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Nordic skier at Red Mountain Resortspacer
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Kootenay Rockies Things To Do

 

Cross-Country Skiing

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Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Nordic Trail
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort Nordic Trail, Dave Heath photo
The Kootenay Rockies region in southeastern BC is a cross-country skier's delight, with hundreds of kilometres (miles) of groomed trails -and even larger sweeps of backcountry- to explore. The region's six major resorts -Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, Red Mountain, Panorama and Whitewater- all offer easy access to both groomed trails and backcountry wilderness. Other top-notch skiing areas include the Natural Bridge Trails near Radium Hot Springs as well as Yoho National Park, home to more than 400 km (249 mi) of backcountry trails, with 40 km (25 mi) groomed during winter.


Yoho National ParkYoho National ParkWhitewater Winter ResortWhitewater Winter ResortRed Mountain Resort/RosslandRed Mountain Resort/RosslandPanorama Mountain VillagePanorama Mountain VillageNatural Bridge TrailsNatural Bridge TrailsKimberley Alpine ResortKimberley Alpine ResortKicking Horse Mountain ResortKicking Horse Mountain ResortFernie Alpine ResortFernie Alpine Resort

 



Highlights:

Fernie Alpine Resort: Lots of powder, sunny skies and enchanting scenery.
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Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: Awesome cross-country skiing high in the Purcell Mountains.
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Kimberley Alpine Resort: Excellent selection of trails near this classic family resort.
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Natural Bridge Trails: Located just outside spectacular Kootenay National Park.
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Panorama Mountain Village Resort: Charming, family-friendly alpine village in the Rockies.
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Red Mountain Resort: Recently named "One of the Top 25 Resorts in North America."
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Whitewater Winter Resort: Track-set classic and skate trails are groomed daily.
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Yoho National Park: Backcountry and groomed runs through breathtaking scenery.
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Fernie Alpine Resort

Situated 1,000 m (3,280 ft) high in the Canadian Rockies of southeastern BC, Fernie is a haven for cross-country skiers. Up here, the air is crisp, the mountain views utterly spectacular and the abundant powder as smooth as velvet. Make tracks along 10 km (6.2 mi) of groomed trails, or head into the backcountry for some unforgettable skiing through pristine nature. The resort offers lessons as well as guided tours - an ideal way to learn about the fascinating history of the mountain and the surrounding area. Fernie Alpine Resort is located just minutes from Fernie - an authentic mining town known for its warm hospitality, colourful past and turn-of-the-century architecture.

Fernie Alpine Resort is a 5-km (3-mi) drive from the city of Fernie.

Attributes

  • Trails: 10 km (6.2 mi) groomed trails
  • Operating season: early December to mid April

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Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

While Kicking Horse is famed for its steep vertical and copious amounts of powder, its cross-country skiing is awesome, too. The resort, a former heli-ski area located high in the Purcell Mountains, retains its adrenaline essence on the trails - guaranteeing adventurous and unforgettable cross-country skiing. There are 25 km (15.5 mi) of trails track-set for classic skiing, and 15 km (9.3 mi) of trails groomed for skate skiing. These trails loop through nature in all her winter glory; they range from gently rolling beginner runs to challenging routes for more advanced skiers. When you're ready for a break, ski to the cozy warming hut just 1 km (0.6 mi) into the trails, which houses a wood-burning stove.

Attributes

  • Trails: 25 km (15.5 mi) of trails track-set for classic, 15 km (9.3 mi) of trails groomed for skate
  • Operating season: mid December to mid April

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Kimberley Alpine Resort

Kimberley Alpine Resort is an ideal headquarters for cross-country skiing, with its next-door access to the Kimberley Nordic Club trail network. Vacationers staying at Kimberley can take advantage of 33 km (20.5 mi) of groomed trails managed by the Kimberley Nordic Club. The cross-country network consists of a variety of double, track-set trails with centre skating lanes and is easily reached from the resort by skis. Loops vary between 3 km (1.9 mi) and 7 km (4.3 mi). During the season, the resort offers a cross-country orientation for novices.

