The Thompson Okanagan is one of BC's major cross-country skiing destinations, thanks to a long skiing season, fantastic conditions and plethora of Nordic areas and trips.
Hundreds of kilometres/miles of trails wind through snow-laden forests and past frozen lakes, and are complemented by dry champagne powder, bluebird skies and cool temperatures.
Popular Cross-Country Skiing Areas
Sovereign Lake’s 50km/31mi of manicured trails beckon everyone from Olympic skiers to beginners. Find scenic loops and easy, flat sections or skill-testing hills and racing runs. Sovereign Lake's trails are connected to cross-country routes at nearby Silver Star Resort, which creates an overall trail system that totals more than 110km/68mi. An on-site day lodge, accommodation, ski school and equipment rentals are available.
The Stake Lake Nordic Centre (Kamloops), Kelowna Nordic Ski Club, Telemark Trail System (Kelowna), Larch Hills Nordic Society (Salmon Arm), Logan Lake Trails, and Kane Valley trails (near Merritt) are other extensive and popular networks groomed for classic and skate skiing, with day lodges and warming huts for breaks. Stay overnight in Cec’s cabin at Larch Hills and wake up to fresh snow on the trails, or visit a guest ranch near Merritt for a mix of winter activities.
Cross-Country Skiing at Ski Resorts
Silver Star Resort has been touted by ski magazines and Olympic Nordic athletes as one of the best cross-country skiing destinations in North America. Glide along immaculate track-set and lit trails and revel in the scenic views. Take advantage of the ski-in, ski-out resort – head straight from the trails to dinner.
At Sun Peaks Resort (near Kamloops), admire the spectacular winter setting over 53km/32mi of lift-accessed cross-country trails. Share the tracks with wildlife – trails are aptly named “Moose Track,” “Stellar Jay Loop,” and “Lynx Trail” among others. Warm up in the McGillivray Lake outpost.
Other ski resorts with cross-country trails include Big White and the Mt. Baldy ski area near Oliver. While Apex Mountain Resort doesn't maintain its own trails, the nearby Nickel Plate Nordic Centre has 56km/35mi of groomed Nordic routes.
Cross-Country Skiing in Wells Gray Park
Groomed trails in Wells Gray Provincial Park near Clearwater allow skiers to explore some of the 540,000ha/1.3million ac of wilderness terrain. Stay at the chalet-style Helmcken Falls Lodge and ski to its namesake waterfall (in winter, this can transform into a massive ice cone), or have a team of huskies lead the way – dog-sledding is available nearby, along with snowshoeing.
Races and Events
Check with local ski clubs for dates of loppets, as well as non-competitive events, such as Moonlight Skiing.
Practical Points
- Cross-country ski season can begin as early as November and as late as April.
- Trail user fees are common for groomed trail networks. Check with Visitor Centres and local ski clubs for trail maps and information.
- Tours, lessons and equipment rentals are available at many of the larger cross-country ski areas and at some lodges.
- Access to routes may require four-wheel drive and tire chains.
- Be familiar with local weather forecasts and always bring proper equipment. More safety information can be found on the backcountry skiing page.
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