Here is a captivating collection of Slope Angles from Destination
British Columbia.
Destination BC is on Twitter and Instagram. Follow us at @HelloBC.
In British Columbia, 10 snow-capped ranges and 13 top-notch ski
resorts — many boasting quaint villages and celebrated après-ski
adventures — offer the ideal incentive to embrace another season of
snow. And here, in Canada's westernmost province, you're bound to
discover the winter within.
Cruise the Contours, See the Sights Along BC's Cross-Country Tracks
In BC, slipping into skinny skis promises a self-propelled
sojourn, embraced by Mother Nature's quiet calm. Here follows a few
local tracks worthy of exploration.
Adventurers can click in at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, where
more than 688 hectares (1,700 acres) of cruise-worthy trails weave
through old-growth forest. The Vancouver Island destination's Raven
Lodge and Nordic Centre draw enthusiasts to Strathcona Provincial Park, a
striking
expanse that showcases 55 kilometres (34 miles) of machine-groomed
cross-country trails through open meadows and unspoiled forest.
Alternatively, enthusiasts can take in the landscape at a different
pace, and slide into snowshoes for a satisfying crunch into the woods. mountwashington.ca
On the mainland, Callaghan Country excels in cool-climate
adventure, thanks to 47 kilometres (29 miles) of track-set trails
designed for classic technique and light Nordic ski touring. Situated 20
minutes south of Whistler Village, Callaghan Country accommodates all
comers: a Skinny
Mini orientation to the sport is ideal for newbies; families can
indulge in track time for everyone when outfitted with child-style
chariots (or sled pulls); and Fido can come too, courtesy of a trail
system designed for the click and glide alongside man's best friend. To
break away from
the pack, keeners can opt for an 8.5-kilometre (5.2-mile) snowcat
shuttle to pristine Callaghan Lake, where ski touring is defined by
untracked powder and quiet landscapes. Overnights? Callaghan's
Journeyman Lodge offers eight guest rooms, a convivial lounge and hearty
menus. callaghancountry.com
Dakota Ridge Recreation, a short hop, skip and a ferry ride from
West Vancouver, is home to 20 kilometres (12 miles) of track-set
cross-country ski trails (classic and skate) and eight easy-does-it
kilometres (five miles) of snowshoe trails, all backed by stands of
old-growth forest and open
subalpine. As a bonus, this Sunshine Coast destination boasts volunteer
trail hosts who gamely patrol the area on weekends and provide the
skinny on trail knowledge and safety. For those eager for more
personalized exploration, Alpha Adventures, based in Wilson Creek near
Sechelt, will navigate
through the wilds, offering stellar views of the Coast Mountains and
neighbouring Vancouver Island. dakotaridge.ca; outdooradventurestore.ca
For a change of pace, enthusiasts can discover BC's cowboy country
further northeast near Clinton. Here, along the area's Big Bar Ski
Trails, just north of town, cruises through the contours wind alongside
pretty forest trails packed with snow. Options include soft glides along
25
kilometres (15 miles) of groomed track or adrenalin-inducing propels
through an additional 25 kilometres (15 miles) of un-groomed backcountry
trails — all areas managed deftly by volunteers. Excursions promise
rosy-cheeked results, and may even reward with a camera-ready peek at
resident deer
and moose. village.clinton.bc.ca
More than 105 kilometres (65 miles) of cross-country track
provides the pull at SilverStar Mountain Resort and nearby Sovereign
Lake Nordic Centre, northeast of Vernon. Boasting Canada's largest daily
groomed trail network and some of the most consistent snow conditions
in the province,
this interconnected trail system is a favourite training ground for both
the Canadian and USA National Cross Country and Biathlon teams. It's
not hard to see why: lift-accessed upper trails, three warming huts,
eye-popping views, plus specialized camps and events all quicken the
pace. Add
meticulous grooming, top-notch facilities and ski-in, ski-out
accommodation to the mix, and devotees have the makings of an
exhilarating, self-propelled adventure. skisilverstar.com
From City Sights to Mountain Peaks: Vancouver's North Shore Beckons
On Vancouver's North Shore, three mountains loom large, each
promising high-adrenalin winter experiences, just beyond the city
lights.
