HOW TO: ski north BC to tap northern snow, stoke and soul

Nov 27, 2024

For years, I did like most skiers in Western Canada. Year over year, I spent winter making trips to ski BC resorts from the interior to the coast. I had heard about skiing in northern BC from friends, and I was intrigued by the talk of deep snow and soulful ski scenes. But all too often I found my dance card full.

Then, a couple winters ago, I decided to finally go for it. What I found changed my perspective entirely. Here are my top reasons to go and a primer on how to ski north BC, with tips from locals and a full-on #skinorthbc itinerary you can use to get started now.

Six reasons to #skinorthbc

First of all, why go? Aside from a thirst for adventure, there's at least six good reasons I can think of:

affordable lift tickets (average of $100 or less)
awesome terrain
deep snow
uncrowded resorts
friendly locals
soulful northern ski towns

But don't just take it from me. Dive into the tour here, and meet some of the locals for their tips and recommendations.

How to Ski North BC

Read on to get the tips you need to start planning. Or you can go straight to skinorthbc.com and grab this full epic downhill itinerary now.

Hudson Bay Mountain Resort

Smithers BC

A 20-minute drive up from the town of Smithers you'll find Hudson Bay Mountain at a base elevation of 1142 metres. A total of 44 runs spill out from the four lifts (one chair, two t-bars and a rope handle two), including one run that will take you right back into town for après!

Local tips: Claire Challen (pictured, above left) is a sponsored Rossignol skier and instructor based in Smithers.

"Head right when you get off the chairlift, look for someone who knows where they are going and you’ll be sure to find some secret snow stashes," she advises.

Ski resort info Hudson Bay Mountain Resort

Where to stay Ski & Stay in Smithers

Apres in Smithers places to eat & drink in Smithers

More winter activities in Smithers try fatbiking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing or skating and sleigh rides to round out your trip

For more info check out the Smithers on skinorthbc.com

Murray Ridge Resort

Fort St. James

Check "ski the longest (and fastest) t-bar in North America" off your bucket list at Murray Ridge, where 23 uncrowded runs await you at this community-run resort in the Cariboo Mountains.

Photo: Jeremy Allen

Glades and pow, with friendly local Murary Ridge shredders.

Pro tips: SnowSeekers' own Doc Pow skied the ridge a couple years back and met a host of locals keen to show off their hill. Among the things he uncovered in this Murray Ridge feature were epic glades, lit cross-country trails for night skiing and a national historic site.

Ski resort info Murray Ridge Ski Area

Where to stay nearby Fort St. James

Apres get out for some nordic cight skiing, right at Murray Ridge

For more info head to the Murray Ridge on skinorthbc.com

Powder King Mountain Resort

Prince George, BC

It's been called the "whisper of the north" for good reason—no doubt you've heard rumours of the epic powder days this place is known for. Now it's time to get after it for yourself!

Two hours north of Prince George, PK's three lifts deliver the goods with an average of 12 metres of snowfall per year!

Kara Pidherny and her pals get deep at Powder King.

Local tips: "Driving up to PK is a beautiful drive along the Crooked River and frozen lakes, up through the Pine Pass," advises resident Prince George shredder Kara Pidherny. "You're almost guaranteed to see wildlife on your drive. Watch for moose!”

For more of Pidherny and her pals' adventures at Powder King, read this story on why you're gonna "heart" PK.

Ski resort info: Powder King Mountain Resort

Where to stay: choose between the hostel right at the base of Powder King, or a cozy A-frame cabin stay at Azouzetta Lake Lodge.

Apres: the PK Bar & Restaurant, in the day lodge, is a must at day's end.

More winter activities: snowshoe around Azouzetta Lake for a down-day (read more on that here). PRO TIP: start with a hearty breakfast and one of the famed doughnuts at Cafe 97, on site at Azouzetta Lake Lodge.

For more info check out Powder King on skinorthbc.com

Troll Mountain Resort

Quesnel BC / Wells, BC

About halfway between Quesnel and Wells sits Troll Mountain Resort, a ski area that embodies the frontier spirit. Built by pioneering Norwegian Lars Fossberg in the 1970s, Troll skiers and snowboarders are a loyal bunch, and they're proud to show you their mountain paradise.

Tyler Dinsdale (left) and a friend fuel up for a day of ripping at Troll.

Local tips: Tyler Dinsdale is a Troll fixture, who you'll find telemarking and letting out big "whoops" on powder days: check out this story for an intro to Troll soul and fresh-baked fun with Dinsdale.

One local who's giving Troll a bigger name these days is Fossberg's grandchild and pro freeskier Emily Childs. You can catch her skiing at Troll with her mom Hildur in this awesome new North Face doc (for some Troll stoke, drop in around the 5-min mark.)

Ski resort info Troll Mountain Resort

Where to stay in Quesnel the Billy Barker Casino Hotel is an icon, central to all your adventures; check out more accommodations via Tourism Quesnel's listings.

Where to stay in Wells pick out a cozy B&B on the Stay in Wells website, or pop in for a night at The Wells Hotel.

Apres: join in the apres fun in the Troll daylodge, where you'll often find live music, and don't miss exploring the Wells area while there (here's a primer on these Wells adventures). When back in Quesnel, be sure to check out Barkerville Brewery.

More winter activities in Quesnel and Wells: go for a slide at Hallis Lake Nordic Centre, as featured in this story or learn about gold-mining history at Barkerville

For more info check out the Quesnel and Wells destination pages on skinorthbc.com

Map out your trip

Four ski resorts make up an epic winter road trip for skiers and snowboarders:

Hudson Bay Mountain Resort, in Smithers BC
Murray Ridge, near Fort St. James
Powder King Mountain Resort, near Prince George BC
Troll Resort, between Quesnel BC and Wells BC

From Edmonton, tie in a stop at Marmot Basin for an extra ski day, or if you're travelling from the south from either Calgary or Vancouver, a stop at Sun Peaks.

Get ready for #skinorthbc

Get to know more about the skiing, snowboarding and winter experiences across BC's north, for the ski trip of a lifetime. Read stories on each destination below, or head to skinorthbc.com to start planning now.