MARK SEREDA
Guide Jamie Hurschler takes Doc Pow through some of Panorama's most beautiful terrain. MARK SEREDA/SnowSeekers |
PANORAMA, BC — After we hit the slopes bright and early at Panorama Mountain Village, our resort guide, Jamie Hurschler, took Doc Pow and myself for a tour of the Greywolf Nordic Centre.
The Centre—which offers more than 20 kilometeres of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing (as well as 4 km of snowshoe trails)—takes beginner skiers through the resort’s award-winning Greywolf Golf Course, while intermediate and advanced trails run along the beautiful riverside.
"A great valley system runs by Toby Creek," Hurschler said. "There's a main river that runs up and down the valley that people can ski beside and view the mountains and just enjoy everything that we have here.”
Appreciating the view
Doc Pow has told me time and time again to take a few steps back and truly appreciate what's in front of me during scenic tours like this one. The many winding turns, each boasting amazing views around every corner, combined with the peaceful atmosphere and the exhilarating workout, made for an amazing Nordic experience.
After I filmed our Nordic adventure, I took a break from the skis in the afternoon and took in the beauty that of Panorama Mountain Village. I left Panorama a bit stunned by all it has to offer, and the Greywolf Nordic Centre was a big part of that.
“Older people, younger people, children out playing on the Nordic trails ... it’s just a great physical activity to get out and enjoy," said Hurschler, who loves seeing families stumble upon these great trails. "The solitude of being out on these trails is what people love.”
A few years back, in my hometown of Edmonton, Alberta, my high school held a cross-country field trip through the city. I had not done any Nordic skiing prior to that, but always loved downhill skiing. That initial experience was amazing, but as much as I love my city, the views are incomparable to the beauteous Toby Creek, and the valleys and mountains of Panorama.
Opens up new world
However, I fell in love with Nordic skiing that day. I feel it’s the perfect winter activity for anyone looking to get out and experience what the great outdoors has to offer. I realize now that my first experience was just the tip of the iceberg, that there are so many amazing Nordic opportunities all throughout Western Canada.
It’s quick and easy to pick up, not very physically demanding, yet can be challenging all at the same time.
Get more info on Panorama on our SnowSeekers' destination page.