Glide down a variety of trails at your own pace and explore the beauty of Whistler’s great outdoors on a set of skinny skis. This exciting and accessible sport is good for all ages and abilities and there are lessons and rentals suitable for anyone. The Whistler trail system includes novice trails, scenic lookouts, picnic shelters and heart pumping climbs deep into the coastal forest. Whether it’s Lost Lake in the heart of the village or Callaghan Valley just a short drive south of Whistler, there are plenty of options for the inexperienced and experienced alike. Maybe you’re looking to head out of Whistler for the day too…head north to Pemberton where you can find some great cross country skiing with the most beautiful backdrop of mountains in the much smaller but equally as gorgeous community.
Where to go? I’ve listed some great options in Whistler and Pemberton to get your cross-country fix in.
Whistler
Valley Trail (Alpine)
In the winter, a 3.8 km portion of the Valley Trail from Meadow Park Sports Centre to Rainbow Park is groomed to enable free cross-country skiing. Additional sections of the Valley Trail groomed for multi-use include the section of trail from Fitzsimmons Trail to PassivHaus and from the Riverside Campground dyke at Mons Road along Green Lake at Nicklaus North to Alpine Way. Dogs are permitted but must be on a leash on the Valley Trail.
Lost Lake
Lost Lake is located steps from Whistler Village. Over 32 km of perfectly groomed cross-country tracks run through the picturesque Lost Lake Park, the Chateau Whistler Golf Course, and the Nicklaus North Golf Course. Both beginners as well as experts can find their own routes here. Incidentally, 4 km of tracks are illuminated so that even the night owls can make a few rounds. The cross-country season runs normally from December to March.
Whistler Olympic Park/Callaghan
For skiers of all abilities, Whistler Olympic Park provides access to close to 90 kilometres of well-marked trails from green/easy, blue/intermediate to black/advanced. The Nordic venue of the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Whistler Olympic Park offers snow activities for all ages and abilities. Rentals, lessons, adult, and kids ski camps are available, plus dog-friendly ski and snowshoe trails. The park has a full-service Day Lodge with cafe, retail and rental shop and ski school.
Pemberton
The Nairn Falls Trail
Located just three minutes south of Pemberton is Nairn Falls Provincial Park where the ski trails are located. People and dogs must not walk on the groomed trails at any time.
The Beer Farmers
Located 10km up the Pemberton Meadows. Is there any better option than enjoying a lap around a family-owned farm then heading inside for a tasty beer!? The cross-country skiing track that spans their large farming parcel including trails that run along side the Pemberton Meadows rivers. Please leave your furry friends at home when heading for a ski at Beer Farmers.
The Cranberry Farm
Located 20km up the Pemberton Meadows. Gorgeous setting and perfect place to enjoy a quiet ski.
Also stay tuned for the Spud Valley Loppet race. The Spud Valley Loppet is a 12 km snowmobile groomed track through several private properties in the Pemberton Valley. It is an event made to celebrate nordic skiing and winter activities in the Pemberton & District area. The event usually takes place at the end of February/beginning of March and is open to various age categories.
