatchewan Rough Riders theme with a green, white and black exterior and a locker room-style interior. The Rider Hut will be complete by December 2015.
Trails are groomed and maintained as needed. Depending on snow, the groomers go out once a week or once every two weeks. If there is a lot of the white stuff, sometimes the groomers go out, come back and then head right back out again.
North Battleford’s trail system includes the areas of North Battleford, Meota, Vawn, Edam, Livelong, Turtle Lake, Glaslyn, Cochin and Delmas.
Dale Woytiuk, president of the Battlefords Trail Breakers, outlines the top two trails to ride this winter.
Blue Mountain/Thickwood Hills/Jackfish Lake loop
This loop has a few variations but no matter which way you take, expect some very scenic views, open fields, rolling hills and wooded areas. Experience Blue Mountain Resort, Thickwood Hills and Round Hill, with a very scenic lookout. There are also opportunities to go off the groomed trails and do some powder riding, especially in the marshlands. You will also come upon five warm-up shelters where you can have lunch, warm up and have fun with friends and family.
From North Battleford, you head northwest on 101A which takes you up towards Blue Mountain Resort and Thickwood Hills. You can then double back on 101D or G and head back to North Battleford. Or you can continue to go northwest to the Jackfish Lake area and Cochin. That loops you back to Meota on 101B and back into North Battleford. It's a bonus to have two available loops from one staging area. This ride will take you about three to four hours depending on how many stops you make.
Getting there: There are two staging areas in North Battleford and they're both right in town. You can choose to stage from North Sask Farm Equipment right off Highway 16 on the southeast end of North Battleford or at Whiterock Gas Bar on the north side of town.
Parking: Both staging areas are signed and have large parking lots.
Turtle Lake
Another great loop to take goes from Meota or Cochin at the south end of Catfish Lake. Take the 101I trail north to Glaslyn. This is a real remote area with lots of abandoned roads, wooded areas and some fields. This trail will take you up to Turtle Lake which is a popular resort area. You can then turn around and head south towards Edam and Meota. It's a 200-kilometre loop which will take about six to eight hours.
Riders can look foward to lots of wildlife including rabbits, coyotes, moose and deer. There are five warm-up shelters on this route as well.
Getting there: The Meota Hotel in central Meota or Big Way Convenience Store in Cochin
Driving Distance: Both staging areas are about 32 kilometres from North Battleford.
Parking: Both staging areas have large parking lots.
