Smithers is a Swiss-alpine themed town in northwestern B.C. that’s shadowed by the dramatic peaks of Hudson Bay Mountain and surrounded by three mountain ranges. It’s a natural tourist destination. It’s also one of the best places in B.C. to find deep, untracked snow, amazing alpine vistas and terrain that suits a wide range of snowmobilers—from trail riders, families and beginners who are just learning the ropes to seasoned big mountain riders, tree riders and frequent flyers.
Hard copies of the snowmobile trail map can be picked up at the Visitor Centre. Driving directions to the staging areas can be found on the Smithers Snowmobile Association’s website.
The Smithers Snowmobile Association has five maintained sledding zones. Each are equipped with cabins and all five are within a 30-minute drive from town. If this is your first visit to Smithers, you might want to try the following most popular areas:
The Onion snowmobiling area is part of Babine Mountain Provincial Park and sledders can make use of two special permit areas: Four Lakes and Cronin. Rated for beginner to experienced, the Onion includes an easy ride to the first shelter where there are powder meadows to carve and rolling hills to play on. Beyond, there is steeper terrain, trees, gullies and even glaciers to ride.
Families and novice riders will love the Dome. Located 25 kilometres from Smithers, the Dome is a mountain sledding area that offers scenic views and gentle, rolling hills without the intense challenge.
For steep and deep terrain that will test even the most experienced of mountain riders, there’s the Microwave. Big alpine bowls, steep climbs and epic hills and valleys make this a thrilling zone to explore.
Annual memberships and day passes can be purchased at any of the sled shops in town. Day passes are also available 24/7 at the front desk of the Prestige Hudson Bay Lodge.
You can check the Smithers Snowmobile Association’s website for the latest grooming report. The Hudson Bay Mountain ski hill also has snow conditions reports and webcams on its website.
It’s important to check the current avalanche bulletin from Avalanche Canada before you head out. Smithers snowmobiling areas are in the Northwest Inland region forecast. To get the bulletins on your smartphone, you can download Avalanche Canada’s app from the Google Play Store and the iTunes App Store.
Since 1973, members of the Smithers Snowmobile Association (SSA) have been working tirelessly to keep riding areas open and easily accessible for everyone. They maintain five sledding areas, seven cabins and numerous kilometres of trails. See the SnoRiders’ club profile or visit the SSA’s website for more info.
See the Tourism Smithers website for more information about snowmobiling and other winter activities in Smithers.
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.
Trail maps, top snowmobile trails, club contacts and other useful information you can use before planning a snowmobile trip to Smithers, B.C.
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