Submitted by: Kandie Lagore Adult & Teen Challenge’s Northern Manitoba Sled for Eternity Ride, one of three annual snowmobile fundraising events hosted by the organization, took place February 28, 2026 as riders departed from the Swan Valley Museum for a 230-kilometre journey to Bellsite and back. Participants travelled the scenic trails of the Swan Valley, […]

The Bellsite Annual Poker Derby took place on February 22, 2026. There were 104 driver hands sold, 95 machines, and approximately 346 ghost riders. Thanks to all that brought in the ghost riders! The Bellsite Community Centre, along with North Mountain Riders would like to thank those businesses/persons of Swan River, Bowsman, Birch River, Mafeking, […]

Submitted by: Amy Hofford On Sunday, December 21st the Bowsman Community Skating Arena hosted their annual Community Christmas Party. A heartfelt thank you to the Bowsman Lions for their generous contribution to our event, which allowed us to provide free hot dogs and hot chocolate to everyone in attendance, along with treat bags for the […]

Submitted by: Scott Tibble On March 22, 2025, Yamaha enthusiast from as far away as British Columbia to as far east as Ontario gathered at Duck Mountain Lodge to celebrate 57 years of Yamaha snowmobiles. Free lunch, Yamaha swag and limited edition T-shirts for the event were offered in the final ride hosted by Yamaha […]

Submitted by: Beverly Ajtay, Events Director We could not have asked for a better day for our Western Manitoba Sled for Eternity Ride in Swan Valley on Saturday, February 22, 2025. Mild temperatures and sunny, blue skies brought out many walk up registrations that morning, and we had 63 riders on the trails. Our route […]

Submitted by: Keith Behrmann Our 24th Billy Beal Derby is now in the history books. I can honestly say, without a shadow of doubt, this event would not be possible without the countless volunteer hours put in by our Valley Lions members, community volunteers, and the generosity of our sponsors. Having said that, our success […]

Submitted by: Carolin Foster | The 24th Annual Billy Beal Classic Fishing Derby at Whitefish Lake was a huge success! The $10,000 prize winner was Thomas McKay from Winnipegosis, MB. With 6 minutes left in the derby, his Northern Pike weighing in at 4 lbs. 2 oz. was the winning catch of the day! Ghosted […]

Submitted by Tammela Bobick Our club hosted its 16th annual Vintage ride on Saturday February 25, 2023 and Mother Nature was against us. We had extreme cold, minus 30 that morning and some winds. However, the people and sleds showed up at the Westwood Inn here in Swan River, Manitoba and by the time we […]

Submitted by: Tammela Bobick The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association had an amazing turn out for our Vintage ride held on February 26,2022. We had 57 riders including people from Yorkton, Dauphin and The Pas. For lunch, we enjoyed hot dogs, hot chocolate, donuts and coffee at the shelter. There was also tons of prizes and […]

Submitted by: Bert Sutherland North Mountain Riders and Swan Valley Snowmobile Association, along with Snoman MB, hosted a youth rider snowmobile safety training course at the Westwood Inn in Swan River on November 6, 2021. Safety Services Manitoba was hired to train our local children to keep them safe on our trails. 21 individuals from […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement (SVSFE) Thank you to everyone who submitted pictures for our photo challenge. SVSFE received 27 entries and what a great way to show Manitoba how our young anglers love fishing! SVSFE has decided everyone will be receiving a prize for their submission. Thanks again, keep on fishing, and […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | Bellsite Community did another wonderful job looking after the hot meal at the end of the day and looking after all the indoor services needed to have everyone registered and on their way to enjoy the sunny warm day on the Snoman trail up- kept by North Mountain Riders Snowmobile […]

Submitted by: Candace Balbo | Over 750 people braved the cold to enjoy the Mistletoe Magic event at the Swan Valley Historical Museum on Saturday December 7, 2019. And a magical night it was with the return of a long time Valley favorite in the Kern Christmas display – refurbished and installed on the Museum […]

Submitted by: Brett Church, Photos by Corey Hurren | Over 620 contestants showed up try and catch the big one at the 22nd annual Billy Beal Classic on Saturday March 16, 2019. A total of 20 fish were caught with the prize winner going to Pearce Roberts who reeled in a 16 pound pike! A […]

ValleyBiz Story | Submitted Photos Local artist Derryl May, has been bringing the art of snow sculptures to Swan River for the past 4 years. His sculptures have included a polar bear, an owl, a hand making the peace sign and, his latest installment, Snoopy on a doghouse. While May’s is most accustomed to sculpting […]

