Meet the stewards of pow at Murray Ridge

Located just outside the charming community of Fort St. James, The Ridge stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of winter sports and community collaboration.

For nearly 50 years, this iconic ski hill has offered exhilarating experiences for visitors and locals alike, showcasing breathtaking terrain, rich history, and a unique relationship with the Nak'azdli Whut'en and other surrounding Indigenous communities.

"Our First Nations community wasn't shoved off in the corner," says Emma Leon. "We grew up knowing each other. We went to the same schools, I mean, we marry each other, we're blended all together. 

"So, if you know how to ski and your friend's family doesn't know how to ski, we teach them. Don't keep that knowledge to yourself. Share the knowledge."

For anyone who hasn't been here, Murray Ridge boasts some of the most eclectic skiing and boarding terrain in northern BC, with 23 runs—most of which are rated blue and black—and the longest t-bar in North America at over 2.5 kilometers.

Shred the Ridge

Score fresh tracks with deep connections at this #skinorthbc hidden gem

Whether you're a beginner testing your mettle on the gentle slopes or an expert carving your way down challenging black diamonds, Murray Ridge promises an adventure tailored to all abilities. 

"You can really be alone on this mountain and there's not the noise and people everywhere," says Jana Gainor, general manager for Murray Ridge. "I personally love that; I love the solitude of it and those great fall lines when we get the snow."

The hill's elevation and geography deliver consistent snowfalls, ensuring optimal conditions throughout the winter season. 

Powder hounds will revel in the untouched snow that blankets the terrain, while families and casual skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and well-maintained groomed trails. 

"First tracks on Cassiar on a fresh groom with a skiff of fresh snow on top, you can just rip it top to bottom in about 40 seconds," says Sarah Grill, long-time Murray Ridge ski racer and board member. "It's pretty thrilling."

The Fort is one of the oldest European settlements in western Canada so the relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people runs deep. The community of Fort St. James and the Nak'azdli Whut'en people have lived together for more than 200 hundred years. 

In recent years, Murray Ridge has been working to honour the deep ties to the community and the land by acknowledging the Nak'azdli Whut'en Key-oh (land stewards) holders of the territory. 

Indigenous connections run deep at Ridge

"My family is deeply rooted in Fort St. James and is very much rooted in land management and stewardship," says Elsa Berland, a Nak'azdli Whut'en member and media coordinator for Murray Ridge. 

"The Key-oh* here is hosted by the Trombley family and Elliot Trombley is the main spokesperson. So, we're just starting that conversation, and talking about reconciliation and telling the whole story of the mountain, which includes colonization, it includes settlers, but we also want to go full circle to tell the story of what's happening here today." 

One of the only non-profit ski hills in B.C., The Ridge has become a winter destination for outlying communities like Vanderhoof, Fraser Lake and even Prince George. 

But also, for surrounding Dakelh communities such as Ylazt'en, Binche, Yekooche and Takla, all of which have partnered with Murray Ridge to get more of their members out on the slopes.

"There have been some changes in the last five years, where the local bands have worked with The Ridge to make sure that there's access to get our membership up here," said Berland. 

"My band pays for all lift passes, my rentals. We even just built a shuttle bus to get here and promote just healthy lifestyles and activities and skiing is very much that."

As you look around the lodge on a busy Saturday afternoon, it's very much a blended atmosphere. Berland says now she sees many people from local villages and families that didn't come to Murray Ridge before. 

"It's really beautiful to see actually," she says. 

A Bright Future 

The Leons have long histories in the community. Emma was born and raised in Fort St. James; Aaron is from the Nak'azdli Whut'en reserve, which is only separated by a single road. 

Indigenous and non-Indigenous families have grown here together over the past two centuries, building community and blending families. 

Now more than ever that is apparent on the slopes of Murray Ridge.

"The partnerships that Nak'azdli Whut'en has with The Ridge, which is getting their members onto the hill and supporting the youth, they're really invested in supporting their community members to be here," said Emma. 

"It just makes my heart so happy when I see a good cross section of our community represented on the ski hill. It's getting different families up and making it more accessible for everyone."

In many ways, Murray Ridge is a microcosm of what makes British Columbia's north so special: rugged natural beauty, a deep respect for history and tradition, and a vibrant, close-knit community. 

Whether you're drawn by the thrill of the slopes, the rich cultural experiences, or the welcoming atmosphere, a visit to Murray Ridge promises memories that will last a lifetime.