Surrounded by the vast, interconnected snowmobile trail system in Saskatchewan sits a separate group of trails offering a diverse range of places to ride. These 130 kilometres of trails start just north of Saskatoon—and south of the community of Warman—and run north-northeast as far as Duck Lake. But an expansion to the trails is in the works, and if all goes as planned, this popular sledding destination will be linked to the existing trail system by next year.
Cley Sametts, president of the Saskatoon Snowmobile Club, said liability issues are being worked out and two options are being considered.
“We could continue north and pick up the existing trails, or go east—which is my personal preference—to Humboldt,” said Sametts. “We are really pushing to get connected because it’s difficult for our volunteers who aren’t from this area. The current setup has riders going off-trail for 80 kilometres to hook up with another system.”
Choose your type of terrain
Sledding in the Saskatoon area really has something for every level of rider. The terrain offers everything from a smooth, well-groomed beginner’s trail to treed areas, swampland, wide open spaces, farmland, lakes and river crossings.
For the more experienced rider, Sametts recommended heading to the Nisbet Provincial Forest.
“This is incredible off-trail riding,” he said. “The trails in the forest aren’t groomed because they are too small for our equipment. It’s the closest to mountain riding that can be found in Saskatchewan. We have a hand-drawn map that helps people somewhat navigate their way around.”
Sledders can venture north through the Nisbet Provincial Forest and then access trails in the Prince Albert area.
All the amenities
The Saskatoon Snowmobile Club’s clubhouse is an old schoolhouse situated between Saskatoon and the town of Warman. The North 40 Shelter is another warm-up cabin snowmobilers can stop at while out on the trail; it can be found at the end of the first leg of the trail. Fuel is available at Martensville, Warman, Osler, Hague, Rosthern and Duck Lake.
Opening up the opportunities
Sametts has been sledding for 30 years and owns a cabin in the Humboldt area.
“This is partly why I hope we can expand east and link up with the existing trails,” he said. “Connecting with the rest of the trails in the province would offer so much more to riders from Saskatoon and those who travel here.”
To keep up to date with club happenings, visit the Saskatoon Snowmobile Club’s website and Facebook page.
