Cross Country SkiingCanada's NEWEST Nordic Destination

The scenic alpine terrain around Squamish makes for great cross-country skiing. The mountains surrounding Squamish get an average of 2,300 mm (90 in) of precipitation annually, which means a generous amount of snow accumulates in the winter months.

If there's fresh snow, stop at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park for some ungroomed, cross-country trekking. You'll have to cut your own track in to Swim Lake from the parking lot but the rewards are worth it. Follow the trail markers intended for summer hikers. This isn't a long trek, about 2 miles (3 km) return. Crossing the bridge over Brandywine Creek is an adventure in itself, especially if the snowpack is so deep that you ski at the same height as the top railing. Pause in the shelter of a cedar grove at lakeside to admire the Black Tusk, gone white with snow. From there, retrace your tracks to Brandywine Creek and head along the trail to the falls. Cross the BC Rail tracks and ski a short distance to the observation platform beside Brandywine Falls. In winter, the sound of Brandywine Creek tumbling onto the exposed boulders below is remarkably similar to that of a jet streaking high in the sky above. All this glory, and you may even have the place to yourself.

New for the 2008 season is a Nordic development in the Callaghan Valley called the Whistler Olympic Park. This venue is the site of the Nordic and Biathalon events for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games. Located just 50 kilometers (30 minutes) north of Squamish and 18 kilometers south of Whistler (15 minutes), visitors can expect breathtaking views of the Callaghan Valley, Callaghan Lake and Black Tusk. The Park boasts 35km of expertly groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, ranging from beginner (green) to Expert (black) ‘Olympic’ caliber, as well as 5 km of lighted trails, snowshoeing, and a cozy lodge to grab a light snack or a quick lunch. For those wanting to explore more of the area, the connected Callaghan Country trail system offers 42 km of groomed skiing, bringing the total to 77 km of groomed trails in the Callaghan Valley. Trail tickets, cross country, skate and snowshoe rentals as well as lessons are available at the Day Lodge.
Hours of Operation are:
8am-4pm Saturday to Monday
8am-8pm Tuesday to Friday

Within the Nordic Centre you will find:

Callaghan Nordic Centre