Kimberley Alpine Resort is a 2-km (1.6-mi) drive from the city of Kimberley and just a 20-minute drive away from Cranbrook.

Attributes

  • Trails: 33 km (20.5 mi) of groomed trails in the Kimberley Nordic Club network
  • Operating Season: early December to mid April

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Natural Bridge Trails

The Natural Bridge Trails at Nipika Mountain Resort are located just outside of Kootenay National Park. The 50 km (31 mi) of runs are set for classic and skate skiing, and regularly groomed. En route, look for waterfalls and wildlife such as mule and white-tailed deer, elk and lynx. There is a day lodge for skiers as well as a resort for overnight guests. Beginner and intermediate trails can be found between the lodge and Cross River; trails across the Natural Bridge are intermediate to expert. Guided tours are available.

The Natural Bridge Trails are located off Highway 93, approximately 30 minutes from Radium Hot Springs.

Attributes

  • Trails: 50 km (31 mi) trails
  • Average annual snowfall: variable
  • Operating season: early December to late March

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Panorama Mountain Village Resort

Small crowds and a charming village high in the Purcell Mountains make for a memorable cross-country skiing experience at Panorama. There are over 10 km (6.2 mi) of groomed trails and scenic loops to explore. After a day on the trails, soak weary bones in the village's hot pools.

Panorama is located in the Toby Creek Valley, 20 minutes west of Invermere.

Attributes

  • Trails: 10 km (6.2 mi) groomed trails
  • Operating Season: December to mid April

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Red Mountain Resort

Red Mountain is a backcountry wonderland, with over 1,000 ha (2,500 ac) of pristine nature to explore. Warm up along the 2.7-km (1.7-mi) trail near the base of Red; it connects the resort with the charming town of Rossland. Then head into this idyllic outback for a memorable adventure; certified guides offer tours for skiers of all experience and fitness levels. For more cross-country skiing opportunities, the Black Jack Cross Country Club trails, Nancy Greene Provincial Park trails and Paulson Cross Country Ski Trails are all situated close by Red Mountain and Rossland. National Geographic Adventure magazine recently recognized Red Mountain's hometown, Rossland, as one of North America's Top 10 Great Adventure Towns to Live and Play.

Red Mountain Resort is a 5-minute drive from the town of Rossland.

Attributes

  • Trails: 2.7 km (1.7 mi) trail near the base of Red Mountain, plus nearby trail networks
  • Operating season: late-November to mid-April

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Whitewater Winter Resort

Whitewater Winter Resort is located in the legendary Selkirk Mountains in southeastern BC. It takes its cross-country seriously: 11 track-set trails for both classic and skate skiing are groomed daily. Skiers of all levels will get a great workout and enjoy exhilarating scenery along these trails, which loop from the resort's day lodge to spectacular Hummingbird Pass. All types of accommodations to fit all budgets can be found in Nelson, a charming heritage town.

Whitewater Winter Resort is a 15-minute drive from Nelson.

Attributes

  • Trails: 11 groomed and track-set trails, totalling nearly 20 km (12.4 mi) 
  • Operating season: early December to early April

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Yoho National Park

The name "Yoho" comes from a Cree word expressing awe, an apt name for this park with its majestic 28 peaks. While there are many backcountry trails in Yoho, two of the most popular groomed runs are Emerald Lake Connector Trail, an 11-km (6.8 mi) intermediate route starting at the Field Visitor Centre; and Lake O'Hara Fire Road, an 11.7-km (7.3-mi) intermediate route starting at the Lake O'Hara parking lot. A day-use cabin is open on weekends. Be aware that some trails in the park cross avalanche paths. For those wishing to stay overnight, the Alpine Club of Canada operates four huts in the park that can be reserved.

Yoho National Park is located on the BC-Alberta border. It joins Kootenay National Park to the southeast and Banff National Park (in Alberta) lies along its eastern border. Highway 1 runs through the centre of the park. Yoho is east of Golden; the community of Field is situated within the park.

Attributes

  • Trails: over 400 km (249 mi) trails, with over 40 km (25 mi) groomed during winter
  • Average annual snowfall: variable
  • Operating season: December to March

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