Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-Country skiing (Dave Heath photo)
Smithers has nearly 45km/28mi of trails for classic and skate skiiing that are meticulously groomed by the Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre.
Over the years, the trail system has been built and maintained, and continues to expand, under the care of volunteers from the popular Bulkley Valley Cross Country Ski Club, which runs the Centre.
The BV Nordic Centre trails circle through rich spruce and pine forest only a 10-minute drive from downtown. The main facilities – a two-storey heated lodge and waxing hut – are located eight kilometers from town, up Hudson Bay Mountain Road. A highly visible sign marks the turnoff and skiers can park in a lower lot or upper lot, depending on which trails they plan to ski.
Smithers' Bulkley Valley Nordic Centre has more members per capita than any other club of its kind in BC. Almost 700 Smithers residents – more than 11% of the town's total population – are members, indicating the popularity of the sport and the quality of the trails and snow conditions in the area.
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Bulkley Valley Nordic Ski Trails
The BV trails are divided into three sections. The Pine Creek Trails are best for novices; Pooch Paradise is dog-friendly; and the Chris Dahlie Trails offer a full range including more technical, expert terrain. The Dahlie trails also include 5.5km/3.4mi of lit trails, which go dark at 9:30pm. Toilets and emergency kits are placed strategically along the routes.
Though four-wheel drive is not required for Hudson Bay Mountain Road, it is recommended as the road can be slippery.
Getting to the Trails
To ski the BV Nordic Centre trails, skiers without a season's pass must purchase a day ticket at the lodge's ticket booth on weekends or at various outdoor shops in town. An easy-to-follow comprehensive trail map is also available at the booth and shops.
Other Smithers Trails and Ski Season
Another 50km/31mi or so of unofficial trails, the Canyon Creek and Tyhee Mountain ski trails, are also good for cross-country skiing but some of the routes are on private land. If the public is allowed to ski on these trails, staff at the local outdoor stores will know and can direct visitors there.
Smithers' nordic ski season usually lasts from mid-November to mid-April. Conditions are generally agreeable due to Smithers central location between the damp coast and dry interior.
For more information on cross-country skiing stop by the Smithers Visitor Centre.
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