There are more truly beautiful snowmobile areas in Golden, B.C., than anyone will be able to ride in a single visit. Deep-powder alpine, trees and hill riding means lots of challenge, but even beginners will find plenty of beautiful places to ride.
For information on snowmobile trails in Golden and how to find staging areas, check out Tourism Golden’s extensive Snowmobile Trail Guide. For a more general map of sledding trails in the area, download the Snoriders trail map for Golden.
The Hope snowmobile community is plenty proud of the Quartz Creek area. It’s a great option for visitors with an easy groomed ride to the cabin and plenty of dry powder and hills beyond that for riders who want more challenge. Do be sure to check the trailhead map and avoid National Park or heli-skiing areas. Still, the area is large enough for everyone, boasting three main bowls and several smaller ones.
(Read our full description of this area.)
If you’re an expert rider with a penchant for steep climbs and descents, Gorman Lake might be just right. Access to the mountainous area is kept groomed and a number of other areas are accessible from Gorman Lake. Avalanches are a serious concern in the area, however, so please be aware of the avalanche hazard before taking off for the day and only visit if you have sufficient safety gear, and the ability to use it.
A beautiful area with something for all abilities, Silent Pass is a great destination. Access is via an active logging road, so caution must be observed. The trail to access the alpine is through trees and can be challenging when snow levels are low. Silent Pass is well worth the effort, however, with wide-open bowls offering lots of play area.
Billed as Canada’s most spectacular snowmobiling destination, Chatter Creek has its own website. It is a stunning and vast sledding area that offers a great spring option. The area also serves cat skiers from December through April and is a shared-use area—visit the lodge for details if visiting during this time frame. Accommodation at the lodge opens to sledders for spring riding.
(Read our full description of this area.)
About two hours outside of Golden, Hope Creek is a little out of the way. Still, the trip is well worthwhile for a quieter ride and, often, plenty of snow. Experienced riders who like playing on hills and in trees should consider visiting. Hope Creek is not a maintained area so, as always, ride safely.
(Read our full description of this area.)
Golden does provide a number of other unmaintained snowmobiling options. See the Sled Golden website for more info.
Mountain Motorsports—stop by in the morning to network with local sledders.
Canyon’s Edge Steakhouse and Grill
The laws governing snowmobile use differ by province and can be confusing. Here, we make it easier to understand what local and out of province snowmobilers will need in terms of insurance, registration and licensing to ride B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Trial maps, top snowmobile trails, club contacts and other useful information you can use before planning a snowmobile trip to Golden, B.C.
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