Cross Country Skiing
The scenic alpine terrain around Squamish makes for great cross-country skiing. The mountains surrounding Squamish get an average of 2,300 mm (90 in) of precipitation annually, which means a generous amount of snow accumulates in the winter months.
If there's fresh snow, stop at Brandywine Falls Provincial Park for some ungroomed, cross-country trekking. You'll have to cut your own track in to Swim Lake from the parking lot but the rewards are worth it. Follow the trail markers intended for summer hikers. This isn't a long trek, about 2 miles (3 km) return. Crossing the bridge over Brandywine Creek is an adventure in itself, especially if the snowpack is so deep that you ski at the same height as the top railing. Pause in the shelter of a cedar grove at lakeside to admire the Black Tusk, gone white with snow. From there, retrace your tracks to Brandywine Creek and head along the trail to the falls. Cross the BC Rail tracks and ski a short distance to the observation platform beside Brandywine Falls. In winter, the sound of Brandywine Creek tumbling onto the exposed boulders below is remarkably similar to that of a jet streaking high in the sky above. All this glory, and you may even have the place to yourself.
The new development in the Callaghan Valley, the Whistler Olympic Park,is the site of the cross-country,biathlon,Nordic combined and ski jumping events for the 2010 Vancouver Olympic and Paralympic Games. Located just 50 kilometers (30 minutes) north of Squamish and 18 kilometers south of Whistler (15 minutes), visitors can expect breathtaking views of the Callaghan Valley, Callaghan Lake and Black Tusk. The Park boasts 55km of expertly groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing, ranging from beginner (green) to Expert (black) ‘Olympic’ caliber, as well as 5 km of lighted trails, snowshoeing, and a cozy lodge to grab a light snack or a quick lunch. For those wanting to explore more of the area, the connected Callaghan Country trail system offers 42 km of groomed skiing, bringing the total to 97 km of groomed trails in the Callaghan Valley. Trail tickets for cross country,skate skiing and snowshoeing are available at the Adventure Centre and at the Day Lodge in the Whistler Olympic Park. Rentals for cross-country,skate and snowshoes are also available at the Day Lodge.
Public Openings for 2009/2010 Winter Season
Saturday November 21, 2009 - Public ski season opening.
Monday February 1, 2010 - Closed for Vancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
Monday March 1, 2010 - Re-opening for Public skiing.
Daily Hours of Operation
Saturday November 21, 2009 to Sunday January 31, 2010 - 9:00am to 4:00 pm Daily.
Monday February 1, 2010 to Sunday February 28, 2010 - Closed to public access.
Monday March 1, to Sunday April 18, 2010 - 9:00am to 6:00pm Daily.
(Callaghan Country trails to remain Open until May 2nd, 2010 9:00am to 4:00pm)
Sunday April 18, 2010 - Whistler Olympic Park Trails closed
Sunday May 2, 2010 - Callaghan Country Trails closed.
* Please note the core venue area including all roads, parking areas, competition trails, ski jumps, biathlon range and buildings will be closed to public access until the summer of 2010. The above openings only refer to the Whistler Olympic Park and Callaghan Country recreation trails and facilities outside the core venue area.
Within the Nordic Centre you will find:
Callaghan Nordic Centre
- 14 km of competition trails for cross country skiing and biathlon
- 8 kms of training trails
- Two ski jumps
- 25 kms of recreational trails
**IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER FOR UPCOMING NORDIC EVENTS AT THE WHISTLER OLYMPIC PARK CHECK OUT WWW.BOLDTRACKS.COM TO GET INVOLVED**
Cool Links
Callaghan Valley Local Organizing Committee
Call or email us for information, planning, and reservations tailored to your group.
604.815.5084 / 1.877.815.5084 toll free / info@tourismsquamish.com
