XC Skiing

There are two possible starting areas for the cross country ski trails.

1. The East Cross Country Trail Head is the preferred starting area. It is adjacent to Highway 20 about 5 km East of the East Branch parking lot where the Old Highway comes out to Hwy 20 (52o 32.60’N, 125o 45.37’W). A parking lot is available (if it is not ploughed you can park along the roadside where it has been the practice to park facing West (in the direction heading to Bella Coola) to avoid congestion). Here, on the North side of the Highway you will find the eastern end of the Old Highway Trail (7), a short distance up the Old Highway Trail are outhouse facilities and the East junction of the Pedersen Trail (8). On the South side of the Highway are the Meadow Loop Trails.

2. East Branch Parking lot (52o 32.07’N, 125o 48.75’W). From here you can ski the 7 km Old Highway Trail, or take the 5 km Pedersen Trail from the parking lot.

Depending on your abilities here are some suggested routes:

1. The Meadow Loop trails (1-6) — Good for all levels of skiers and probably the best choice for novice or beginner skiers. The best place to start is at the Meadow Loop Cross Country Trail Head. It is preferable to travel in a clockwise direction so that you are going up hill on some of the steeper hills. The Jackrabbit (1) (has a hill), Karl’s (2) and Lyle’s (3) (flat) are all relatively short loops (1-3km) that end up back at the XC day-use cabin/start area. For a longer ski, the Ptarmigan (5) and Lynx (6) trails also begin at the cabin, and continue in a Westerly direction to make 6 and 12 km loops respectively.  These trails have some wooded sections with a few steeper hills but for the most part are relatively flat, open and very pretty.

2. The Pedersen and Old Highway Trails (7,8) — These two trails form a 12 km loop. It is recommended that you travel in a clock wise direction so that you are going up hill at the Western Portion of Pedersen Trail (8) where there are steeper hills. The Old Highway Trail (7) is sometimes groomed for skate skiing as well as the classic nordic track. The Old Highway (7) may be the only trail groomed during low snow conditions and in the early season.

We ask that you join the Tweedsmuir Ski Club to ski on the trails.

All the trails are maintained and groomed by volunteers; please enjoy and respect this beautiful area. And leave your dogs at home, dogs damage the ski track.

Come out to the annual fundraiser and Cross Country Distance Challenge!