If there's one thing you can expect of winter in Northern British Columbia, it's snow. It falls thick and fast here creating superlative cross-country skiing conditions, a sport much beloved and vigorously pursued in this region. There are both groomed and backcountry trails in the vicinity of the region's major cities and towns, including Prince George, Mackenzie, Smithers, Kitimat and Terrace, leading to some remarkable ski journeys.
Highlights:
Prince George: Northern BC's largest city is close by three cross-country areas.
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Mackenzie: Access first-rate trails just minutes from downtown.
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Smithers: Choose from over 100 km (62.4 mi) of trails in this town's vicinity.
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Terrace/Kitimat: Picturesque trails wind around three lakes.
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Prince George
Prince George, often referred to as "Northern BC's capital city," is also the region's capital for outdoor adventures. Each winter, the snow falls fast and furious, creating outstanding conditions for cross-country skiing. There are three areas of note. The Otway Nordic Centre maintains 30 km (18.6 mi) of classic and skate trails, some of which are lit for night skiing. There is also a biathlon range there. The Greenway Trail connect the Otway Ski Centre with the Blue Spruce Campground, passing through Forests for the World and the University of Northern BC en route. The ski club also maintains about 15 km (9.3 mi) of backcountry trails with warming huts at Tabor Mountain.
The Otway Nordic Centre is a 7-km (4.3 mi) drive west from Prince George. Tabor Mountain is a 12.3-km (7.6 mi) drive east from the city.
Attributes:
- Trails: 60.7 km (37.7 mi) of trails
- Average annual snowfall: varies
- Operating season: late November to mid April
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Mackenzie
Cradled by the Omineca Mountains to the west and the Rocky Mountains to the east, Mackenzie is located within a trench of the Rockies - an ideal situation for cross-country skiing. Indeed, during the winter, Mackenzie experiences copious amounts of snowfall, with one result being first-rate trails just minutes from downtown, yet still located in pristine, wilderness surroundings. The Mackenzie Nordique Cross Country Ski Club maintains 30 km (18.6 mi) of groomed trails, with 2.5 km (1.6 mi) lit for night skiing. There are a further 10-km (6.2 mi) of groomed trails for skiers of every ability at the John Dahl Regional Park.
Mackenzie Nordique Cross Country Ski Club is a 1-km (0.6-mi) drive south of Mackenzie; John Dahl Regional Park is situated in the town.
Attributes:
- Trails: 40-km (25 mi) of groomed trails
- Average annual snowfall: varies
- Operating season: mid November to late March
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Smithers
Set in the Bulkley Valley against the backdrop of Hudson Bay Mountain to the west and the Babine Mountains to the east, Smithers is situated close by superb cross-country areas. In Babine Mountain Provincial Park, rolling alpine plateaus, rugged mountains and lots of snow provide ski-touring opportunities for all levels. Bulkely Valley Nordic Cross Country Centre maintains 45 km (28 mi) of machine-groomed trails set with a double classic track and middle skate lane. There are also 5 km (3 mi) of lit track for night skiing on the mid slopes of Hudson Bay Mountain. Or head to Howson Hut, located just 4 km (2.5 miles) along a groomed trail, and the site of two well-equipped log cabins and a sauna overlooking Mclean Lake. Guide services are available to explore the 330 km of groomed trails here.
Babine Provincial Park is a 3-km (1.8-mi) to 6-km (3.7-mi) drive from downtown Smithers, depending on the access entrance. Bulkley Valley Nordic Cross Country Centre is situated on Hudson Bay Mountain, a 9-km (5.6-mi) drive from the town. Howson Hut, on the shores of McDowell Lake, is a 16-km (10-mi) drive from Smithers.
Attributes
Terrace/Kitimat
Cross-country ski aficionados in Terrace or Kitimat sing the praises of the Onion Lake Ski Trails, situated between the two cities in a snow belt (which helps to ensure ideal conditions). The trails wind picturesquely around three lakes against the majestic backdrop of the Coast Mountains. There are two warming huts along the trails, one of which can be booked for overnight trips. These trails are maintained by volunteers. Cross-country events held at the Onion Lake Ski Trails include the Alcan Snow Valley Marathon and the Snow Valley Open
The Onion Lake Ski Trails are situated between Kitimat and Terrace along Highway 37.
Attributes:
- Trails: 25 km (15.5 mi) of trails; 5 km (3.1 mi) lit for night skiing
- Length of trails: 0.8 km (0.5 mi) to 13.5 km (8.4 mi)
- Average annual snowfall: varies
- Operating season: late November to mid April
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