DAY TRIP GUIDE
ALWAYS CONFIRM TIMES AND PLACES WITH THE CO-ORDINATOR/NEWLETTER UPDATES
While all destinations are not offered each year, use this handy guide to cement your decision to `get out there!` All destinations offer excellent classic skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing. All areas have rental equipment available (at time of printing)! There is something for all levels in all weather. Pick-up points are listed below the descriptions.
Callaghan Valley/Whistler
A venue for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, this area opened in 2007. Experience 35 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails. Surrounded by stunning views and pristine old-growth forest, the trails let you ski through the Olympic and Paralympic biathlon and cross-country stadiums, and beneath the huge ski jumps. www.whistler.com/activities/nordic-skiing/whistler-olympic-park/
Manning Park
Manning Park offers over 35 km of beautiful machine-groomed cross country trails as well as skate ski trails. The bus drops us off at Strawberry Flats, stays for lunch, and does the return trip from Lightning Lakes. http://www.manningpark.com/
Stake Lake
This popular ski area is located 25 minutes south of Kamloops on Lac Le Jeune Road and features 45 km (28 mi) of well-groomed classic and skating tracks, some with shelters and outhouses. There are trails for all abilities and a heated day lodge. http://www.overlanderskiclub.com
Whistler/Lost Lake
Lost Lake Park is a short walk from all locations in Whistler Village. There are 30 Km of groomed trails which are suitable for novice right through to expert skiers. Lost Lake PassivHaus (Lodge) and warming hut are situated at the trailhead, which are surrounded with incredible views of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains. http://www.crosscountryconnection.ca
MULTI-DAY TRIP GUIDE
Here is where you will find details of multi-day destinations, as well as the hotel information.
- The abbreviations indicate the suitability for cross country (XC), downhill / alpine skiing (ALP), and showshoeing (SS).
- Rental equipment is almost always available to early birds.
SILERSTAR (SOVEREIGN LAKE) XS, ALP, SS
With over 55 km of trails at SilverStar and another 50 km at Sovereign Lake, this trip offers a diversity of Nordic trails that vary in difficulty from green to blue to black. There are warming huts located long both the trails at SilverStar and Sovereign Lake.
You can ski either sets of trails or you can purchase a dual area cross-country pass that provides one gondola ride to the top of SilverStar downhill area. From there, you can decide to explore SilverStar trails or cruise down Lars Taylor Way to the Sovereign Lake trails.
There are snowshoe trails at both SilverStar and Sovereign Lake. Downhill skiing is also an option. Our accommodation is off the mountain in Vernon at Prestige Vernon Lodge which offers free wifi, coffee makers, mini fridges, a pool and gym. There are many restaurants located close to the hotel.
Hotel:
Prestige Vernon Lodge 3914 32nd Street. Vernon
1 250-545-3385
SUN PEAKS XC, ALP, SS
With 28 kilometres of track-set cross country trails and another 12 kilometers of un-groomed “backcountry” trails, Sun Peaks offers a diversity of nordic trails suitable for every level of skier. Included with the nordic pass is lift access on the Mt. Morrisey Express, which makes for a great tour from the top of Mt. Morrisey all the way down to the McGillivray Lake warming hut. Two great days of ski in/ski out to enjoy. Accommodations have kitchenettes. Great restaurants if you don’t want to cook! Something for everyone.
Hotel:
Cahilty Hotel Suites – on the mountain (1-250-578-7454)
Snow report (and interactive trail maps): http://www.sunpeaksresort.com/