Fly Hills Area ~ Salmon Arm

Just 10 minutes west of downtown Salmon Arm lies the Fly Hills Snowmobile and recreation area.  This large region encompasses approx. 50 square kilometers of some of the finest family orientated riding in BC.  The majority of riding takes place at the 4500 ft elevation which ensures good snow conditions from mid November to March.  The snowmobile trails offer an excellent variety of riding without the intimidation factor association with the high alpine.  Trails are well mapped and ample signage will guide all calibers of sledders safely around the mountain and back to the parking lot at the end of the day. 
 

Snowmobiling in this area has been managed by the Salmon Arm Snow Blazers snowmobile club since the early '70s and they always welcome new members.  The club recently built a large, comfortable chalet and grooms the main trails frequently.  If you enjoy snowmobiling in wide open spaces with safe trails, great views and a family friendly atmosphere then look no further than the Fly Hills in Salmon Arm.

 

Trails:

Starting from the easy to access parking lot, riders are greeted with a wide, well groomed, 14 kilometer trail to a large plateau that makes up the Fly Hills.  This main access road alone gives the snowmobile rider fantastic views of the District of Salmon Arm, Shuswap Lake and the  surrounding countryside.  From Old Cabin Junction use the trail information sign to plan your route.  You can either turn right to access the Main Chalet, Granite Peak or Skimikin Lake or left to access areas such as Moose Meadows, Soccer Ball, or the cut-Block.  The main trails are Wallensteen and China Valley which are groomed regularly by Snow Blazer volunteers. From these, several secondary, ungroomed trails interconnect or loop back making the total combined length of all trails exceed several hundred kilometers.  Many interesting spots include the Cut-Block where you can hill climb or spend time eating lunch while enjoying the panoramic view of the Shuswap Lake.  Moose Meadows is a popular spot with the locals as well as the Soccer Ball, the microwave transmitting station that resembles the shape of a soccer ball.  Overall, the snowmobiler can expect a wide variety of trail conditions and scenery in the Fly Hills. Beautiful, panoramic views abound and one day spent here will definitely leave you wanting more.

 

Getting there:

From Hwy # 1, 5km west of downtown Salmon Arm, turn south onto the Salmon River Road. Drive 1.2 km and turn right onto Christison Road (13th Avenue SW).  Proceed up the hill for 1.2 km and turn left on 5th Avenue SW.  Continue left as 5th Ave. turns into 60th St. and then 15th Ave.  Upon reaching the Forest Service Road it is only 2 km to the Main Staging Area.

 

Please note:

The Salmon Arm Snow Blazers chare users of the facilities a reasonable trail fee.  Trail fees can be purchased from an attendant in the parking lot.

 

Fly Hills Snowmobile Trails are managed by:

Salmon Arm Snow Blazers

snowblazers@hotmail.com

In cooperation with the Ministry of Forests              BC Snowmobile Federation Link