Whistler Wilderness Run Snowmobile Tour

About This Experience

The Wilderness Run is Canadian Wilderness Adventures' step up from a beginner ride. It is pitched at intermediate riders, or anyone comfortable on similar machines such as ATVs or motorcycles, and it takes you into more demanding backcountry terrain on forested trails and across frozen lakes outside Whistler. You check in at the operator's desk in Whistler Village, ride the shuttle out to the trailhead, gear up, go through training and then follow your guide into the snow.

The listed 3 hours is the whole round trip. It covers the shuttle both ways, fitting helmets and gear, the safety training and the ride itself, so your time on the snowmobile is shorter than 3 hours. One reviewer says exactly that, and another describes a stop soon after setting off for questions and extra guidance before the steeper, curvier sections. Helmet, gloves and goggles are provided, and the GST is already in the price.

The price is per snowmobile, and one machine carries one or two riders. Only the person driving needs the licence: drivers must be 19 or older with a full, unrestricted licence equivalent to a BC Class 5 or Class 6, and a passenger can be as young as 10 if at least 48 inches tall. The combined weight on one machine must stay under 375 lb (170 kg). Each driver also pays a mandatory collision coverage fee that is not included.

The tour runs in all weather, so warm layers, snow pants, winter boots, gloves and goggles matter; the operator has limited outerwear to lend if you are missing a piece. Guests rate it 4.9 out of 5 across 796 reviews. If nobody in your group has ridden anything like a snowmobile or ATV before, the operator's beginner Callaghan Cruiser is the better pick.

Highlights

• Backcountry riding on thickly forested trails and across frozen lakes
• Intermediate terrain, a step up from the operator's beginner tours
• A good fit for riders who already handle ATVs or motorcycles
• Rugged BC wilderness with room to progress beyond beginner riding
• Departure from the operator's desk in the middle of Whistler Village
• Groups of up to 7 snowmobiles following one guide

What's Included

• ✓ Professional guide for the ride
• ✓ Helmet, gloves and goggles
• ✓ Return shuttle between Whistler Village and the trailhead
• ✓ Snowmobile training before you set off
• ✓ GST

Not Included

• Mandatory collision coverage per driver (covers minor accidental damage to the snowmobile)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Gratuity (optional)

What to Bring

• Warm layered clothing and a winter jacket
• Snow pants
• Winter boots
• Winter gloves and ski goggles (gloves and goggles are provided, but your own may fit better)
• A full, valid driver's licence for anyone driving; drivers under 25 must show it at check-in

Good to Know & Caveats

• The 3 hours cover the shuttle, gearing up, training and the ride itself, so riding time is shorter.
• The price is per snowmobile for one or two riders, not per person. Need more than one machine? Each snowmobile is a separate booking; note your companions' names under Special Requirements so you are grouped together.
• Drivers must be 19 or older with a full (unrestricted), valid licence equivalent to a BC Class 5 or Class 6. Passengers must be at least 10 years old and 48 inches tall.
• Maximum combined weight on one snowmobile is 375 lb (170 kg).
• Everyone signs a release of liability and waiver; riders under 19 need a parent or guardian present to sign.
• Minimum numbers apply. If too few riders book, you are offered an alternative or a full refund.
• One adult per group of up to 7 snowmobiles must speak conversational English.
• Anyone suspected of being over BC's legal driving limit cannot ride as driver or passenger, and is not refunded.

Meeting Point

Check in 30 minutes early at the Canadian Wilderness Adventures sales desk, downstairs in the Carleton Lodge, 4280 Mountain Square, Whistler Village. There is no hotel pickup; the shuttle to the trailhead leaves from here.