McBride can be found tucked away in the Robson Valley, between Jasper, Alberta, and Prince George, B.C. This community took home the title of 2018 SledTown ShowDown Champion of Western Canada. Prairie sledders commonly come out this way to sample the alpine terrain McBride has to offer, and locals are proud of their village’s well-known snowmobiling culture.
The Renshaw riding area
Undoubtedly McBride’s most popular zone, Renshaw is one of the largest sledding areas in the province of B.C. A staging area with generous room for parking can be reached by heading east from town, crossing the Fraser River, then turning left on Mountain View Road and driving for approximately 21 kilometres.
The snowmobiling trail is well-groomed and goes on for 30 kilometres. Stick to the territory around the cabin for moderate-level riding, or seek more advanced technical routes farther along. Explore and you will discover a wealth of “secret” riding areas.
Due to the size of the Renshaw area, it’s easy to get lost. Be sure to bring along all your safety gear, back-up supplies and a GPS in case of an emergency.
Bell Mountain
Located just 13 kilometres west of town, Bell Mountain is a classic family riding zone. Signs on the highway will lead you to the staging area, and you can find parking at Kilometre 5 (shared with the Yellowhead Ski Club). Please be respectful of the shared space and the ski club’s trail.
From the staging area, take the 12-kilometre groomed trail into alpine wilderness. There is a cabin on the trail, with meadows on all sides and areas for more advanced riders in the vicinity.
Lucille Mountain
The staging area for Lucille Mountain can be found by taking a short drive up the Lucille Mountain Forest Service Road.
Ride approximately 12 kilometres up a groomed trail to reach a warm-up shelter and access to mountain trails suited to all skill levels. The terrain includes open bowls and treed areas, with starter hills that make it ideal for new snowmobilers to get comfortable with their machines and practice their downhill carving. Follow the clearly marked Granny Trail to a large bowl that is easy to get into (and out of).
A club that cares
The McBride Big Country Snowmobile Association has been in operation since 1990, keeping all the local trails groomed and ready. There are three grooming machines to manage the 57 kilometres of riding territory and three cabins to maintain; there is no shortage of work to be done.
With attractive cedar siding, all the shelters are propane-heated and have barbecues. Two of the cabins have recently been renovated, accommodating an ever-increasing number of snowmobilers and snow bike riders who come here.
