BC trip

[bradm]

Here in MN we always here about the conditions in BC. We are planning a trip out there and are looking for any info about driving, accomodations, services and where to actually go. Most of our group have done much mountain riding in places such as Buffalo Pass CO, Cooke, Yellowstone, Big Horns, Snowys, Alpine etc. It looks like it would be a 24hr venture from where we live. Would it really be worth the drive? We would probably be looking for good accommodations with services close because of the distance we will be driving and knowing what to expect. Mostly RMKs and Summits will be coming.

 

[MCIVER]

where in bc do you plan on going?

 

[Shaun Lees]

Too many areas to tell ya

Revelstoke, Hunters Range (Enderby), back side of Big White (the ski hill), mcbride area, valemount, uhhhh im missing 90 percent of them.........where are you planning on heading.....

 

[Shaun Lees]

rmks and summits

All mountain machines?

 

[BankBuster]

I would think that riding Revy is similar to Cooke,,, Some buds prefer Cooke as you can sled around the town, and from the hotels, etc (or could last time I was there). You get out in Daizy, Lulu, Round Lake with good snow and it's just as fun as Revy IMO,,, If Cooke is much closer, I don't know if it would be worth driving all that much longer unless the Cooke's conditions were poor,,, But if you want something different, or want a road trip,,, Sicamous, Revy, etc, are also fun,,, Revy has a bigger town, which is nice when looking to options for dinner and/or drinks, but I prefer the riding in Sicamouse. Is it worth a 24 Hour drive, if you have something you like closer, that's a tough one,,,

 

[S2S_sledder]

Yes it is worth the drive. I'm originally from Manitoba (just north of you guys), and now live on the coast in BC. I moved here specifically for the backcountry.

I have ridden a number of popular spots in the western U.S. and while West Yellowstone, Cooke and the like are great areas, the terrain in BC is just ridiculously expansive and the snowfalls also seem to be bigger and more frequent, especially the farther west you go towards the coast.

Given the distance you guys are driving you will probably be most interested in the areas in the Southern half of the province such as Golden, Revy, Shuswap. Revy is always a safe bet, and has all the services you'd expect.

Defintiely worth the trip

 

[bradm]

Having never been to canadian rockies we have no idea where to ride or stay. Always here about revelstoke and the Glacier House but really don't know anything else about the area, such as how big the are is how far to other riding spots, if there is ride out lodgin or if it is best to trailer daily. Since our drive is so long we would like to have a safe bet on snow conditions in an area where there is full service. And yes all the machines will be mountain machines.

 

[steel town]

Try Golden/ Revelstoke and Sushwap area(sicamous)
There is so much snow out here now it is sick.
In Golden contact Golden Snowmoblie Rental(GSR) They can hook you up with a guide who will get you "The Goods", we stay at "the Golden Rim Inn" there, not a bad place, they have a nice little pub/pool and the rib's and chicken special rules.
While in Golden you should ride Quartz creek one day, and Gorman the next. They are easy to find and close to town, you also do not have a 40 km ride into the bowls
In Revy, check out "the Peaks" lodge, go ride at Boulder mountian and Frisby ridge.
As for the sushwap, try sicamous area's like blue lake and Owl's head.

Let us know how we can help you make you sledding dream become reality, come to Canada, it rules

 

[papafinger1]

I would think that riding Revy is similar to Cooke,,, Some buds prefer Cooke as you can sled around the town, and from the hotels, etc (or could last time I was there). You get out in Daizy, Lulu, Round Lake with good snow and it's just as fun as Revy IMO,,, If Cooke is much closer, I don't know if it would be worth driving all that much longer unless the Cooke's conditions were poor,,, But if you want something different, or want a road trip,,, Sicamous, Revy, etc, are also fun,,, Revy has a bigger town, which is nice when looking to options for dinner and/or drinks, but I prefer the riding in Sicamouse. Is it worth a 24 Hour drive, if you have something you like closer, that's a tough one,,,

No offense to cooke but revy is nothing like it. I am from Mn and have been to cooke 4 times and revy 4times. There is no comparison. The local sledders are great, the terrain is endless. If you hit snow it will unquestionably be the best riding you have ever had. If you don't get snow while you are there it could still be the best you have ever had. Keep your ear to the ground. There always seems to be local riders or people that know the area that are willing to show you around. Many are sw members. If not check around on snow and mud. If you have any concerns hire a guide. Well worth the money. Conditions there change in a hurry and u cld definately get lost or stranded.
I would suggest staying at the Peaks lodge. Can ride right from the complex, gated parking lot, and the food and new owners are great.
Depending from what part of mn you will be departing, plan on it taking closer to 26-28 hrs. Last year it took 31 out. All that means is the snow will be good.

