Squamish is a bona fide Nordic skiing destination, with 230cm/90in of precipitation falling on average in the surrounding Coast Mountains. The municipality is also an affordable jumping-off point for cross-country skiing adventures in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Between November and April, strap on the planks and enjoy fresh snow both at the nearby Whistler Olympic Park and at local provincial parks.
Whistler Olympic Park
The Callaghan Valley, located 50km/30mi north of Squamish, is just a 30-minute drive away, and this is the home of the Whistler Olympic Park, the venue for 2010 Winter Games cross-country skiing, as well as ski jumping. The Whistler Olympic Park has 55km/34mi of groomed trails to explore, ranging from beginner- to expert-level terrain, and 5km/3mi of that total is lighted at night. The Pooched Loop trail allows dogs. Watch for fabulous views of Callaghan Lake and the Black Tusk volcanic peak.
Hook up trail tickets, cross-country ski rentals, lessons, and food at the Day Lodge. Snowshoeing equipment and trails are available here too.
There's an additional 42 km/26mi of cross-country trails in the adjoining Callaghan Country trail system, so everyone from solo athletes to family groups can ski here for hours amid soaring mountains and spruce, fir and pine trees.
For fans of Nordic sports, the Whistler Olympic Park is also a major venue for World Cup cross-country skiing events. Check the events calendar on the Whistler Olympic Park web site and come out to cheer on world-class skiers.
To get to the Whistler Olympic Park, turn left on the Callaghan Valley access road 40km/25mi from the last set of traffic lights at Garibaldi Way in Squamish. Check with Tourism Squamish at the Squamish Adventure Centre (38551 Loggers Lane) about Nordic packages.
More Cross-Country Skiing Options
Backcountry skiing is another exciting option in the Diamond Head area of Garibaldi Provincial Park. There are several huts, including the Elfin Lakes hut and the Red Lakes hut. Some popular backcountry skiing areas include the Garibaldi Neve and Paul Ridge. Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, 47km/29mi north of Squamish off Highway 99, offers more adventures. Ski over the bridge at Brandywine Creek or follow the trail that leads to the observation deck at Brandywine Falls.
For more information about best places to cross-country ski in Squamish, stop in at the Visitor Centre, found within Squamish’s Adventure Centre (38551 Loggers Lane) off Highway 99, or visit the Tourism Squamish web site.