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Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
in British Columbia, Canada
For
a full page of xc ski destinations in British Columbia, click BC
Nordic.
Nipika Mountain Resort (250-342-6516, 877-647-4525, www.nipika.com) in Invermere, BC borders the Kootenay National Park and the Assiniboine Provincial Park in the Canadian Rockies. There are 50 km of trails groomed for classic and skating (15 km are classic only). For a full page about Nipika Mountain Resort click here.
Hand-built cabins and a lodge are on the property, which is between Banff and the Radium Hot Springs. Facilities have private baths, wood burning stoves and propane furnaces and rely on solar energy and mico hydro systems for power (backed up by a propane charging unit). Nipika is close to 7 alpine ski resorts and the Canmore Nordic Centre. CCSAA member
The Whistler area has plenty of Nordic skiing. Nearby and easily accessible is the municipal Lost Lake Trails, 32 km of double-tracked trails with a skating lane. Trails are well marked, and start right from Day Skier Lot 4A off Lorimer Road in the village. Trail passes are less after 6 p.m. and free for kids after dark. At night, a 4 km stretch of trail is lit until 10 p.m. The log hut at Lost Lake is a great rest stop. The popular gentle trail, which is 5 km and goes around Lost Lake is great for exercise or the feeling that you are out in the wilderness. Call Cross Country Connections at 604-905-0071 or www.crosscountryconnection.bc.ca for conditions or information. CCSAA member
Another local trail
network is at Nicklaus North Golf Course Trails, which has 6
km of easy trails and is located at the foot of Old Mill Road. Trail
tickets and rental equipment are available at the Meadow Park Sports
Centre, which is a full fitness facility. Your trail pass covers a hot
tub, steam, sauna or swim at the center, which is located 4 miles north
of the village off Route 99. Call 604-935-7529 (PLAY).
Another local outfitter for lessons or a guided xc ski tour is Whistler Cross Country Ski & Hike Ltd., at 604-932-7711 or www.whistlerski-hike.com/. Most avid cross-country skiers travel north to the Cariboo region and the 100 Mile House, with more than 150 km of groomed tracks. Call 604-898-2420 or HELLOBC (435-5622) for more information on those facilities.
The
outdoor adventure playground west of Whistler called Callaghan Country
features more than 8,000 acres of high alpine terrain, unlimited ski
touring, xc skiing, snowshoeing, or snowmobiling with 36 feet of guaranteed
natural snow and no altitude problems. Guests of the Callaghan Backcountry
Lodge are transported to this adventure in the mountains, old growth
forest and alpine meadows via helicopter, snowmobile or snowcat.
CCSAA member
Many avid cross-country skiers take BC Rail to the Cariboo region and the 100 Mile House, with more than 150 km of groomed tracks. For information call 604-984-5426 or Great Escape Vacations at 800-663-2515.
Snowshoeing in Whistler can be done on any of the local hiking trails and there is also a choice of guided trips with Outdoor Adventures at Whistler (604-932-0647) located at Timberline Lodge in the Village Square. Outings range from on-mountain sightseeing, which includes hiking boots, snowshoes, and a nature guide that begins with a gondola ride to Whistler mid-mountain, to an early morning fitness ascent. Kids are welcome and are charged half price when accompanied by an adult. Fondue Tour and Backcountry Heli-Adventure also available. Reservations are suggested. www.adventureswhistler.com/
More isolated and easy snowshoeing on your own along the Cheakamas River accessed at Function Junction on the west side of Route 99. There is a 12 km scenic hiking trail. The Cross Country Connection (604-905-0071 or www.crosscountryconnection.bc.ca/) rents snowshoes to use and is located on the Whistler trail network, which can be reached day or night right from the village. The Lost Lake Loop is a popular and gentle trail that takes about 45 minutes to snowshoe. Rental equipment is available.
Mt. Washington Alpine Resort, in Courtenay (250-338-1386, 888-231-1499, www.mtwashington.ca) is on Vancouver Island, which requires a boat ride to arrive. There are 55 km of machine groomed xc ski trails and another 20 km for snowshoeing. And a 300 meter natural luge track. XC ski and snowshoe equipment rentals and lessons are available. Beautiful mountain and ocean views. CCSAA member
Cypress Mountain, is located in the Coastal Mountains overlooking Vancouver (604-419-7669, www.cypressmountain.com) just outside the city. There are 19 km of groomed xc ski trails and 7 km of lighted trails. Great place for families and for learning to xc ski with special learn-to-ski packages such as Multi-Day Kids Canp and Multi-Day Skate and Classic Ski Clinics.. XC ski and snowshoe equipment rentals and lessons are available. Snowshoeing includes a Ladies Only Tour and a Fondue Tour to Hollyburn Lodge. CCSAA member
