Inclusive Snowmobile Adventures
Tours for The Whole Family
By Katherine Fawcett | Images courtesy CWA
The Callaghan Valley, located in the heart of the Coast Mountain Range, approximately 25 minutes south of Whistler, is a snowy paradise, with an endless trail network for snowmobiling and other winter sports.
Snowmobiling can sometimes be perceived as a high-adrenaline, extreme sport, but it’s also increasingly popular as an accessible, beginner- and family-friendly adventure. The first time on a snowmobile is both exhilarating and freeing. Once they learn the basics of sled operation, even beginners will find a world of winter wonder waiting to be explored.
Travelling by snowmobile is a relatively comfortable journey in which the rider has complete control. Virtually anyone can learn to start the engine, accelerate, brake, turn, and stop. With skis at the front to glide on, and a grippy belt of track at the back to propel you, it’s perhaps easier than driving a car (driving participants do need to have a full (unrestricted), valid driver’s licence and be 19+ years old) and feels quite smooth on trails that are groomed every night.
Photo Joern Rohde
Canadian Wilderness Adventures’s (CWA) introduction to snowmobiling tour — the Callaghan Cruiser — is designed for people who’ve never ridden a snow machine before, and for families with smaller children. Kristal Taylor, CWA sales and marketing director, said that for many participants, it’s their first time ever on snow.
“[The Callaghan Cruiser is] a slow and playful tour,” said Taylor. Instructed by trained, experienced guides, participants are shown the ropes of basic snowmobile operation, then allowed to meander the broad, curving trails at a gentle pace. They are given many opportunities to stop and enjoy the spectacular scenery and take photos. The tour winds through the pristine Callaghan Valley to the historic Northair gold mine site for a genuine taste of the backcountry.
“We want people to be introduced to the mechanics of the machine and enjoy cruising on the wide-open trails in the valley,” Taylor said.
For many guests, it’s the snowmobile guides who make each trip extra special. “Our guides want to make sure everyone has the best time ever,” said Taylor. “They love what they do. Whistler is their passion. Winter is their passion. And their enthusiasm is contagious.”
Typically, there are just seven machines per guide, so each group is small, and the guides can ensure everyone has a top-shelf experience. Taylor said they sometimes have nervous guests who are initially uncomfortable driving the machine or are hesitant to move quickly. The guides understand this and can adjust, accommodating everyone. “We go at the pace of the slowest rider. And if someone wants to stop, they can get off their machine and jump on the back of the guide’s sled,” Taylor said. For families, one child from five to 12 is free with each paying adult.
For those looking for a bit more of a thrill, the Wilderness Run is a great option. This tour suits adventurous beginner-to-intermediate riders, although no experience is necessary. Guests on this adventure travel into more exciting, backcountry sub-alpine terrain. “There, it’s a bit tighter trails, thick forests, more climbing, and we’re really into the mountain terrain,” Taylor said, “but still with lots of instruction and supervision from the guide.”
The Wilderness Run journeys to Sproatt Mountain, where confident guests can zip around on a frozen lake and climb up to 1,525 metres (5,000 feet) to reach their rustic log cabin.
Advanced riders and adrenaline seekers are encouraged to check out Backcountry X, The Powderhound, and the Bralorne Expedition tours for a longer adventure and more extreme, thrilling, sledding experience.
CWA also offers several combined snowmobiling and dining tours for an unforgettable wilderness, breakfast or dinner experience.
All tours include winter gear, including warm Sorel boots, ski pants, gloves, jackets, goggles, and safety-certified helmets. Return shuttle transportation to the Callaghan Valley from Whistler Village is provided at no charge.
604-938-1616| canadianwilderness.com