Fat biking is taking the Vernon area by storm, bringing a new way to explore the outdoors through winter and beyond. With more trails than ever before and dedicated grooming efforts, fat biking in Vernon is becoming a popular activity for riders of all levels. This winter adventure lets riders explore snow-draped landscapes in a new way, embracing the best of each season. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of fat biking in Vernon.
Groomed Trails for Winter Adventures
The North Okanagan Cycling Society (NOCS) has been working hard to extend the biking season, ensuring enthusiasts can hit the trails well into winter. Through community support and new equipment, like the two-wheel-drive Rokon ORV, NOCS maintains groomed trails at Ellison Provincial Park and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park. This investment makes winter biking accessible and enjoyable, providing packed and maintained paths across the season.
With more grooming equipment, including SilverStar Mountain Resort’s Snowdog groomer, trail conditions are reliably good, allowing riders to move smoothly through snow-covered trails. For up-to-date information on trail conditions, Trailforks offers real-time user-generated updates on grooming and trail accessibility, giving riders a clear idea of what to expect before heading out.
Ellison Provincial Park and Predator Ridge Trails
Ellison Provincial Park provides a variety of trails, from cross-country paths to more challenging rocky sections. The park is known for its mix of natural landscapes, with options for riders at every level. The Predator Ridge area connects seamlessly to Ellison, with trails offering technical features and scenic routes. Predator Ridge has developed new trails, adding diversity and more terrain for locals and visitors alike to explore.
Ellison’s winter trails are carefully maintained, providing riders with a smooth surface ideal for fat biking. Predator Ridge’s addition of trails complements Ellison’s offerings, creating a connected network for an adventurous winter riding day. The trails in both areas offer versatility, whether riders seek scenic lake views or the challenge of technical rock paths.
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park: Trail Variety for All Levels
Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park, also known as Kal Park, is the largest area for fat biking in Vernon, featuring an impressive network of trails managed by NOCS. Kal Park’s terrain includes loops and lookout points, providing expansive views and fun, flowing paths. Kal Park’s trails accommodate all types of riders, making it ideal for beginners and advanced riders. This trail network and routine grooming make Kal Park a winter biking destination that combines smooth flow with excellent views.
SilverStar and Sovereign Lake Trail Networks
While SilverStar Mountain Resort is well known for its winter sports, the resort has also embraced fat biking. With dedicated trails for fat biking, SilverStar offers groomed paths that make riding through the snow a thrilling and accessible experience. SilverStar’s Snowdog groomer keeps the trails packed, ensuring smooth rides through their winter trail system. For visitors without their own equipment, SilverStar offers fat bike rentals, making it easy for newcomers to experience winter biking.
The Sovereign Lake trail network operates separately from SilverStar but offers another layer of exploration for fat bikers. Accessed via the Sovereign Lake Road, this network provides a mix of trails with parking areas available for convenient access. Sovereign’s trails range from easy loops to more challenging paths, allowing riders to choose routes that suit their skill level and interest.
Becker Bike Park: For Beginners
In the centre of Vernon, Becker Bike Park offers a mini-trail network, ideal for beginners and those seeking convenience. The park features two pump tracks and a short flow trail, providing a controlled setting where riders can practice their skills. For families and new riders, Becker Bike Park is a convenient spot to enjoy a few laps and build confidence before heading to the more extensive trails at Ellison or Kalamalka.
Becker Bike Park is also a great way to introduce young riders to fat biking, thanks to its accessible location and beginner-friendly layout. The park offers enough terrain to make it fun for both children and adults, with fast, fun laps that allow riders to improve their control and build their stamina.
Rentals and Gear: Getting Ready to Ride
For riders without their own fat bikes, Vernon offers convenient rental options. Sun Country Cycle provides rental services with well-maintained equipment for those interested in trying fat biking without the commitment of purchasing a bike. SilverStar Mountain Resort also offers rentals, which is ideal for those looking to explore the groomed winter trails at the resort. The team at both locations can help riders choose bikes suited to winter trails, providing tips on handling and riding through snow and varied terrains.
Planning Your Fat Biking Adventure
Planning is key to making the most of a day of fat biking in Vernon. Dress appropriately for winter by layering and bringing essentials like gloves and extra socks. And remember to check Trailforks for recent updates on trail conditions and grooming reports, especially after snowfalls or changes in temperature.
Many trails offer scenic rest spots, and having a few snacks and water on hand can make the ride more comfortable. Safety is another important consideration, especially on colder days, so let someone know your planned route and expected return time if riding alone.
Expanding the Riding Season in Vernon
Fat biking in Vernon has turned winter into a season-long invitation for outdoor adventure, letting riders enjoy the thrill of biking year-round. Thanks to the dedicated trail grooming by the North Okanagan Cycling Society (NOCS), winter biking trails are in top condition, with each area showcasing its unique mix of terrain and scenery. The landscapes shift from dense forests to open snow-covered expanses, each ride bringing a fresh view of the Okanagan in winter.
With accessible rentals, real-time trail updates on Trailforks, and expertly groomed paths, fat biking has quickly become a favourite in Vernon’s outdoor activity scene. For both locals and visitors, fat biking in Vernon is a one-of-a-kind experience, combining the exhilaration of biking with the beauty of winter in the Okanagan.
