This group was poised to head out on the Pickerel Lake Trail, one of the areas maintained by the North Mountain Riders. Every year, the club hosts their Pickerel Supper event, which raises funds for trail system maintenance such as brushing, grooming, shelter repairs and other up-keep.
Photo courtesy North Mountain Riders
Swan River sledders are exceptionally lucky. Not only do they have excellent trail systems and snow conditions, but they also have two clubs looking after them.
The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association (SVSA) is a volunteer club in Swan River that maintains approximately 400 kilometres of trails south of town. Trail conditions and updates are posted regularly on the SVSA website.
The North Mountain Riders, also based in Swan River, maintain 453 kilometres of trails north of Swan River. This club also looks after eight warm-up shelters, which are all furnished and stocked with firewood. For more information on its activities, see the North Mountain Riders website.
Looking for ample powder? Try this on for size. This is the Hart Mountain Road Trail. You can access it by taking a 25-kilometre ride up the Porcupine Mountains and over the CN Rail bridge (where you can find open stretches along the rail bed). North of here, Hart Mountain Road awaits, with a wide, tree-lined route and smooth terrain leading up to the Hart Lake warm-up cabin. The shelter at Hart Lake is equipped with a wood stove, outhouse, solar lights and wall-to-wall carpeting.
Photo courtesy North Mountain Riders
Swan River has more than 200 riders on its trails each year, and that number is steadily growing. The dedication of the Swan Valley Snowmobile Association and the North Mountain Riders has led to the formation of a vast snowmobiling network with trails that extend throughout the region.
Photo courtesy North Mountain Riders