If you have any ? feel free to pm me.
Wes

 

[bradm]

we are from Hector, MN. What do think would be the best route?

 

[papafinger1]

we are from Hector, MN. What do think would be the best route?

i am from eden valley. Our fastest route was runnin up to winnepeg and taking 1 all the way accross canada. 4 lane most of the way.
Last year I met some buddies in aberdeen so took 12 out. That wld probably be your fastest route. Lots of 2 lane traffic so may want to spend most of your driving at nite. that is what we did. 12 to 59 to jordan, 200/87 to great falls, 15 n to canada. 4 into canada to 2. No matter what route you take, there is a bybass around calgary that saves you 45 min. 22x i believe.

 

[papafinger1]

expect at least an hr delay at the border. That is if you don't get checked. Maybe less but at least you won't be disappointed. Do not, repeat, let me emphasize, DO NOT stay at the Glacier House. I can pm u further details on why not too if needed.

 

[aninchlow]

Coming to my home (revy)

Hey guys,

glad to hear you are thinking of Revelstoke. So far the season has started well.

If you are coming here I would try to stay away from glacier house. The best bet to save money and have a better experience is to try and book a bed and breakfast. The swiss motel and the Court House B&B as well as the revelstoke lodge are pretty economical.

The food is great at the `Great White North` and the Regent. Zalas is disgusting (sneeze bars are not cool and the meat is always gross). The Village idiot is a great place for beer and burgers and the Nomad serves pretty decent ``faster food``.

Go to the big eddy gas station as they sell marked premium sled gas which will save you a bunch and is only a few minutes from the trail head. Shell is easy and on the highway but their premium gas has all the highway taxes on it.

The glacier house brochures omit one detail and that is the 500kV power lines that basically run right over it. If you plan on riding Boulder and Frisbee Ridge only then the location has a lot going for it..... yeah - puke.

pm me if you need a bit more info.

 

[papafinger1]

thanks for the info aninchlow.

Yeah there are some great places in town and like I said the locals, with exception to the tree huggin skiers are fantastic.
If you want to ride in and out though the peaks is your best bet.

other advice. Go to the bank and get us funds converted to canadian. No establishment will give you the correct conversion, if any, and you will more than likely be charged a % every time you use a c.c. Watch the conversions closely before you leave so you have an idea of where they should be.

 

[bradm]

thanks

thanks for all the info. Keep it coming. Any links to trail maps and current condition would be cool. Another question is what elevation should we tune for?

 

[gypsy_rider]

Links for Revy Riding

http://www.sledrevelstoke.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=3

This is a link to the Sled Revelstoke page, you can choose which area maps you want to view. You probably want to tune your sleds anywhere from 3000ft to 8000ft depending on which area you want to sled. Boulder is a pretty popular ride for most people, and if you stay at Peaks then you can sled right from there parking lot, good food, and good service. They also sell fuel there. If you have any questions you can PM me

 

[ArticDoo]

thanks for all the info. Keep it coming. Any links to trail maps and current condition would be cool. Another question is what elevation should we tune for?

I live close to Sicamous, and ride there lots. It's a hour west of Revy. Lots of places to stay, lot's of snow with endless riding areas. Eagle Valley Snowmobile Club. You should have a guide to show you around. We have about a 4 to 6ft. base with fresh snow almost every day. pm me if you are interested and I'll find someone to show you around and suggest places to stay.

 

[bradm]

routes and border crossing

I think we has nailed down a date. Leaving Hector MN feb18 and hopefully arriving in revelstoke on the 19. So far it looks like the Peaks for lodging. Just wondering what would be the best route from So MN and what we need to know about the border crossing.

 

[Grizzly Lodge]

Thought you might be intrested

Hey just came accross your thred today, looks like you have your trip planned out for Revy but thought you might be intrested in checking out our backcountry snomobile lodge located in the North Shuswap. http://grizzlylodge.ca