Cypress Mountain, northwest of the city, has been a favoured local
destination for nearly a century. While the mountain's infrastructure
has expanded over the years — to 53 downhill ski runs and four terrain
parks — the essentials have remained the same: here, adventurists
revel in carve-worthy slopes and the highest verticals on the North
Shore. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers share in the rush, too, with
nearly 19 kilometres (12 miles) of snowy alpine terrain; snowshoers
would be wise to sign up for the guided Hollyburn Meadows Tour, a soft-footed
excursion that promises insight into the area's cultural and natural history. cypressmountain.com
North America's largest aerial tramway ride awaits adventurists at
the base of Grouse Mountain, a quick trip that whisks skiers and
boarders to a mountaintop complete with a chalet, skating rink, sleigh
rides and, when the season's right, a visit from the man in red himself.
Here,
adventure options run the gamut with 26 ski and snowboard runs, two
terrain parks, 10 kilometres (six miles) of snowshoe trails and
illuminated "Light Walk" strolls around Blue Grouse Lake. Following a
day's play, après-ski dining and entertainment options abound with
everything from
locally sourced menus at the Observatory to lick-your-fingers pub fare
from Lupins Café, capped with views of the city below. grousemountain.com
For a classic west coast ski experience, Mt Seymour hits all the
right notes. This family-owned mountain — and the North Shore's first
terrain park — is revered by locals. While winter sport junkies revel in
its four diverse terrain parks, Mt Seymour's terrain is not solely
for thrill-seekers; thanks to the North Shore's longest-running Ski
& Snowboard School, and excellent beginner and intermediate terrain,
the resort is ideal for families and for those eager to begin their
snow career. (In particular, Mt Seymour's Goldie Meadows learning area,
featuring
the North Shore's only covered magic carpet, is best for shuttling
newbies to the top of the slopes.) Enthusiasts can round out the fun at
the toboggan and snow tube parks, or with snowshoe stomps through Mt
Seymour's old-growth-forest setting. mtseymour.ca
It's Always a Snow Day in BC's North
Northern BC has long been a haven for outdoor adventurists, and
when the snow flies, skis and boards are standard equipment — and always
at the ready — for every intrepid adventurer.
Shames Mountain near Terrace, for example, promises a flurry of
activity once the temperature drops. Here, mega snowfalls routinely draw
skiers and riders, and in this quiet, rural setting, fresh tracks are
frequently on the menu. As Canada's only non-profit, co-operatively
owned ski hill
(locals formed My Recreational Mountain Coop in order to purchase and
operate Shames Mountain), this northern gem offers choice intermediate
and advanced runs, alongside an expansive backcountry landscape. In
addition, skiers and boarders can expect spectacular fluted ridges and
peaks spread in
every direction, while natural glades make for heart-thumping tree
skiing, Northern BC-style. mymountaincoop.ca; ski-shames.ca
Further northeast in the Bulkley Valley near Smithers, Hudson Bay
Mountain Resort draws the faithful every year, due largely to the area's
natural mountain-range topography combined with the ferocity of
northern Pacific weather systems. The result: Mother Nature's ultimate
snow
machine. On mountain, enthusiasts can carve through 127 hectares (315
acres) of big mountain terrain, and they'll even be tempted to stay a
while, thanks to Ski & Stay packages that combine one day's
play (or more) with an overnight at the Aspen Inn and Suites or the
Prestige
Hudson Bay Lodge. For a change of pace, intermediate and expert skiers
can switch their gear for backcountry boards to make tracks along the
Hankin-Evelyn Backcountry Recreation Area, where 13 cut ski runs, five
alpine bowls and a day-use shelter in the sub-alpine are sure to stir
the adventurist
spirit. hudsonbaymountain.com; bbss.ca/hankin
Snow-packed exploration continues north of Prince George, where
Powder King reigns. Here, the resort is situated a mere 462 metres
(1,500 feet) from Highway 97, but Powder King feels worlds away from the
bustle of your average ski resort. Breathtaking drops, challenging,
groomed slopes and
excellent tree riding draw devotees, while 38 runs (most, like Penny
Lane and Lovely Rita, named for popular Beatles tunes) and a
trickster-friendly snowboard cross track are sure to mix things up.
Those who wish to linger can bunk at the Powder King Mountain Hotel, an
old-school-style hostel at the
base of the mountain that offers cosy comfort for powder-hungry crews. powderking.com
Just west of Prince George, Otway Nordic Centre is home to a
55-kilometre (34-mile) trail system that is a tempting blend of smooth
grooves and technical track. As the site for the Cross-Country Skiing, Biathlon and Para-Nordic events during the 2015 Canada
Winter Games — Canada's largest multi-sport competition for young
athletes — Otway upped its game and refurbished its competition
facilities, a $1.7 million upgrade that included expanded stadiums and
new technical buildings, alongside courses primed for future
international
competition. caledonianordic.com
British Columbia's Ski Resorts are Home to Unexpected Adventure
While it's no surprise that Canada's westernmost province is home
to stellar ski resorts, it's the unexpected adventures that are cause
for pause.
