Trails abound all over the area surrounding Big River where volunteers have created a 127-kilometre signed and groomed network for local and visiting users. Sledders can also take advantage of unmarked natural trails and powder riding opportunities in the area.
The club maintains two warm-up cabins—one on the west side of Big River near the south end of Chute Lake and the other on the east side at the end of Trail 115E.
The club hosts an annual rally on the second Saturday of February to raise money for running the club’s Bombardier SV250 groomer and maintaining the signage and warm-up huts.
Experience Prince Albert
Prince Albert sledders are blessed with a central location, and the trails that surround the town limits encompass some of Saskatchewan’s finest territory.
It’s a short journey to impressive locales such as Emma Lake, Candle Lake and Christopher Lake, to name a few.
It’s on in La Ronge
Ungroomed trails criss-cross the area up near La Ronge but the lake itself is also a draw for sledders looking for large spaces to open up the throttle. With ice that is three feet thick in some places, riders can take advantage of Lac La Ronge and access other parts of the surrounding country for bush and powder riding.
“It’s just a way of life up here—a lot of trappers and fishermen use them and people go back and forth to work with them,” said Peter Clark, a member of the La Ronge Snowmobile Club.
Club members are more than willing to take people out onto the lake; Clark said visitors should have a local rider with knowledge of the ice conditions tag along with them to avoid any dangerous spots.
There are no warm-up huts in the area right now—the club is trying to get one built this year—so be sure to dress for the weather, Clark said.
The club sponsors the Stanley Mission poker derby every year on the last Saturday in January. A $20,000 purse for first place is up for grabs.
Shell Lake splendour
One of Saskatchewan’s most picturesque communities, Shell Lake is also a snowmobiler’s dream. The local Thickwood Trails Snowmobile Club helps ensure that everyone enjoys the trails safely.