Submitted by: Susan Moshenko | Bellsite along with the help of the North Mountain Riders put on the 40th Annual Poker Derby on February 24, 2019. A great turn out considering cold weather. 172 driver hands 160 sleds. $4911 was paid out in prizes. A huge thank you to all those who went out and […]

Submitted Story: Photos by Doug Watson, Dale Nobel, Brett Church | The Swan Valley Lions want to sincerely thank all the people that came out to enjoy the 21st annual Billy Beal Ice Fishing Derby at Whitefish Lake on March 17, 2018. Over 600 people that came out enjoyed the beautiful weather and great food. […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | A total of $5,200.00 was given away in cash prizes at the 2018 Bellsite 39th Annual Poker Derby on February 25, 2018. An estimated 200 sleds attending with 209 registered drivers. Lisa Towers wins 10% of prize money($1,040.00) with 300 ghostriders (the most ghostriders prize). Honourable mention to Bert Sutherland […]

Submitted by: Kim Lowes | We had an absolutely amazing day at our 2nd annual Swan River Sled for Eternity on February 10, 2018! We had 68 registered riders out on the trails and we were blown away by the faithfulness of our fundraisers with our final total coming in at close to $80,000 raised. […]

Submitted by: Carolyn Baldwin | On March 4, 2017 approximately 70 people stopped by the Thunder Hill Ski Area to enjoy a beautiful day over looking the Swan River Valley to celebrate the end of an eight year project for the Thunder Hill Ski Club. Pictured above: Long time club member, John Cotton prepares to […]

Submitted by: Kim Lowes | We had an amazing day at our 1st annual Swan River Sled for Eternity! We had 78 registered riders of which 41 were fundraisers! We surpassed our goal of $50,000 and reached over $68,000! Pictured Above: Kim Lowes (left) and Steve Paulson – Teen Challenge Executive Director (right) along with […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren | The 2016 Billy Beal Ice Fishing Derby was held on Saturday, March 19th at Whitefish Lake. 525 people came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and another great day of ice fishing at the 19th annual Billy Beal derby. Click any picture for a larger version. The event is an […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk | The weather co-operated on Sunday March 6, 2016 for the Annual Thunderhill Ski Area Mardi Gras. People of all ages came from all over the Valley and Saskatchewan, as far away as Inglis and Brandon, MB. Click any picture for a larger version. Everyone enjoyed the conditions and friendly atmosphere […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | Bellsite’s 37th Annual Poker Derby took place on February 28, 2016. We had a fresh cover of snow to start the day. Prime winter temperatures gave us a near perfect day to be on the trail. Click any picture for a larger version. Good sponsorship from local businesses for donations, […]

Submitted by: Colin Baldwin | The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association held their 9th Annual Vintage Ride on Saturday, February 27, 2016. The day started out with a pancake breakfast hosted by the Bowsman and District Lions, which once again was a great success. Click any picture for a larger version. The vintage ride, even with […]

Submitted by: Blaine Campbell | The Swan River Novice Colts finished 4th at the 2nd Annual A&W / Funky Threadz Novice Tournament in The Pas during the weekend of January 8-10, 2015. Click picture for a larger version. Three round robin games were followed by a 3rd place vs 4th place game for the B-side […]

Submitted by: Angela Mullin Swan Valley Novice Broncos skated to the A side Championship undefeated at the 21st annual Novice Hockey Tournament A&W/Funky Threadz Cup hosted by The Pas from Jan 8-10, 2015. Click any picture for a larger version. The Broncos 1st game on Friday was played in the GLMC, home of the OCN […]

Submitted by: Craig Zamzow | On January 8-10, 2015 the Swan Valley “B” Stampeders travelled to Flin Flon to participate in the Jason Morran Memorial Atom tournament. The team had enjoyed some practices, but this would be their first game action of the season. Click picture for a larger version. Back Row (L to R): […]

Submitted by: Carolyn Baldwin | Thunderhill Ski Club Inc. opening day on January 1, 2015 was a huge success. 91 people enjoyed a beautiful day on the slopes with frosted trees making it very scenic. Click any picture for a larger version. The conditions are very good, Markin Trail is excellent skiing and the Hogs […]

Submitted by: Mike Rusk | Over 500 competitors took to the ice at Whitefish Lake on March 21, 2015. The weather was good and it was a great day. Celesta Church (pictured left) was the first prize $10,000 winner. Click any picture for a larger view. Kyle Lafreniere won both hidden time, and hidden weight […]

