Smithers is a mountain town through and through. Locals refer to their local ski hill, Hudson Bay Mountain, simply as 'The Mountain' because it is such a large part of their lives and the town's culture.
Hudson Bay Mountain Skiing
Having recently changed its name from Ski & Ride Smithers, Hudson Bay Mountain boasts a variety of terrain covering 300 acres. Most of the runs are intermediate but there's plenty for novices and advanced snowboarders and skiers too. Snow conditions are usually consistently dry and the hill is never too busy to get first tracks on a powder day.
Currently, the mountain features two lodges (one with a restaurant and lounge), rentals and lessons, a terrain park, one chairlift, two T-bars, and a handle tow. Fifty-five percent of the runs are intermediate; the rest are split between advanced and beginner.
Expansion at The Mountain
Hudson Bay is in the middle of a major expansion under its new owners. Plans include new equipment, lift improvements, lodge renovations, an increased number of runs, brushing which allows the mountain to open with less snowfall, and residential development on the hill.
How to Get There
The base of Hudson Bay Mountain is a 15-minute drive from downtown. Hudson Bay Mountain Road connects to the train tracks on the east side of the Town of Smithers. Four wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles are recommended though not always necessary depending on the snow conditions. A shuttle also drives skiers from town.
Hudson Bay Mountain is open every day, usually from the start of December to mid-April. Average snow depth is 135-180 cm while average temperature is -5°C.
Every year, the hill hosts several festivals and races. 'Schnai Days', which happens every year on closing weekend celebrate the end of season, attracting residents from other Northwest BC towns for the festivities.
Heli-Skiing and Tours
Self-guided backcountry enthusiasts also have a ton of options in Smithers for day or multi-day trips on Hudson Bay Mountain and in the Babine Mountains Provincial Park. Backcountry guides are available for hire in town or visitors can fly to the luxurious Burnie Mountain Chalet, a beautiful lodge in the remote wilderness where visitors can stay, ski and learn backcountry techniques. Heli-Skiing is also available in Smithers.
In Smithers, backcountry riders can usually stretch their winter season from November to June. For more information on where to go, travellers can talk to staff in the local outdoor shops.