Perfect terrain for winter lovers

With its soaring mountains and majestic cliffs, far from the other crowded destinations in North America, Northern British Columbia offers an unlimited winter playground. You can be as active as you want to be – heli, cross-country, or downhill ski, ride a board, or cruise through the countryside on your snowmobile.

Winters here are snowy, with ski hills opening in November and normally closing in April. And from corner to corner of the region, a variety of incredible outdoor activities are available. From the extreme winter challenges, perhaps a three-day snowmobile adventure into the backcountry, to the more sublime like a snowshoe trek across a mountain lake, the possibilities are endless.

Skiing a Winter Wonderland

One sure thing about Northern British Columbia is snow.

Whether a tourist is ready for an exhilarating run on our fabulous slopes or a leisurely glide across a frozen lake, the adventure possibilities are limitless.

Shames Mountain, near Terrace, receives the most accumulated snow of any North American ski hill - an average of 723 inches per year, so it’s a natural for downhill skiers, and boarders. Located in the Coast Mountains, this is breathtaking backcountry, and about as far away as anyone can get from the rest of the world.

Shames Mountain is located in the Shames Valley, 35 kilometres west of Terrace,137 kilometres east of Prince Rupert.

The village of Smithers could easily be mistaken for a quaint Alpine village. Specialty shops, restaurants and boutiques line the main streets, all framed by the majestic Hudson Bay Mountain. Smithers is known as a town for all seasons, with long, sunny summer days and winters packed with snow. With more than 300 acres of ski and board-worthy terrain, as well as world-class scenery, Smithers is an ideal winter destination.

Tabor Mountain Ski Resort, located east of Prince George on Highway 16 is a year-round operation with runs designed to challenge snowboarders and skiers during the winter, and hikers during the summer.

Soaring new heights - Heli-skiing

The beautiful Robson Valley also provides access to some of the region’s best heli-ski opportunities. Increasing in popularity every year, the extreme skiing, heli-ski tour packages offered here allow visitors to explore untouched snow runs, in a wildly beautiful place. The community of McBride is an ideal gateway to some of the best heli-ski adventures.

Something really different

In Northern B.C. virtually any winter dream can come true. Terracana Ranch Resort, located east of McBride on Highway 16, the Yellowhead, offers several winter activity adventures, including dogsled rides down snow-covered trails.

Many communities in the region feature sleigh rides during the winter months, bringing workhorses into service as they pull riders into snow-covered forests. It’s the perfect way to spend a day with the family, topped off by the perfect cold weather solution, a steaming cup of hot chocolate.

Set hearts and engines racing

Snowmobiling in Northern B.C. is simply the best. Nowhere else on earth can riders find thousands of acres of unspoiled trails, both challenging and leisurely in design. Mackenzie’s Morfee Mountain is known for deep, deep powder snow, perfect for the learning beginner or the experienced snowmobiler. With trails nearing 5,500 feet, this area offers a maximum experience to snowmobile enthusiasts.