Cross-Country skiing /Snowshoeing and Snowmobile Trails

Winter is a great season in the Okanagan and cross-country skiing enthusiasts will enjoy the serenity of our wilderness.  In addition to the trails available at the major ski resorts, Kelowna has several active cross-country ski clubs that maintain approximately 85 kms (50 mi) of groomed, easily accessible trails.  Want to learn how to snowshoe?  It's easy to learn, and an enjoyable way to spot winter wildlife amid our spectacular winter scenery.  Guided tours that include everything from an ice fishing excursion to a moonlight chocolate fondue are available.

1. Cross-Country skiing / Snowshoeing Trails
2. Snowmobile Trails

Cross-Country skiing /Snowshoeing Trails

Nordic Cross Country Ski Trails / McCulloch Lake
50kms of trails

During the summer and fall these trails are great for hiking, walking, or cycling.

Take Hwy 33 from Kelowna about 6.3kms past the Big White turn-off, go right and follow the signs along McCoullough Road about 4.5 kms to trailheads.

Snowshoeing Trails / Crystal Mountain
12 kms of trails

Explore the pristine beauty of the winter woods by Canada's traditional method of transportation. Crystal Mountain offers 12 kms of snowshoe trails for your recreational pleasure.  Plus, guided tours are available from Selah Outdoor Explorations.

Nordic Cross Country Ski Trails / Big White
25 kms of an assortment of trails

Take highway 33 East and follow the signs to Big White Resort.  Call 1-800-663-2772 for information.

Nordic Cross Country Ski Trails / Postill Lake
40 kms of trails

These trails are excellent for hiking and wildlife viewing in the spring and summer.  The turn off to Postill lake is located just north of the airport on highway 97.  Take Postill Lake Road east 19 kms to access the trails.  There is also a lodge at Postill Lake called Postill Lake Lodge 1-877-623-6982 or www.postilllake.com

Sovereign Lake Provincial Park on Silver Star Mountain
40 kms of trails

There are a variety of summer and winter activities available at Silver Star Mountain Resort. These trails are well marked and offer both classic and skate style skiing.  To access the park, take Hwy 97 to Vernon and follow the signs to Silver Star Mountain.  The cross country ski trails are located at Sovereign Lake Provincial Park before the entrance to the Resort.

Snowmobile Trails

Idabel Lake

Getting tired of the same deep powder and high altitudes? Then head to Idabel Lake. From there, travel the famous Kettle Valley Railway to Little White for some hill climbing, then head off to Beaverdell for lunch.

The Idabel & McCulloch lakes area is a perfect place for families who love to snowmobile. There’s plowed road to the parking lots and picnic area. A small groomer kept at Idabel Lake takes care of a network of trails around eight lakes.

Between Idabel and McCulloch, the trails are great for kids. Also, from there, many other areas can be explored—Idabel, McCulloch, Brown, Canyon and Greyback Lakes, as well as atop the 7200-foot Little White Mountain. Mostly clear-cut logged areas, unplowed logging roads and of course the Kettle Valley Railway from Myra Canyon to Beaverdell (over 55km).

Access: From Kelowna, east on Highway 33 past Big White, turn off to McCulloch Road, turn right and watch for signs to either Idabel or McCulloch Lake.

Headwaters Area

This area provides exploring as far west as Nicola Lake on mainly clear-cut, logging roads and power-line running. Enjoy many lakes and meadows as well as a scenic view atop Pennask Mountain and a good view of the Coquihalla Highway.

West across the Lake Okanagan floating bridge, right on Westside Road, and left up Bear Creek main, takes you to hundreds of unplowed logging roads. Off Espron Main, the local club has access to, and helps maintain, a shelter at Espron Lake. During the week this area is extremely active with logging. A good way to access it is to follow a logging truck in, and remember it is unlawful to drive a snowmobile on plowed logging roads. Find a wide area by an unplowed road to unload.

Other Areas

Explore the backcountry on a power-driven sled.  The Greystoke Mountain region, and McCulloch Lake areas offer more than 300 kms (186 mi) of groomed track.  There are also six backcountry shelters that are maintained for those interested in overnight tours.

Snowmobilers are welcome at Beaver Lake Lodge. There is some grooming and marked trails. Trail work ongoing... Both lakes are shared with Cross-Country skiing. Also a great family area.

From Winfield take the Beaver Lake Road, approx. 15km. A short drive past Beaver Lake you'll find the Dee Lake chain with a lot more trails. But remember, in this area it's a share trail system, so stay to the right.