Great
Places to Put on Your Cross-Country Skis
by Judi Lees
British
Columbia’s diverse terrain is a Mecca for cross-country buffs. The
diagonal slide across just-fallen snow offers scenic splendours and a
great work out. Cross-country -- or Nordic skiing -- can be a gentle
glide or strenuous race on set tracks, a tour into untouched
backcountry or a thrilling down hill. Here’s a selection -- a few of
the many places -- where you are guaranteed a great time on your skis.
Vancouver Coast and Mountains
For a close-to-city cross-country experience,
Vancouverites head up Cypress or
Mount Seymour.
Cypress Mountain’s Hollyburn Ridge is impressive. With more
than 19 kilometres (12 miles) of groomed tracks – seven kilometres
(4.5 miles) are lit for a magical night glide – plus lessons, rentals
and multi-day clinics, there is something for everybody. The old and
still charming Hollyburn Lodge offers a great drop-in spot.
Lower
mainland cross-country skiers know to head east to
Manning Park for excellent snow conditions. Easily reached
along Highway 3 (Crowsnest Highway), this 68,000-hectare (168,000
acre) wilderness park offers more than 100 kilometres (62.5 miles) of
ungroomed trails suitable for every level of Nordic skier. Those with
the yen and the experience to explore the backcountry can set out for
an excursion to Cambie Creek. Day skiers can do circuits on Strawberry
Flats and rest in the warming hut. Quaint and charming, Manning Park
Lodge is ideal for a family stay.
Vancouver Island
Imagine skiing among towering old growth timbers and
along the shores of three lakes.
Mount Washington Alpine Resort’s Lake Trail is one of the
Vancouver Island resort’s 55 kilometres (34 miles) of Nordic tracks.
You may wish to take advantage of the cross-country ski lessons
offered by the resort. The pleasures of the outdoors are matched by
Raven Lodge, a post and beam Nordic centre with a restaurant, deli,
retail shop plus a rental and demo facility.
Whistler
Mountain
Just five minutes from
Whistler Village, Lost Lake lures Nordic buffs with 30
kilometres (19 miles) of easy trails beside this pretty lake. You
glide by Nicklaus North Golf Course, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and
along wooded trails. It’s a tranquil escape from the bustle of the
downhill crowd. The Lost Lake Warming Hut provides trail passes,
rentals, lessons and maps. A variety of adventure companies can
introduce you to backcountry excursions like the Callaghan Valley
Trail that epitomizes pristine wilderness.
