June 04, 2007 | Tips from Travellers >
Sechelt, Cross-Country Skiing
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Dakota Ridge is a
620-hectare, high altitude (3500-4000 feet)
plateau located above a working forest watershed.
One of the key advantages of the area is its central location to both
Gibsons and Sechelt. With good road access, locals will be skiing within
30-40 minutes and visitors from Vancouver within less than two hours.
Currently, the road is gated 3-4 km before the actual nordic trails.
The site is considered by experts to be excellent for a cross
country ski area and second to none in the entire Lower
Mainland area.
The Dakota Ridge receives annual snowpacks equal to or exceeding
Cypress Mountain or Whistler Mountain!
Particularly attractive is the gently rolling terrain with large safe
areas for skiing.
There is no major alteration of the natural environment
proposed or required in the actual ski area. Cross country skiing on 20
feet of snow can do little damage to the environment.
Historically the snow is consistently reliable on Dakota Ridge from
mid-November to late May!
Expected Services next winter (Nov 2007-April 2008)
* Access: SCRD is hoping that the 13 km access road to trail-head
will be accessible and maintained. Vehicles must be prepared for winter
driving conditions, with 1000 m incline up rough forest service road.
* Facilities: At least 17 km of trails developed for cross
country skiing and snowshoeing, warming and washroom facilities
available, full signage, kiosks and mapping of trails
* Services: Trails groomed approximately 5 days per week, Dakota
Ridge website with updated weather, road and trail conditions, webcam,
volunteer ski patrol, special winter community events.