Canadian Snowmobile in Whistler

Having spent more time in Whistler during the spring and summer months, I’m familiar with its many activities outside of carving up the snow-covered slopes. Even when the mountain opens up for its world-famous winter season you can still find plenty to do if you’re not a skiier or snowboarder. From ziplining to snowshoeing, the possibilities for adventure are seemingly endless and this weekend we discovered how much fun a morning snowmobile expedition can be as well.

Canadian Snowmobile is centrally located under the Longhorn, gondola and main rental building for Whistler Blackcomb. After signing up for our session, we met our group outside in the village as morning snowflakes tumbled down.

Our guide, Daniel, arrived promptly and we piled into the tour company’s van parked near the main Whistler bus loop. About 20 minutes later we arrived at the Canadian Snowmobile cabin in the Callaghan Valley, ready to suit up.

The wood-burning stove in the cabin crackled while those who needed gear loaded up with boots, helmets, snow-pants and jackets. Waiting outside was a queue of Yamaha snowmobiles and after a quick lesson, we were on our way.

Members of our tour group either paired up or hopped on their own machines for the ride. The snowmobiles were top of the line with hand-warmers in the handles and very simple instructions to stop and start.

Daniel used hand signals to communicate with our caravan and hopped off to dig out any member who got stuck in the thick powder lining our route.

Reaching exhilarating speeds and surrounded by picturesque scenery, I almost let out an audible “Whee!” while we carved our own paths and danced around corners.

The clouds parted, the sky went from navy blue to azure, and a blanket of fog rolled in and out like a tide through the trees.

Twisting between frozen creek beds and old-growth evergreens on the back of Sproat Mountain, I had a flashback to snowshoeing in the Ancient Forest last winter near Prince George.

Canadian Snowmobile offers a variety of snowmobiling adventures including our 3-hour beginner/family-friendly “Callaghan Cruiser” tour. Our experience was extremely positive and while riding the gas-powered beasts through the hills was fun, I’d love to check out their snowshoe, dogsled or fondue tours in the future.

Disclosure: cmp.ly/2