Submitted by: Swan Valley Snowmobile Association The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association held their 8th Annual Vintage Ride on Saturday, March 7, 2015. There were 36 vintage machines this year and 65 people came for the pancake breakfast. Click any picture for a larger version. Thank you to the Lions Club for doing breakfast and all […]

Submitted by: Leigh Osatchuk The conditions were great, and many came out to support Thunderhill’s Annual Mardi Gras. 117 guests came out to enjoy an Easter Egg Hunt, Costume Party and Downhill racing. There was something for everyone. Above: McKenna Staples & Jessica Hack enjoying the sunshine Click any picture for a larger version. Kristen […]

Submitted by: Connie Beaudry | The Bellsite Poker Derby took place on February 22, 2015. The 75 mile poker derby trail is part of North Mountain Riders Snow Riders Magazine’s most favourite sledding destination of 2015 and it wasn’t a disappointment. Click any picture for a larger version. Sure the weather was cold , minus […]

Submitted by: Don Baldwin The Swan Valley Snowmobile Association hosted their 7th Annual Vintage Ride on Sunday, March 16th. There were over forty vintage sleds that attended the ride with over a hundred sleds visiting the shack including newer models. Click any picture for a larger version. The ride was approximately a 35 mile round […]

Submitted by: Corey Hurren About 600 people came to Whitefish Lake on Saturday, March 15th to see who was going to pull the winning $10 000 fish through four feet of ice when the Valley Lions held their 17th annual Billy Beal Ice Fishing Derby. Click any picture for a larger version. Pictured above is […]

Submitted by: Patti Hack The Elbow Lake SnoDrifters 18th Annual Snowmobile Derby took place as scheduled on Saturday, March 1, 2014. Click any picture for a larger version. The frigid weather (-51 with the wind chill when we woke up Saturday morning) kept many people away however, for those of us who braved the winter […]

Submitted by: Bowsman and District Lions Club 589 hardy contestants bought tickets and braved the cold -20C plus wind chill weather for a chance to win the first place prize of $10,000 at the 16th annual Billy Beal Ice Fishing Derby. Click any picture for a larger version. The event, which took place on Saturday, […]

Submitted by: Leona Sweetser The community of Bellsite has once again hosted a great snowmobile derby, as you can see from the results below. Pictures courtesy Keith Lamb & Brian Dawson – click for a larger version. The weather was as good as you could ever wish for, warm and comfortable to stop and visit […]

ValleyBiz Story | With the snow gone and signs of spring popping up, skiing and snowboarding may be the furthest thing from your mind, but not so for the dedicated members of the Thunder Hill Ski Club. Pictures courtesy Thunder Hill Ski Club As one of only a handful of non-profit ski hills in Canada, […]

Submitted by: Holly Urban & Melissa Johnson Swan Valley Sport Fishing Enhancement Inc. held Family Fishing Day again this year on March 18. The weather was fair, and one Northern Pike was caught by Briar Werbicki. Swan River Elks provided a fabulous hot lunch and hot chocolate. There were 28 kids who attended along with […]

Submitted by: Barry Stephen | If you missed the 15th annual Billy Beal Classic, you missed one of the best ever. If you were there you’ll know what I mean when I say the weather was unbelievable, the conditions were great, the food was awesome and the fishing was pretty good too. Click any picture […]

Submitted by: Leona Sweetser | The 33rd Annual Bellsite Poker Derby took place on Sunday, February 26. There were 179 driver hands sold and 297 ghostrider hands sold. Click any picture for a larger version. 1st prize 20% of total Best Hand 4-8’s to Claudia Sutherland $834.00 2nd prize 15% of total Best Hand 3-A’s […]

Submitted by: Leona Sweetser | The first annual Porcupine Bash, started out with a guided snowmobile ride, with approximately 20 people. There were more sledders that chose to ride on their own. Click any picture for a larger view. Fire and Ice, had about 60 people stop in for Chilli and a bun. The home-made […]

ValleyBiz Story | Thanks to the dedication and hard work of our local snowmobile clubs, and with a little help from Mother Nature, the Swan Valley is buzzing with excitement as we share our snow with sledders from the snow-free parts of the Prairies. We are fortunate to have two snowmobile clubs in the Swan […]

ValleyBiz Story | When Gerry Stevenson moved here from The Pas 13 years ago, he turned his passion for sled dog racing into an annual community event. The 13th Annual Birch River Sled Dog Race took place this weekend with 9 teams participating. Click any picture for a larger version. Following a circuit that includes […]