Hudson Bay Mountain ski pro serves up Smithers local tips

As an athlete and coach of the Smithers Ski Club through the years (now Smithers Ski & Snowboard Club), I have spent many days up here in this magical place. Grab your gear, clip in and follow along, as I showcase how HBMR is a resort for all reasons, from green to blue to black (beginner to intermediate to expert, respectively).

First stop, the designated learning area within view (and therefore easy access) of our day lodge where I get to watch new skier Laurel try her hand at this sport.

Next up, I’ll go chair-side for a cruise on my favourite blue run with locals and good friends Dave & Kate.

Finishing off the ski part of the day, we’ll drop into some expert, black diamond terrain with a couple of my nearest and dearest lifetime ski pals. 

Green: the beginner experience at HBMR

Laurel Curley, a recently relocated Smithers resident who works at Smithers gear store Local Supply, was keen to ditch the daily grind for a day in the mountains to learn to ski. 

Eyeing the resort map, Laurel decided with a nod that heading to the top of the mountain and skiing chair-side would be an achievable goal by early spring. Directly outside the rental shop, gear in hand, Laurel met her instructor Jacob aka "Jake" Leigh, who immediately took her under his capable wing. 

Ski Hudson Bay Mountain, stay in Smithers, score snow and #smithersvibes

Without even having to ride a lift, her learning had begun. First it was familiarization with equipment followed by a basic understanding of body position. Once the ever-important “How do I stop?” skill was explained, Laurel had her first taste of sliding on skis.

Fast-forward 20-minutes and Laurel had mastered the Little Rascal handle tow. It wasn't long until I watched as she made her first controlled and very steady turns in the designated beginner area.

Blue: fun with friends on HBMR intermediate runs

Leaving Laurel to hone her newly-learned skills, I hopped on the Panorama T-bar over to the east side of the mountain. Here I'd catch up with my long-time friends Dave Bobb and Kate Portman for a rip down my favourite blue run Ptarmigan, the most spacious run on Skyline Chair.

With over 50 per cent of the mountain terrain catering to blue/intermediate skiers, Hudson Bay Mountain is truly a cruiser's paradise. Wide-open and uncrowded with a mix of flats and moderate pitches, Ptarmigan is one of those runs where I feel like I'm floating... maybe even flying?

We had the run to ourselves and took full advantage by arcing it up from groomed edge to edge, weaving in and out of each other's turns.  

The clouds parted as the chairlift came into sight, gifting us a peek-a-boo view of the town of Smithers. Nearing the bottom we were drawn into the finely gladed trees of Seven Sisters, just skier's right of Ptarmigan for some playful tree-skiing to mix it up.

Black: attacking HBMR’s advanced terrain

After lunch I met up with two of my best-ever ski racing buddies, Kerri Hunter and Heather Munroe. One of the things I truly love about skiing is making connections on the slopes which last a lifetime, such as the friendships I have with these two.

Reconnecting in the mountains, shredding the slopes with my girls is the ultimate gift. Last night's snowfall covered the runs with a delicate dusting of powder, softening the terrain perfectly. It was going to be a black diamond kind of afternoon! 

It should be mentioned that after a snowfall here at HBMR, fresh tracks can literally be had all day long; this is the main reason why I love skiing here. I don't want my ski days to be a competition for first tracks nor do I want to begrudge another skier their chance at shredding a fresh line. Here, there's enough for all of us. 

Today I wouldn't be sharing a traditional deep Hudson Bay Mountain powder day with the girls but nonetheless, the snow proved soft and beautiful. Never a dull moment taking in all the surrounding mountain scenery, as we watched the weather move in and out of the valley. 

Shifting weather patterns brought us brilliant blue skies in one moment and light snowfall the next! We had a blast playing in the snow feeding off one another's energy. With short lift-lines and a quick turn-around from bottom to top of the mountain, we were able to carve out an afternoon to remember.

Aprés at HBMR 

What day of skiing is complete without aprés? And what better place to meet up with all my ski pals from the day than Whisky Jack's Lounge with its stunning panoramic views, epic plates of gravy-laden poutine and thirst-quenching bevies!? Cheers to a fabulous day, filled with friendship in the mountains. 

What better reason could you need to join us up here at Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers?

When you go

We’re excited to introduce the first of our #SkiNorthBC Google Guides – unlock the magic of Smithers winter with these suggestions to make your stay legendary!

Getting to Smithers
Driving: 4h from Prince George - Smithers via Hwy BC-16W
Air Canada also offers daily flights. 

Ski & stay in Smithers
Where to stay? Smithers has you covered, sort through their Ski & Stay collective. This past trip SnowSeekers stayed at the well rated Aspen Inn, with dinner at the Riverhouse (where we caught up with Alex Cuba a few years back).

Smithers après 
Après in Smithers is spirited and social, especially the craft brewing scene! Light up your life and hit open mic nights at the Bulkley Valley Brewery or catch some live music at Smithers Brewing on Thursday nights.

Hudson Bay Mountain info
For the full lowdown on what is in store in Smithers, visit our Hudson Bay Ski Resort info.

Share your #SmithersVibes
Let us know what you find, use the hashtags #skinorthbc #smithersvibes #playgroundofthenorth in your posts!

Finally, be sure to enter this awesome 2023 ski & stay contest, for your chance to win a ski trip for two to Smithers.