cross country skiing and snowshoeing In British Columbia, Canada
Nipika Mountain Resort in Kootenay National Park, British Columbia borders the Assiniboine Provincial Park in the Canadian Rockies with 1,500 acres of wilderness recreational playground. There are 80 km of trails groomed for classic and skate xc skiing and 100% of the resort activities are self-propelled nonmotorized recreation including xc skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, paddling, ice skating, and tobogganing. Nipika Mountain Resort is the ultimate eco-resort, generating all of its electricity using green technology and offering self-sufficient cabin accommodations.
The Hills Health Ranch is a wellness resort in 108 Mile Ranch, British Columbia. This is a spa and vacation resort that has programs for getaways, fitness, weight loss, and gourmet spa cuisine. Expect rolling range lands, lakes, meadows, wildlife, high vistas, and mountain tops. There are XC ski trails some groomed for skating and there's night skiing, alpine ski slopes and a terrain park for alpine skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, tubing, sleigh rides, dog sledding, and more. The Hills is a five hour drive from Vancouver, or you can book the scheduled snow coach leaving from Vancouver weekly.
Silver Star Mountain Resort
A Nordic winter wonderland with all kinds of activities awaits you at Silver Star. Choose from simple hotels or luxurious vacation homes with true ski-in ski-out access to more than 105 km (62 miles) of groomed and track-set trails. Silver Star boasts a very long Nordic ski season with annual snowfall of more than 700 cm (23 ft) of light, dry Okanagan powder. Combine that with average daily temperatures -5 C (23 F) and 45 groomed mountain trails.
Whistler Olympic Park.
Whistler Olympic Park is the site of the xc ski, biathlon, Nordic combined, and ski jumping events for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The venue offers 50 km of groomed world-class competition and recreation ski trails, a state-of-the-art ski jumping facility and a modern biathlon range.
Night-lit skiing trails, snowshoe trails and dog-friendly ski trails are also available. The adjacent 42 km of xc ski trails at Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures bring the total available trails up to more than 90 km, making Whistler Olympic Park and the Callaghan Valley a truly world-class destination ski area. Whistler Olympic Park photo by Steve Rogers.
Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures
Located in the Southern Coast Mountain range of British Columbia, Callaghan Country Wilderness Adventures encompasses 8,600 acres of pristine wilderness, old growth forests, rugged peaks, stunning glaciers, and powder-filled meadows. The deluxe backcountry Callaghan Lodge offers comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, friendly hospitality, and a variety of outdoor activities, including XC skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and backcountry skiing. There are 42 km of track-set trails available for both classic and skate skiing.
Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area
Sunshine Coast, Dakota Ridge Winter Recreation Area is located on BC's Sunshine Coast. The Ridge offers world-class cross country skiing and snowshoeing just a short 30 minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. The Ridge's 13 km of track and skate set ski trails and 8 km of snowshoe trails wind through moss covered old growth forests and open areas in a beautiful sub alpine setting.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort
Mount Washington Alpine Resort offers some of the best cross-country skiing in North America. With over 55 km (33 miles) of track-set xc ski trails ranging from beginner to expert level, you'll find more than enough terrain to choose from--not to mention stunning views from any vantage point! The resort also has a biathlon range and 20 km of snowshoe trails. Raven Lodge offers equipment rentals, food services, licensed restaurant, retail outlets, waxing room, sauna and showers, and much more.
Sun Peaks Resort
With 28 km of track-set cross-country trails, snowshoe trails, and another 12 km of backcountry trails, Sun Peaks offers a Nordic experience suitable for all ages and abilities. The charming ski-through alpine village at the base of all three mountains gives visitors access to chairlifts, hotels, eateries, shopping, sports school, spas, and a variety of other après-ski activities. Sun Peaks is a family-friendly resort and offers day care services and a ski school for children 18 months in the village. Other fun family events include First Trax Breakfast, Kids Casino Night, and the Slope Side Movie Night.
Cypress Mountain
Cypress Mountain is the destination for family winter fun-and only 30 minutes from downtown Vancouver. With over 19 km of groomed track-set trails (including 7 km of night lit trails), and an extensive snowshoe trail system, Cypress offers a fantastic Nordic winter experience for all ages and abilities. Snowshoe tours range from a 2-hour trek through sub-alpine meadows, to a 4-hour fondue feast hosted in historic Hollyburn Lodge. XC and snowshoe equipment rentals are available onsite. Choose from an assortment of learn-to-ski or snowshoe packages, lessons, camps, and clinics.
Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre
Situated in the picturesque Bulkley Valley of northwestern British Columbia, the area is renowned for excellent snow conditions, a lengthy ski season and plenty of winter recreational activities. The Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre, located 15 minutes from downtown Smithers (on the mid-slopes of Hudson Bay Mountain) offers exceptional xc skiing in pristine natural surroundings. You'll find a beautiful day lodge, waxing huts, biathlon range, and 45 km of groomed ski trails for classic and skate skiers.