Booking a guided snowmobile tour is one of the best ways to experience the backcountry. It takes the guesswork out of planning and puts you in the hands of experts. But not all backcountry snowmobile tours are created equal. Check out what’s included and how to choose the right tour for you and your group.
At Carl Kuster Mountain Park, our focus is making your entire experience with us amazing. From the moment you book your trip to the moment you return home. Here’s what you can expect from our snowmobile tours to help you choose the perfect tour for your skill level.
What’s in Our Snowmobile Tours?
Our packages are designed to provide a comprehensive, unforgettable backcountry adventure in famous BC mountains.
What’s Included in a CKMP Package:
- Professional Guides: The heart of our operation. You’ll be led by highly experienced and certified guides who live and breathe this terrain. They are experts in backcountry safety, riding technique, and finding the best snow.
- High-Performance Snowmobiles: Each season you will find a brand new fleet of Skidoo Summit snowmobiles, no old iron here. You will ride the latest high-performance mountain sleds, expertly maintained for optimal performance in deep powder and challenging terrain. Check out our videos on sled comparison and how we maintain them.
- Essential Safety Gear: Safety is our top priority. We provide every rider with essential safety equipment, including a Mamutt transceivers, Highmark Airpack with shovel and probe.
- Gourmet Meals: Your energy is crucial for long days in the mountains. We provide delicious, hearty meals to keep you fuelled, including breakfast, lunch on the mountain, and dinner back at the lodge.
- Lodge Accommodation: After a thrilling day of riding, you’ll return to the comfort of our mountain lodge. It’s the perfect place to relax, share stories, and prepare for the next day’s adventure.
What’s Not Included:
To ensure you can customize your trip, a few items are not part of the standard package price.
- Travel to Our Location: Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from our facility. However, our administration team is always happy to assist—feel free to reach out for guidance or help coordinating a seamless trip in and out of CKMP.
- Riding Gear: If you don’t have the right riding gear we can help you out with high-quality rental riding gear, such as jacket , bib-pants, boots, and helmets. You’ll need to bring your own items like goggles, gloves, and base/mid-layers for clothing or purchase them at the CKMP store.
- Gratuities: Tipping your guides and lodge staff is not included but is greatly appreciated for excellent service.
- Travel Insurance: We strongly recommend purchasing travel and cancellation insurance for your trip.
- Sled Upgrades: Are you looking for a little bit more power? Upgrade to the 850Turbo model for an extra boost of power in high-altitude, deep powder conditions.
How to Choose the Best Snowmobile Tour
With your travel, gear and lodging sorted, the next step is choosing the right tour. The best tour for you depends entirely on your personal preferences, skill level, and what you hope to get out of the experience.
Assess Your Skill Level
Be honest about your riding ability. This is the most important factor in ensuring you have a safe and enjoyable experience. CKMP is able to cater to a wide range of skill levels; however, if this is your first time trying snowmobiling, this may be too challenging and not be the right fit.
- Beginner: These focus on and require basic fundamental skills in less intimidating terrain.
- Intermediate: If you are comfortable on a sled but new to deep powder or mountain riding, you fit the make-up of thousands of riders that have come to CKMP. Our guides excel at helping trail riders transition their skills to the backcountry.
- Advanced: For seasoned backcountry riders, the Monashee Mountains of BC offer the kind of terrain most only dream about—deep, dynamic, and unapologetically challenging. It’s your opportunity to push your limits in complex, technical terrain, all under the direction of CKMP guides.
Consider Your Group’s Dynamics
Are you riding solo, with a partner, or with a large group of friends?
- Private Tours: If you have a specific set of goals or want to ride with just your own group, a private tour offers the most flexibility. The guide can tailor the entire experience to your group’s pace and skill level.
- Small Group Tours: Riding with a small group of other enthusiasts is a great way to meet new people and learn from others. We keep our group sizes small to ensure personalized attention and a better overall experience.
Define Your Desired Experience
What kind of adventure are you looking for?
- Skill Improvement: Do you want to become a better rider? Our guides can teach as much or as little as you like, helping with riding technique, covering skills like sidehilling, climbing, and navigating trees.
- Exploration and Scenery: If your goal is to see amazing landscapes and cover diverse terrain, our guides will take you to the best zones with epic views.
- Pure Powder: Are you just chasing the deepest snow possible? Let your guide know! They are experts at sniffing out the best untracked powder stashes.
Key Decision-Making Points
Once you have a general idea of the tour you want, a few final details will shape your trip.
Peak Season vs. Off-Season
The timing of your trip can significantly impact the experience.
- Peak Season (January-March): This is when you’ll typically find the deepest and most consistent powder, thanks to frequent storms. It’s the prime time for backcountry riding but also the busiest.
- Off-Season (December, April): Early season offers a building snowpack and a quieter experience. Spring riding in April brings longer days, more stable snow, and great opportunities for high-alpine exploration.
Trip Duration: 2 to 5 Nights
How much time do you have?
- 2-3 Nights: A shorter trip is perfect for a weekend getaway or if you’re looking to get a taste of the backcountry experience. It’s enough time to learn some new skills and have a ton of fun.
- 4-5 Nights: An extended stay allows you to fully immerse yourself in the mountain lifestyle. You can explore more diverse terrain, build a stronger rapport with your guide, and see significant improvement in your riding skills.
Choosing the length of your stay is the first step toward the ride of a lifetime. By matching your skills and goals with the right package, you set yourself up for an incredible and rewarding backcountry adventure.
