There are a few special places in the world that could justifiably be called “Sled Town” and Sicamous is one of them. It is the gateway to some of the most diverse and accessible riding zones in the province. Among these legendary areas, Owlhead stands out as a favourite for us.
At Carl Kuster Mountain Park (CKMP), we love Owlhead for one simple reason: it delivers high-alpine thrills without a long haul to get there. Located just a 1 minute drive from the CKMP Lodge, this zone offers a perfect mix of convenience, stunning scenery, and challenging terrain that caters to riders looking to push their limits in the deep stuff.
Owlhead is situated in the Monashee Mountains, directly south of Sicamous. Its main staging area is incredibly accessible, located just a short drive off the highway. What makes Owlhead special is the efficiency of access. A well-maintained, groomed trail shoots you straight up from the valley floor into the alpine in a relatively short time. This means less time commuting on the trail and more time on the throttle in the zones that matter.
Once you reach the sub-alpine, you are greeted by the Owlhead chalet, a warm-up shelter that serves as a central hub for the area. From there, the mountain opens up into a massive playground of ridges, bowls, and meadows.
Owlhead is renowned for its variety. It offers a little bit of everything, making it an excellent destination for mixed groups or riders looking to test different skills in a single day.
The terrain sits at a high elevation, typically ranging between 1,500 to over 2,100 meters (5,000 to 7,000 feet). This height is crucial; it means Owlhead often sits above the cloud layer that can sock in the valley below. Riding here often means breaking through the fog into brilliant bluebird skies and sunshine.
The views from the top are arguably some of the best in the Shuswap region. On a clear day, you are treated to a 360-degree panorama that includes the sparkling waters of Mara Lake and Shuswap Lake far below, framed by endless peaks.
Because of its easy access via groomed trail, Owlhead can be deceptive. While the trail up is beginner-friendly, the backcountry terrain requires respect.
This area is best suited for intermediate to advanced riders. Once you leave the trail, you are in true mountain terrain. You need to be comfortable sidehilling, managing deep snow, and navigating complex topography.
The season at Owlhead typically mirrors the prime Sicamous window, running from December through mid-April.
If you are looking for a zone that maximizes your riding time, Owlhead is hard to beat. Its proximity to the base means you aren’t spending half your morning in a truck or on a trail. You get high fast, ride hard, and are back in town in time for a good dinner.
At CKMP, we use zones like Owlhead to teach riders how to read diverse terrain. It’s a place where you can progress from open meadows to technical trees in the span of a few minutes. Whether you are chasing powder in the trees or soaking up the sun on a ridge overlooking the lake, Owlhead delivers the quintessential BC mountain experience.
