Getting into snowmobiling can be expensive, but a guided tour offers an affordable and exciting way to dip your toes into the sport. Earlier this year, I had the chance to join Great Canadian Tours’ annual familiarization tour—an experience designed to introduce local business partners to their operations and give us a taste of Revelstoke’s incredible trails. It was quite the introduction to the snowmobiling world that I’ve come to know since starting to work for the Revelstoke Snowmobile Club back in October. (Title photo: J. Schneider)
First Impressions & Getting Started
Photo: J. Schnieder
Our day began at Great Canadian Tours’ new facility, conveniently located at 3210 West Trans-Canada Highway, just a short drive from the Club’s Welcome Centre. Upon arrival, I was greeted by their welcoming staff and outfitted with all the gear I’d need for the adventure: a transceiver, a heavily insulated jacket and pants, a full-face helmet, and a pair of the warmest and cushioned boots I’ve ever worn. It was very obvious that they were well equipped to welcome riders of any level and immediately put me at ease.
The group, consisting of 13 participants from various local businesses, was then introduced to lead guide Steve Scott. He welcomed us into Great Canadian Tours’ spacious new hangar to provide an overview of their operations, including their new seasonal storage offerings for sledders. If you’re curious, check out their website or give them a call at (250) 837-5030 to inquire about sled storage.
Getting Acquainted with the Sleds
Photo: J. Schnieder
After the briefing, we headed outside to a fleet of snowmobiles waiting for us. Guides Matt, Tyson, Tyler, and Remi introduced us to the cushy two-seater Ski-Doo Expedition—a sled designed for smooth trail riding with limited off trail capacity.
Once everyone felt comfortable, we paired up to begin the journey. I was fortunate enough to ride solo on an Expedition, which gave me the freedom to get a feel for the sled at my own pace. With a thumbs-up from the group, Tyler led the way, guiding us onto the West Trail. Great Canadian Tours’ new location offers direct access to this network, making the start of our adventure seamless.
The Ascent to Boulder Cabin
Photo: J. Schnieder
After making a brief stop at the west booth to get to okay from the legendary Ron Laroy, we headed up the west trail. The trail offered a handful of stunning sights of the Columbia River winding through the valley, the Revelstoke Dam, and the town nestled below. For many of us, it was our first time seeing Revelstoke from this perspective in winter, and the snow-covered scenery was magical.
The trail became more entertaining as we ascended Boulder Mountain, crossing over to the Kirkup and winding through snow-laden forests. While the guides made maneuvering their sleds look effortless, I quickly realized that snowmobiling requires a blend of strength and finesse, which I did not posses. Cornering and maintaining control demanded practice, but the challenge only added to my enjoyment of the ride.
After navigating the swooping turns, short hill climbs and stopping to admire the views, we reached the Boulder Cabin. Warm hot chocolate and cookies greeted us as we took off our helmets and shared grins and a round of thumbs up from the group. With a bit of free time before heading back, we were encouraged to explore the flat area around the cabin. A few of us had the chance to ride the more powerful Ski-Doo Summit Adrenaline, a mountain-specific sled built to introduce the novice sledder to more mountain terrain with the help of precision and control. Naturally, I couldn’t resist hopping on one of the ever-popular Summits. The difference was blatantly noticeable, even if my laps around the clearing were less than graceful!
A Memorable Descent
As the January sun began to set, we started our descent down the Veideman Trail. Unknown to many in the group, the trail offered steeper terrain and incredible views of Revelstoke transitioning into its evening glow. Retracing our path along the Westside Trail, we soon found ourselves back at Great Canadian’s headquarters. The three-hour specialized tour whizzed by as quick but was a memorable sledding experience. Tired but happy, the group exchanged thanks and shared highlights from the day.
Photo: J. Schneider
Final Thoughts
For my first time on a snowmobile, this tour was a perfect introduction. It left me curious to learn more about the sport and eager to improve my skills. Big thanks to Great Canadian Tours for organizing the event, Anja for keeping everything running smoothly, Steve for the informative introduction, and the guides—Matt, Tyson, Tyler, and Remi—for their professionalism and good humor throughout the day. Special thanks also to Josh for capturing the moments on camera and to everyone who joined, making this a memorable experience.
My experience demonstrated that although we are known as the epi-centre of mountain sledding, the vast terrain surrounding Revelstoke is suitable for all levels of riding, from the inexperienced to the experimental to the well seasoned rider.
If you’ve ever considered snowmobiling, I can’t recommend Great Canadian Tours enough. Their knowledgeable team and well-planned adventures make it easy to see why snowmobiling is a cherished activity in Revelstoke. Ready to try it yourself? Book your tour today and discover the magic of winter on a sled!
Photo: J. Schneider
