Beginner and advanced cross-country and Nordic skiers can enjoy urban skiing along groomed trails near town. More experienced, competitive skiers can take advantage of wilderness trails developed outside of the city. A number of competitions and events are held in and around Prince George each year, many organized by the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, which also operates the Otway Nordic Centre.
Groomed Trails Near Town
The Otway Nordic Center (8141 Otway Rd) is located a few minutes from town. The Otway Centre features 40km/25mi of groomed trails and 5km/3.1mi of lit night trails. There are 20 trails at Otway Nordic Centre with four beginner, six intermediate, and 10 advanced trails. Trails interconnect, so it is important to watch for signs and follow the trail map. The Otway system also has competition rated trails and a biathlon range. The Greenway trail is a 3.7m/12ft wide, approximately 25km/mi long trail connecting the Otway trail system to UNBC, Forests for the World, and the Blue Spruce Campground.
Facilities and amenities at the Otway Nordic Centre include parking, the Rotary Nordic Lodge, and a ski rental shop. Visitors can rent skis for a half or full day rate, and also purchase a day pass for the trail system.
Dogs are not allowed on the Otway cross-country ski trails in winter or summer. However, a unique opportunity awaits dog owners on the 'Dog On It' Trail, separate from the Otway trails, where dogs and owners are permitted to go.
Cross-Country Skiing Out of Town
The Caledonia Cross-Country Ski Club maintains Crooked River Provincial Park road loops in the winter, with tracks set for skating and classic cross-country skiing. Cross-country skiers can head out on trails that are not track set at Tabor Mountain, an approximately 30-minutes drive from Prince George on Highway 16. Ungroomed trails, with no tracks set, are located in a number of other nearby provincial parks, such as Eskers, Giscome, West Lake and Fort George Canyon, where there is cross-country skiing in the winter.