Discover Nordic ski destinations around the region
Cross-country skiing in the Columbia Basin offers a unique opportunity to embrace both physical activity and the natural beauty of the region. From the sound of chickadees in the crisp winter air to the satisfaction of gliding along scenic trails, it is a rewarding way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors.
Recently, we asked our social media community to share their favourite places for cross-country skiing—locations that combine both fitness and enjoyment with beautiful winter settings. The response was overwhelming, highlighting many favourite Nordic ski areas.
Here is what our community had to say:
Beaver Valley Champion Lakes Cross Country Trails
Equally popular in the summer, the trail system at Champion Lakes, just 17 km east of Fruitvale, is a fine place to strap on your Nordic skis. The provincial park features 14 km of maintained trails within its boundaries and another 6 km outside the park.
The Black Jack Ski Club in Rossland is a hub for winter recreation, offering 50 km of groomed trails, three warming cabins, and a biathlon range. Whether skiing the 2.5 km lit trail at night or enjoying the 4 km dog-friendly area, Rossland has something for everyone.
The Castlegar Nordic Ski Club’s Paulson Cross Country Ski Trails, located 32 km up Paulson Pass, offer over 60 km of groomed trails for all skill levels. With elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 metres, the area includes classic ski trails and a 4.5 km dedicated skate trail. The Viking Centre and four warming huts provide perfect rest stops.
Columbia Valley Nordic Ski Trails
The Invermere area boasts nearly 150 km of groomed cross-country ski trails, including the scenic Lake Windermere Whiteway and Lake Lillian Whiteway. Maintained by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club since 2010, these trails have become a beloved winter destination.
Managed by the Golden Nordic Ski Club, Dawn Mountain features 33 km of groomed classic and skate trails just 20 minutes from downtown Golden and under 1 km from Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Amenities include a 1 km dog trail (Dipsy Doodle) and a geothermal-heated log chalet for members and guests.
The Elkford Nordic Ski Club maintains trails at Mountain Meadows Golf Course and Boivin Creek. The golf course offers a dog-friendly figure-8 track and a 2.5 km double track trail, while Boivin Creek’s 7 km trail to Boivin Hut and the 14 km trail to Wildcat Hut provide scenic, rewarding destinations with varying difficulty.
The Fernie region features four areas with groomed for cross-country skiing trails, all within minutes of the town centre. Skiers can explore 40 kms of easy to intermediate trails that can be found at: the Elk Valley Nordic Centre (10 km), Fernie Golf Course (8 km), Fernie Dyke (4 km), the Montane Nordic area (10 km) and Fernie Alpine Resort (9 km).
Located 6.5 km from Kaslo along Highway 31A, this area offers 10 km of trails, including an 8.5 km route to the Bucky Cabin. Dogs are welcome on some designated trails.
Kimberley is a top cross-country skiing destination. With 30 km of groomed trails, a day lodge, and a 3.3 km lit loop for evening skiing, it provides a world-class experience for all skill levels. Some trails are designed for Paralympic athlete training.
Lois Creek Trails in Kimberley
Part of the Kimberley Trail Society is the Lois Creek trail network. Featuring the Tea Spot Loop, a 9.2 km trail, the area is known for abundant wildlife. The trails are dog friendly, but users should be aware that pets must be restrained when near wildfire.
Nelson Nordic Ski Club
In Nelson, enjoy daily cross-country skiing on a 1.5 km lit trail until 11 pm. Starting at the Apex parking lot just 10 minutes south of town, the area includes 30 km of groomed trails for all skill levels, with warming huts and a day lodge for rest breaks.
Nipika Mountain Resort
Offering 50 km of trails for both classic and skate skiing, the Nipika Mountain Resort is a Nordic ski location in the Kootenay National Park, minutes from Radium Hot Springs. Flowing terrain offers majestic mountain views as you glide alongside the Kootenay and Cross Rivers.
One of Canada’s oldest clubs, the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club offers 30 km of groomed trails at Mount Macpherson, just 7 km south of town. Dogs are allowed on designated trails, and 6 km of lit trails are open nightly until 9:30 pm. The Ole Sandberg Cabin, 2.5 km from the parking lot, provides a cozy spot with a wood stove.
The Slocan Valley Rail Trail offers 52 km of cross-country ski trails along the Slocan River, passing nature reserves and local cafes. With seven trailheads, the route features track-set and open corduroy lanes, along with informative signage about local history and wildlife.
South Star Trails in Cranbrook
South of Cranbrook is the South Star trail system. Known as a winter destination, the Nordic ski area is compromised of 60 km of trails. With designated dog friendly trails, and a unique winter equestrian trail, you never know what you might see at South Star.
Sparwood Sunset Ridge Ski Trails
Great for Nordic skiing, the Sunset Ridge area near Sparwood is a kid-friendly 6 km loop with 210 metres of elevation gain. The usually quiet area typically has great ski conditions well into March.
Wensley Creek Cross Country Ski Trails
Located minutes east of Nakusp, Wensley Creek offers 7.4 km of beginner and intermediate trails, maintained by the Arrow Lakes Cross Country Ski Club. The trails lead to scenic viewpoints and a warming hut.
Scenic winter workouts are available 11 km south of Valemount at the Camp Creek trails. Groomed trails offer beginner-friendly loops as well as hilly sections that will get the blood pumping.
The North Slocan Valley in the Hills area has over 20 km of Nordic ski trails in the shadows of the glorious Valhalla Range. Midway between Nakusp and New Denver, the ski area offers three different youth programs.
Share Your Favourite Spots
Know of a great cross-country ski destination we missed? Share it with us at communications@ourtrust.org, and we will add it to the list.
In addition to the hard work of the various volunteer organizations linked above, many of these trail networks are managed by Recreation Sites and Trails BC.
