Join the Troll ski family, three generations plus deep

For the Van Vugts, Troll’s white carpet has been the foundation for three generations of skiers literally growing up on its slopes. Through our #skinorthBC efforts over the years, I have experienced their signature reception myself many times, and for Grandpa Van Vugt and his multi-generational family, it’s what keeps them coming back. 

“The amazing Hildur hug! A greeting that infuses you with the wonder of snow and for skiing," he says. "No other hill feels like Troll.”

Mike Van Vugt is referring to Hildur Sinclair, whose dad Lars Fossberg—with limited resources—literally carved out their family’s existence in these woods and built one of Canada’s most character-filled ski destinations. Through Fossberg's legacy, Troll has grown into a family mountain for families across BC’s north, and a place where any visitor will feel like family after just one visit.

“A healthy society is built on healthy families,” explains Mike. “Troll provides a setting where families can grow closer and become even healthier in the Cariboo Mountains.” 

As a child, Mike was raised in Quebec and had the privilege of living very close to a family-operated ski hill. After a few years exploring the slopes of BC, he and his wife landed in Quesnel back in 1992. 

Find your way to Troll this winter

“I’m so thankful to have settled down near a very personable, family-friendly resort, where my nine kids have shared similar experiences of my childhood.” 

Troll’s Progression of Colours 

You might think green, blue and black diamond when we talk progression of colours on the slopes, but around here its yellow, red and silver that mark progress. The colours mark the move of those new to the slopes from the Yellow T-bar, home to beginners; to the Red T-bar, home to Troll’s terrain park; and one day over to the Silver T, home to acres of weekend white gold.

“My favorite run off the silver is the upper half on Wildcat, super fun if you like powder pillows and natural features,” explains Mike. 

The Van Vugt’s commitment to Troll Mountain Resort, and the thriving number of other families who’ve shared this progression of colours with their kids means Troll needs to expand. Watch for a whole new mountain of terrain likely opening up in the 2024/25 season, adding 20 new runs and 420 meters of vertical via the addition of a new T-bar up Pine Grove Mountain.

At whichever t-bar you end up, when it’s time to rest and refuel, Troll has a fresh baked cinnamon bun or a lunch spot around a crackling fire inside and outdoor open fire pits for après. 

And to top it off, Mike adds, “The drive back to Quesnel is straight west so your head back into the sunset, ending each adventure in a special way." 

When you go 

Stay  to make it easy to score the Troll experience, the team has partnered with a collection of Quesnel and surrounding area hotels for ski & stay packages.

Events  at Troll, events bring the community together. Check out what's coming up!

Mar 2  Tele-Fest: not just for freeheelers, this is Troll's annual celebration of the season

Mar 2-3  10th annual Mount Everest Challenge: complete 20 runs on select runs to ski the equivalent of Everest

Mar 9  Denim Day: Troll is gunning to achieve a Guinness World Record for most denim-clad shredders at once!

Spring Break: Troll will be open Mar 16-24 and Mar 30-31 for spring break fun.

Find more details on the Troll Resort website.