Wayne Dudych has been riding snowmobiles ever since he was old enough to start them himself. He was used to prairie riding, but after moving to Kelowna in 2005, he and his family got a taste of the fine mountain territory that makes B.C. a legend among sledders.
“At the time, we didn’t realize that (we were) only 10 minutes away from the parking lot of the Graystokes snowmobiling area,” said Wayne, “and only about another 30 minutes away from the Idabel Lake snowmobiling area—also run by the Kelowna Snowmobile Club.”
The family soon became enthusiastic club members, enjoying vintage and modern machines, and the variety of terrain that is available right in their backyard.
“We now have formed strong friendships . . . that go beyond the snowmobile season,” Wayne said. “Every single time we go out riding, either with our new friends or with the family, I always think this has been the best ride ever!”
The trail system where this family chooses to ride depends on the kind of terrain they are seeking. When looking for high elevations with pleasant trails, they head for Graystokes Provincial Park. When they want to ride their vintage machines, and take the kids on their Kitty Cat sleds, they opt for the flatter terrain near Idabel Lake.
“We can usually find some untouched powder in some hidden meadows and the blue skies and sharing laughs always make for great everlasting memories,” said Wayne. “Being raised a flatlander, and riding many frostbitten miles . . . I would have to say the highlight of snowmobiling in Kelowna is that you can leave the valley below with green grass in the spring and be in a winter wonderland in minutes.”
