Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing on Sapeye Lake south of Nimpo Lake, Deborah Kannegiesser photo
In the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast region, go cross-country skiing in historic Barkerville or tackle a multi-day circle route over the frozen Bowron Lake chain. Visit a guest ranch in winter to combine cowboy life with Nordic adventures.
There’s easy access to cross-country ski trails from Williams Lake, Quesnel and historic Barkerville. Mix up cross-country skiing with ice skating, dogsledding or backcountry skiing in dry Cariboo powder.
Cross-Country Skiing at Guest Ranches
The Hills Health Ranch (108 Mile Ranch) caters to cross-country enthusiasts with a massive 150-km/93-mi trail network. Ski past frozen lakes and frosty ridges, or try other winter activities such as downhill skiing in the terrain park or skating on an outdoor rink.
Other guest ranches near 100 Mile House, such as Spring Lake Ranch and Siwash Lake Ranch, provide the chance to cross-country ski through rolling pastures. Trek to secluded lakes and viewpoints and greet ranch animals. Or head to Chilcotin Holidays (Gold Bridge) in the rugged Chilcotin Mountains – it’s possible to see moose, wolves and even cougars here.
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Cross-Country Skiing in the South Cariboo
Tackle 50km/31mi of groomed trails at 99 Mile House, including trails lit for night skiing. There’s twice that amount at nearby 108 Mile Ranch. Looking for the perfect photo op? Pose with the world’s largest cross-country skis and poles outside the South Cariboo Visitor Centre.
The Big Bar Ski Trails (20 minutes from Clinton) feature more than 50km/31mi of gentle trails. Bring a camera to capture Marble Range's unusual limestone ridges.
Cross-Country Skiing near Williams Lake and Quesnel
Venture on groomed trails at the Bull Mountain Ski Trails near Williams Lake (complete with dog-friendly sections), or take in unforgettable panoramas on Hallis Lake Trails near Quesnel. Each network has approximately 30km/19mi of routes, some of which are lit for night-skiing. Ten Mile Lake Provincial Park’s mostly flat terrain is perfect for beginners.
Cross-Country Skiing near Wells-Barkerville
The Wells-Barkerville Mountain Trails network has more than 100km/62mi of groomed routes. Start in the ghost town of Stanley and end in Barkerville, or try the popular Williams Creek loop trail to see the historic Richfield Courthouse.
Spend a day skiing around the colourful arts community of Wells on the Cornish Mountain Ski Trails. No driving necessary – there’s easy access to the trailhead from downtown and trails are regularly groomed and track-set.
Up for a challenge? Traverse the 116-km/73-mi frozen Bowron Lakes circuit. The landscape is remote and teeming with wildlife. Multi-day guided trips are available through Whitegold Adventures (Wells).
Cross-Country Skiing in Chilcotin Parks
In Tweedsmuir Provincial Park, explore incredible scenery and frozen lakes along 26km/16mi of groomed tracks. For ungroomed trails, look to wild Itcha Ilgachuz Provincial Park north of Anahim Lake.
Annual Events and Races
Participate in the Cariboo Marathon Ski Race (February) or take it easy in the non-competitive Wells Snowman International Gourmet Ski Tour (February). Make stops along various routes to sample gourmet international cuisine.
Practical Points
- Cross-country ski season can begin as early as November and as late as April.
- Trail user fees are common for groomed trail networks. Check with Visitor Centres and local ski clubs for trail maps and information.
- Tours, lessons and equipment rentals are available at many of the larger cross-country ski areas and at some lodges.
- Access to routes may require four-wheel drive and tire chains.
- Be familiar with local weather forecasts and always bring proper equipment. More safety information can be found on the backcountry skiing page.
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