Princeton Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing, Tourism BC/Dave Heath photo
The highlands of the Thompson Plateau provide ideal terrain for avalanche-free cross-country skiing just 8.5km/5mi from downtown Princeton at China Ridge. Here trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers thread through mixed forest of pine, fir and spruce to cozy warming cabins and outstanding viewpoints.
Cross-country skiing is also popular on the un-groomed Trans Canada Trail and yet another kind of terrain is easily accessible at Manning Park Resort in Manning Provincial Park, 66.7km/41mi west of Princeton.
China Ridge Trails
Trails for all skill levels reward freeheelers at China Ridge, 8.5km/5mi from Princeton. Classic and skate skiers head out on 30km/18.6mi of groomed trails through forest and across open meadows. For the most part, the terrain is gently undulating with a majority of trails rated green (beginner) and blue (intermediate).
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Backcountry Trails at China Ridge
There are enough black-rated areas to keep advanced skiers challenged and backcountry enthusiasts can venture onto an additional 20km/12.4mi of untracked trails.
Warming Huts & Scenic Views
Elevations at China Ridge range from 1000m/3281ft to 1400m/4593ft. Snow conditions are excellent with lots of dry champagne powder and plenty of sunny days. Pause for a break at the three warming huts and bring a camera to record terrific views of the valley, snowy rangeland and the ragged peaks of the Cascade Mountains.
Snowshoeing at China Ridge
Snowshoeing is also popular at China Ridge and the network includes designated trails where dogs are permitted. Trail maps are available at the Princeton Visitor Centre, 105 Hwy 3 East. Admission is by donation.
Manning Park Resort
Located within Manning Provincial Park, Manning Park Resort offers extensive cross-country skiing facilities against the backdrop of the sharp-peaked Cascade Mountains. Classic and skate skiers glide over 35km/21.7mi of groomed trails mostly designed for beginners and intermediates. Two black diamond trails challenge expert skiers and an additional 190km/118mi of ungroomed backcountry trails wait to be explored.
Manning Park Facilities
Facilities include ski school, equipment rentals and two warming huts. There is a charge for use of groomed trails, but skiing the backcountry is free. Snowshoe rentals are also available and the resort offers eight marked and unmarked snowshoe trails rated from easy to strenuous.
Practical Points
Manning Park is in avalanche terrain. Skiers should not venture into the backcountry without adequate knowledge and equipment.
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