Cross Country Skiing
Nordic Skiing
It’s perfectly fitting that Wells Gray Park in Canada’s Great White North offers some of BC’s finest Nordic Skiing. We know snow, after-all – we get between three and four metres of fine white powder each year! Explore more than 100 kilometres of groomed and tracked trails, or create your own path in our untracked backcountry and conquer winter in true Canadian style.
Kick turn, side step, or telemark your way through Wells Gray’s snow covered valleys. Drink in pure alpine air, gliding dazzling trails under a bright winter sun. Breathe in the Christmassy-scent of the winter forest and wonder what animals left tracks in your path and how long ago. The only sound you’ll hear is the swish of your skis – just like you imagined.
Meadow, Mountain & Lake Loops
Ski four different trail systems in the Park. Candle Creek Trails – a 25-kilometre track-set trail, perfect for all levels. The 30-kilometre Murtle River Trail that winds along the river to the Majerus Homestead and beyond. Green Mountain’s 18-kilometre trail features far-reaching scenes of Clearwater Lake, Whitehorse Bluffs and the mists of Helmcken Falls.
Wax up your skis before heading out on the Clearwater Valley Road Trail. The 24-kilometre trail winds its way from just north of Helmcken Falls to Clearwater Lake and a cozy cabin on its shores overlooking Osprey Falls. Ski out for the day, or make plans in advance for an overnight stay in the secluded wilderness cabin.
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Hut-to-Hut Skiing
Gear up for an adventure that’s inaccessible to most – ski touring the Park’s backcountry on a guided hut-to-hut adventure. Arrive in the legendary Trophy Mountains in pure backcountry style atop a Snowcat. Strap on your skis and take off, carving your signature into champagne powder on untouched slopes.
Marvel at how the trees disappear up here at 7,000 ft. Your guide leads the way to your overnight chalet through a snow-filled wonderland you could only dream of. Put in for the night in a fully catered alpine lodge. Cozy, comfortable, and rustic, it’s a welcome retreat after a full day of skiing. Relive your exhilarating adventures with fellow backcountry adventurers over dinner at your lodge. Refuel for the full week of alpine adventure that’s waiting for you.
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When to Go
- Backcountry skiing season usually runs from December to April
- Cross-country skiing season runs between December and March
- Alpine skiing is variable year to year, depending on the snow pack. Check the Clearwater Ski Hill for the latest alpine conditions
Need to Know
- Warm, waterproof clothing is essential for all skiing expeditions
- Goggles and helmets are recommended, as is sunblock
- Ski rentals are available at the Clearwater Ski Hill
- Intermediate-to-advance ability is required for hut-to-hut skiing
- Local outfitters also offer learn-to-backcountry-ski clinics
- • Cabin rentals are available for advanced backcountry skiers for touring on their own
Top 10 Reasons to Ski Wells Gray
- Legendary BC powder, need we say more?
- Over 100 kilometres of groomed and tracked trails – a different course each day!
- To experience the magnificence of Clearwater Lake in the winter
- To challenge yourself skiing hut-to-hut
- To savour the serenity found above the tree line in the Trophies (map)
- To learn how to ski the backcountry in single day clinics
- To witness wildlife in the wild
- To ski un-crowded alpine, daytime or night
- • To see Helmcken Falls transformed into a giant ice cone
- • To enjoy incredible views, wide-open spaces and the majesty of winter
