Wells Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing, Tourism BC/Dave Heath photo
The locals in Wells take cross-country skiing very seriously. The ability to commute via the quiet roads of this mountain town explains some of the community's allure. Cruise down the streets on any given winter day and see a set of skis (or two) jammed in the snow bank near a front porch or shop entrance. But cross-country skiing here is not just about getting to work.
Highlight Cross-Country Spots
Wells offers a range of cross-country skiing opportunities, mostly on backcountry (ungroomed) trails. However, Cornish Mountain has some groomed tracks along its 25km/15mi of trails that aren't open to motorized vehicles.
Wildlife watching is also an option while skiing. Moose, ptarmigan and wintering swans may be seen on the broad wetlands that the network of trails traverse, before the slopes climb surrounding mountains and open to present spectacular views.
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Mt. Agnes and Mt. Murray are also popular backcountry ski areas. Both are easily accessible for day trips from Wells. The Cariboo Ski Touring Club, based out of Quesnel, operates several backcountry huts in the Mt. Murray ski area.
Ski Historic Trails
The most memorable cross-country skiing expeditions near Wells take in some of the area's history. The Cariboo Wagon Road through Barkerville to the ghost town of Richfield offers the unique experience of swishing through a silent heritage town past towering snow banks. One would be forgiven if he or she imagined that the shot of a tree splitting from the cold was actually the sound of the infamous local Judge Begbie's gavel or the echo of a gun, shot as exuberant miners found yet another nugget of gold.
Tours and Events
One local guiding company, Whitegold Adventures, offers the unforgettable experience of skiing part or all of Bowron Lake Provincial Park's chain of lakes. Package tours are available and combine participation in the Gold Rush Trail "Sled Dog Mail Run" with a shorter trip on the Bowron Lake chain.
Serious ski trekkers are invited to participate in the Cariboo Jack, a non-competitive cross-country ski event held in February in Wells. The ski trail follows the course of the historic Cariboo Wagon Road from Barkerville to Stanley, a distance of approximately 25km/15mi. This new annual event commemorates the gold rush history that brought British Columbia into Confederation more than 150 years ago.
Safety tips
- Always leave information about the area being skied, planned departure and return times with someone in town (eg. hotel front desk).
- Skiers should not ski alone into the backcountry.
- Avalanche hazards do exist in the mountains, so hazard assessment and route selection skills are often recommended. Backcountry skiers should be equipped with avalanche beacons, shovels, and probes – and be trained in their use.
- Many of the trails in the region are used by motorized vehicles as well as cross-country skiers. Use of trails is at visitors' own risk – so take care.
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