Good family joy riding with lots of lakes and trails—that’s how Bob Van Tongeren describes the riding around Logan Lake, British Columbia. He’s been sledding the area since he was six years old and is the owner of Mile High Resort together with his wife. He now gets out to enjoy the area with his own kids—his daughter got her first snowmobile for her third Christmas.
The Logan Lake Snowriders Association has recently ceased operation. Although there isn’t any formal grooming done in the area, Van Tongeren said that there are lots of trails that are in good condition, along with plenty of powder and open areas. One popular destination ride is up Greenstone Mountain.
“Greenstone Mountain is phenomenal. They’ve fixed up the shelter and it’s in good shape,” said Van Tongeren. “There’s a full 360-degree view up there. You can see Kamloops and back to Mile High Resort. You can see the coastal mountains. It’s just a really cool spot to go.”
The warm-up shelter is about half an hour of trail riding north of Mile High Resort. You can either ascend up the chute, a steeper trail, or you can take a service road up the backside, which is appropriate for varying levels of experience.
Those still keen to explore might want to venture over to Tunkwa Lake or Dominic Lake. An area called “the bowl” is a feature of the Dominic Lake ride. It’s an area that is open to play in, without being advanced riding. Van Tongeren said his family likes to head to the bowl for tobogganing and a campfire. Mixing activities is always a good way to keep young riders interested throughout the day.
“A lot of guys come up and do a little ice fishing and snowmobiling,” said Van Tongeren. “You go right out to the lake and do your ice fishing and you can take turns riding the sleds. It gives a good base for the day, and it gives the kids something to do when it’s not their turn to ride.”
Those who are new to riding in the area should contact people who are familiar with sledding around Logan Lake before they head out, suggested Van Tongeren. The Backroad Mapbook for the Thompson-Okanagan region is what Van Tongeren recommends as the most thorough. He said they are available at Mile High Resort or at most gas stations.
With so much family-friendly terrain to explore, a sprawling network of trails and lots of snow, Logan Lake is sure to make for a fun sledding family getaway.
