Nordic Skiing

McBride boasts four sanctioned snowmobiling areas, including the largest managed snowmobiling area in BC! The Renshaw is scheduled to reopen for 2026/27.

McBride boasts FOUR amazing snowmobiling areas, including the largest managed riding area in BC, ensuring riders experience some of the best alpine and trail-riding snowmobiling in the country.

In cooperation with Rec, Sites and Trails BC, the McBride Big Country Snowmobile Association manages McBride’s sanctioned snowmobiling areas including ensuring trail access grooming, coordinating trail pass sales and maintaining the warming cabins at each riding area.

Belle Mountain – McBride’s family friendly zone with terrain for all level of riders from novice to expert. 8km west of McBride on Highway 16. Take Belle Mountain FSR to the parking lot at 5km. Sled from here – 13km of groomed trail to the cabin.

Lucille Mountain – Alpine meadows and starter hills for beginners, right up to large alpine bowls and steep hill climbs.  3km south of McBride. Take Main St through town and turn left at the train station/visitor centre onto 1st Avenue. Follow 1st Ave under the tracks onto Sansom Rd and continue to Lucille Mountain FSR where you turn left to access the parking lot. 13km of groomed trail to the alpine cabin.

NEW – Tommy Creek – The newest addition to McBride’s sanctioned snowmobile areas, Tommy Creek is next door to the Renshaw and almost as big! This area is for intermediate and advanced/expert riders. Terrain varies from valley meadows, creeks, to steep alpine climbs and has some of the best tree riding in the McBride area. Accessed 10km east of McBride via the Holmes Forest Service Road. New warming hut in place for 2025/26. See more info at Sled McBride.

Renshaw – Due to reopen for 2026/27. BC’s largest managed snowmobile area with a variety of terrain, from meadows to creeks, low angle to super steep alpine. Temporarily closed due to bridge out.

• Avalanche Forecasts 
• Riding Areas
• Grooming Report
• Trail Passes
• Snowmobile Repair and Avalanche Safety Gear Rental
• Snowmobile Association

Everyone in your group needs to carry avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe), and know how to use it. An Avalanche Skills Training (AST) course is your place to start and is a must for everyone recreating in the backcountry.

Guests ski or snowboard untracked powder with a professional guide leading the way and a helicopter to whisk them to the top to do it all over again.

Located 35 miles from McBride, Crescent Spur Helicopter Holidays has been operating Canada’s most intimate heli-ski experience since 1992.

Guests access over 3,800 square kilometres of exclusive terrain in the Northern Rocky and Cariboo Mountains — deep powder bowls, open glaciers, and gladed tree runs. Guests ski in two groups of 10, each with 2 dedicated certified guides, out of a single Bell 205. With a maximum of 20 guests per week, there are no lift lines, no crowds, and no sharing the mountain. All guides are certified members of recognized Canadian guiding and avalanche associations.

The ranch-style lodge, accented by hand-hewn fir logs and natural local wood, offers a warm, down-to-earth atmosphere with exceptional meals, comfortable accommodations, a hot tub, sauna, and massage therapist on staff. Heli-skiing runs late December through mid-April.

All trips are booked in advance. Please contact us by phone or through our website to plan your visit.

Phone: 1-800-715-5532 | Website: crescentspur.com

Cat skiing now rivals heli-skiing in terms of both the quality and the quantity of skiing it provides to guests. These guided adventures take skiers and snowboarders into remote backcountry terrain where endless powder awaits. Book an adventure today.

Cariboo Snowcat Skiing is a powder skiing and snowboarding operation located at Mica Mountain in the Cariboos, near Tete Jaune Cache, only 40 minutes from McBride.

The Cariboo Mountains are world-renowned for incredible snow conditions. These guided tours can be catered to all skill levels. Guests will be treated to spectacular panoramic views of the Cariboos and the Canadian Rockies, including Mount Robson.

• Phone: (+1) 800-766-9228
• Website: Cariboo Cat Skiing

What better way to forget all the woes of these uncertain times than dogsledding with your own team of Huskies! Only 1hr drive from Jasper, AB you will find yourselves surrounded in our majestic winter landscape. MUSH upon Canada’s oldest form of winter transport. Our friendly and enthusiastic sled dogs will take you into the heart of the Canadian Rockies. You will marvel at the beauty of snow-capped timbers, frozen waterfalls, icy waters and endless panoramic views.

• Phone: (+1) 877-295-8505
• Email: info@dogsleddinginjasper.com
• Website: Dog Sledding in Jasper
• Address: Located near Tete Jaune, only 40 minutes east of McBride

Backcountry skiers and snowboarders will find plenty of untouched powder terrain in local mountains. While most areas are accessed with a snowmobile, which may necessitate trail fees if at Belle, Lucille or the Renshaw –  see the Sled McBride website for more information, others areas can be accessed directly from your vehicle, particularly west of McBride at Driscoll Ridge, Viking Ridge and at the Sugarbowl.

Are you looking for a local, guided back country ski experience? Check out sled-access ski trips offered by: Robson Backcountry Adventures! You can rent ski gear from these folks too.

Overnight ski trips are possible in the Dore River area, as there are a number of backcountry cabins available to book at ozalenkaalpineclub.ca/bookings.

Ski touring, by nature, leads recreationists into avalanche terrain. Everyone in your group needs to carry avalanche safety equipment (transceiver, shovel and probe), and know how to use this gear. An Avalanche Skills Training (AST) course is your place to start and is a must for everyone recreating in the backcountry. Consider an Avalanche Skills course from a trained professional. AST 1 and AST2 certification courses are offered by local guides at Robson Backcountry Adventures.

Before heading out into the mountains, check the local Avalanche Forecast from Avalanche Canada.

Unlimited opportunities for snowshoe enthusiasts exist in the Valley, particularly when the snow reaches the Valley bottom. Easy trips to features such as waterfalls and valley viewpoints, or more ambitious treks to backcountry cabins for an overnight stay are possible. Enthusiasts can check the Hiking, Nordic Skiing, and Horseback Riding sections of the website for trail suggestions and cabin rentals. Belle Mountain offers an extensive trail network for snowshoeing (see trail map) but remember to stay off to the side on groomed cross-country ski trails.

It is important to avoid avalanche terrain while snowshoeing unless you carry the necessary avalanche safety equipment, have received training, and travel with other, experienced trekkers. Avalanche Canada forecasts for our region can be found at avalanche.ca. For your own safety, avoid areas designated for snowmobiles.