Your Guide to Trails, Maps, GPS Coordinates, Local Clubs, Shops & the Perfect Basecamp at Sagebrush Lakeside Retreat
Merritt, BC has quietly become one of the premier snowmobiling destinations in Western Canada. With deep powder, diverse terrain, enormous riding zones, and one of the most active snowmobile clubs in BC, riders from across the province (and beyond) are discovering why the Nicola Valley is a sledder’s dream.
And whether you're coming for a family-friendly trail weekend or a multi-day deep-snow adventure, Sagebrush Lakeside Retreat at Nicola Lake has become a favourite basecamp for visiting groups. The property offers a secured, heated garage for sled and gear storage, an ideal setup for keeping machines safe, dry, and ready for your next ride.
The Merritt Snowmobile Club (MSC) maintains over 300 km of groomed trails across multiple riding zones — from easy family-friendly loops to big mountain terrain.
The surrounding Coquihalla, Stoyoma, and Thompson Plateau areas all get consistent early and late-season snow.
Riders can access bowls, meadows, ridges, and wide-open terrain with relatively short climbs from staging areas.
At Sagebrush Lakeside Retreat, groups can relax lakeside, store sleds securely in the on-site garage, and warm up with modern comforts after long days in the powder.
Located just minutes from Merritt and under an hour from all major sled zones, Sagebrush Lakeside Retreat offers:
Store sleds, helmets, gear, tools, and fuel safely indoors.
Wake up to Nicola Lake and unwind in comfort after your ride.
Multi-bedroom home, big kitchen, spacious living areas—perfect for clubs, families, and riding buddies.
All staging lots (Thynne, Stoyoma/Hooshum, Honeymoon Lakes) are typically 25–50 minutes from the retreat.
Below are the primary areas maintained by the Merritt Snowmobile Club.
A classic Merritt ride: scenic, groomed, and suitable for all skill levels.
Staging Area (Brookmere Parking Lot)
📍 49°48'43.20"N, 120°51'26.69"W
Map: https://sledmerritt.ca/maps/
Popular features:
Tin Shed Shelter
Kids' Play Bowl
Alpine viewpoints
Groomed Sled-In/Sled-Out loops
Shelter (Tin Shed)
📍 49°43'49.18"N, 120°55'39.59"W
Perfect for intermediate riders looking for a mix of groomed and off-trail terrain.
Staging Area (Spius Creek – 9 km Parking)
📍 50°05'25.78"N, 121°03'41.27"W
Map: https://sledmerritt.ca/maps/
Honeymoon Cabin
📍 50°01'20.25"N, 121°17'17.90"W
Popular for overnight trips, warm-ups, and exploring deeper terrain.
High-alpine bowls, long climbs, and massive terrain for advanced sledders.
Access via:
Spius Creek → same staging as Honeymoon/Hooshum
📍 50°05'25.78"N, 121°03'41.27"W
The backbone of the region—grooming, signage, cabins, safety, and advocacy.
Website: https://sledmerritt.ca
Sales, parts, accessories, quick repairs.
Great resource for last-minute gear or mechanical issues.
If you need professional mechanical work or parts Merritt doesn’t stock.
Very few places in BC offer that quick an elevation gain.
Now it’s been converted into one of the most unique sled cabins in BC.
If Thynne is socked in or getting hammered with snow, Honeymoon Lakes may be clearer—and vice versa.
Merritt has several large gas stations close to the highway—staging areas are typically 20–35 minutes away.
A central location means more ride options.
Helmet & goggles
Beacon, shovel, probe
Avalanche airbag (optional but recommended)
Extra goggles & gloves
Layers (base, mid, shell)
Spare socks
Radio / communication devices
First-aid kit
Survival kit (firestarter, emergency blanket, tools)
Full tank of fuel
Extra fuel (5–10L)
Spare belt
Tow strap
Extra plugs
Emergency tools
GPS loaded with local maps
Phone charged + battery pack
Check avalanche conditions (Avalanche.ca)
Check MSC groomer report
Confirm staging conditions
Share your plan with someone
Carry printed or downloaded route maps
Park sleds in the secured garage
Dry gear overnight
Plan next day’s route at the dining table
Charge radios, beacons, GPS units
Warm up, relax, repeat
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly riding, a multi-day cabin trip, or big mountain powder, Merritt delivers some of the best sledding in British Columbia. Pair the region’s world-class terrain with a comfortable, well-equipped base like Sagebrush Lakeside Retreat, and you’ve got the perfect blueprint for your next sled adventure.