These Treads are Trending
Cool kids are cruising on fat bikes in British Columbia — the
hottest new adventure to hit the snow this season. Where to hop in the
saddle? Whistler Olympic Park debuts the wide tires this winter along
specially designated trails (adventurers who two-wheel it after 5 p.m.
on Wednesdays
can spin their wheels for just $5). In BC's Okanagan, enthusiasts can
hit more than 15 kilometres (nine miles) of fat bike trails at
SilverStar Mountain Resort during regular cross-country ski hours; this
is just one excursion available with the resort's My1Pass, which
features access to
all-inclusive lift tickets for skiers and boarders, downhill rushes at
the tube park, skating on the outdoor mountain pond and snowshoe and
cross-country treks through forests of fir. whistlersportlegacies.com; skisilverstar.com
Further east in BC's Kootenay Rockies, Kimberley Alpine Resort and
sister mountain Fernie Alpine Resort have both joined the fat tire
fleet. At each, mammoth tires and low gearing equal pedals in the snow
that are easy to master, for both first-timers and seasoned cyclists.
More steam?
Kimberley promises a whopping 50 kilometres (31 miles) of designated and
groomed trails for bikers of all skill levels. skikimberley.com; skifernie.com
At Panorama Mountain Resort, further southeast near Invermere,
keeners can gear up in the Lower Village's Nordic Centre, where
Panorama's outdoor adventure crew will provide intel on where best to
make tracks (the firmer the Nordic trails, the better). Finally,
Whitewater Ski Resort
near Nelson adds a twist to their fat bike fun with new multi-use trails
that welcome two-wheelers alongside their furry four-legged friends. PanoramaResort.com; skiwhitewater.com
Bright Lights, Big Skiing
In BC's Okanagan, Big White Ski Resort doesn't call it a day when
the sun sets. On the contrary; here, skiers and boarders are welcome to
shred to their heart's content, all on the largest night skiing area in
Western Canada. Every Tuesday through Saturday enthusiasts can board the
Bullet Express and Plaza Chair (featuring a combined capacity of more
than 5,000 people per hour) to explore terrain lit by bright lights.
Bonus: these rides will deposit skiers and boarders on the longest
vertical drop (596 metres or 1,955 feet) found on any North American
night skiing area. bigwhite.com
A ski or snowboard glide under the stars is what's in store at
Kimberley Alpine Resort, where, when the moon is high, the natural
landscape takes on an ethereal hue. Calm, crisp nights mean enthusiasts
can navigate the terrain at a leisurely pace, while season-long Night Races and
Rail Jams are sure to amp up the action and quicken the pulse.
As added incentive, Kimberley boasts the longest night skiing run
(approximately 2,500 metres or 8,202 feet) in North America. skikimberley.com
Panorama's Delectable Hut-to-Hut Experience
While Panorama Mountain Resort is home to memorable downhill
pursuits, equally delectable on-mountain experiences await within the
destination's rustic cabin and huts, each built to resemble shelters
that peppered the landscape during the fur trade era.
Mile 1 Hut, situated, appropriately, at the top of Mile One Lift,
is a good place to start with its offering of gooey cheese fondue next
to a blazing outdoor fire pit. Skiers and boarders can counteract their
caloric intake with a leisurely ski or snowboard down Showoff run; if
riding on a
full stomach doesn't appeal, downloading via the chairlift is a ready
option.
Set midway down Panorama's Rollercoaster run, Elkhorn Cabin is
suited for a warming lunch, a la Swiss raclette (translation: guests
will melt a cornucopia of cheese, vegetables and meat on their own
personal grill). It's a tasty, albeit messy, bit of indulgence that
rises to another
level when served with local BC wines and craft beer.
For a final stop, the Summit Hut, at the top of Panorama Mountain,
satisfies hungry crews with both quick mid-afternoon re-fuels
(favourite nibbles include bratwurst and enormous home-baked cookies)
and unhurried, private fondue parties. Enthusiasts will helicopter to
Panorama's peak for
the latter experience, which serves up a traditional cheese and
chocolate menu, deliciously paired with BC vintages. Following a final
toast, diners will clip in for a scenic ski down to the village or
return to the base by helicopter, bellies full. PanoramaResort.com/mountain-hut-fondue
No comments:
Post a Comment