Kelowna Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing, Tourism BC/Dave Heath photo
The famous champagne powder that covers the Thompson Okanagan is just as appealing to free-heelers as it is to sliders and riders. Early snow and excellent conditions get the season off to a quick start. Trails are usually clear of valley cloud – sunny and bright – and winter temperatures average a moderate -5˚C/23˚F.
Excellent groomed trails and beautiful scenery make cross-country skiing in Kelowna a memorable experience for all skill levels. Track skiers, skate skiers, Nordic and telemark enthusiasts can glide through the forest, tackle challenging climbs, or descend over steep terrain.
With two venues southeast of Kelowna and another in West Kelowna, more than 140km/87mi trails provide endlessly varied cross-country ski terrain. (All three venues also offer snowshoeing.)
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Nordic Cross-Country Ski Club
The Nordic Cross-Country Ski Club offers a challenge for all levels of experience, with of 67.6km/42mi of groomed trails: 12.4km/7.7mi beginner, 24.9km/15.5mi intermediate, 25.5 km/15.8mi advanced, and 4.8km/3mi single track. Ski long or short loops through the forest, and warm up at the Log Cabin or Meadow Cabin. Work hard to reach the summit, which lies at an elevation of 1420m/4659ft. The Nordic Cross-Country Ski Club is located adjacent to the Kettle Valley Railway (KVR) Trail/Trans-Canada Trail near Hydraulic (McCulloch) Lake, 38km/23.6mi southeast of Kelowna off Highway 33.
Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort maintains 25km/15.5mi of Nordic ski trails, beginning in Happy Valley at the foot of the alpine runs. Weaving through the snowy forest, options include both wilderness and single track trails ranging from gentle green glides to challenging black runs that should only be tackled by advanced skiers. Lessons are available through the Big White Ski & Snowboard School. Big White is 56km/35mi southeast of Kelowna off Highway 33.
Telemark Cross-Country Ski Club
The Telemark Cross-Country Ski Club grooms 50km/31mi of trails for both classic and skate skiing with 5km/3mi lit for night skiing. Ski from the chalet (at a 1000m/3281ft elevation) through a variety of forest glade loops, or challenge steep climbs to three different lookout points with views of Okanagan Lake and the valley. The elevation at Summit Lookout is 1220m/4003ft. For beginners lesson are available, and programs begin for kids as young as three years old and include racing and biathlon. Equipment rentals are also available. Telemark is located in West Kelowna, 25km/15.5km from downtown Kelowna.
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