Sledders in Western Canada agree that the Mackenzie area of B.C. is prime for alpine mountain sledding. The terrain offers steep and deep abundant powder and both groomed and wild trails that appeal mainly to advanced and expert riders. The vibrant, snowmobile-friendly community and active local club are happy to help make any sledding trip to Mackenzie a never-forget adventure.
Morfee Mountain
Morfee Mountain is just five minutes from downtown Mackenzie and is a well-used destination for advanced and expert riders. Approximately 21 kilometres of groomed trail take sledders to the top of Morfee Mountain and from there the trail ends but the possibilities are endless. The area beyond is called Virgin Valley, and various features and areas within the valley offer miles and miles of alpine riding along ridges and down into powder, ravines and crazy fun bowls including Hidden Bowl and Horseshoe. On a sunny day, the lookout area at the top of Morfee at the transmission towers offers spectacular views overlooking Williston Lake and the Rockies. Sledders will find two fully-loaded warm-up cabins—one at the end of the groomed trail and another about 10 kilometres later, down in the ravine.
Getting there: Travel through town about three kilometres north on Mackenzie Road. The staging area is a well-signed parking lot located on the side of the highway.
Parking: There is always lots of parking, room for trailers and a loading ramp for anyone’s use.
Bijoux Trail
Bijoux Trail is not groomed, but well used, and accesses the alpine on the back side of Powder King Mountain Resort. It is possible to take Bijoux and connect to the Mount West Trail, or take Bijoux to the top of the alpine, come out the back side of Powder King and follow the gas line back to the staging area so you never have to ride the same trail twice. The entire trip is 70 to 80 kilometres, including stops at the trail’s many play areas along the way.
Getting there: Travel northeast on Highway 97 towards Power King ski village (a 45-minute drive) and watch for the staging area just past the overpass, five minutes shy of reaching the resort. There is a sign up in the staging area, but not at the highway, so just watch for the trucks.
Parking: The average-sized parking lots can suit approximately 30 vehicles and there has never been a problem with accommodating all visitors.
Beaver Creek
Another local favourite for Mackenzie riders, and shared with folks from Chetwynd and Tumbler Ridge, is Beaver Creek Trail, which essentially follows the creek, taking sledders at one point across a waterfall. This area is prime steep and deep expert riding to the alpine for about 15 kilometres before the trail ends and spreads out into open powder. Sledders follow the alpine on ridges and into deep bowls for endless play in the powder.
Getting there: Follow Highway 97 northeast from Mackenzie, past Powder King Mountain Resort about 20 minutes. The staging area is on the side of the highway, but unmarked.
Parking: There is a small parking area on the side of the highway. It is unmarked so just look for the trucks.
