Premier Listings: Winter Activities in BC

There are two Ski Resorts in the Fraser Valley and Neighbouring Area:

Sasquatch Mountain Resort and Fraser Valley
Sasquatch Mountain Resort is a quaint alpine community and family winter recreation resort high above Harrison Lake in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, and one of the best kept secrets in the Lower Mainland. Outdoor activities include downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, tobogganing and a tube park. This is a small, regional winter recreation destination that is also beginning to develop its trails for summer use by mountain bikers.

Due to its low elevation and close proximity to the ocean, Hemlock Valley fares better in some years than others, but consistently has one of the best snowfalls in South Western B.C. The depth of its snowpack depends on a pattern of sustained cold weather. Despite the low elevation of the ski area at Sasquatch Mountain Resort, local skiers and snowboarders make the most of its three chairlifts (one triple, two double), which access its rolling, contoured bowl. Sasquatch Mountain Resort is located 8.5 miles (14 km) north of Hwy 7 from Harrison Bay, northwest of Agassiz.

There’s good cross-country skiing in the woods surrounding Post Creek near the north end of Chilliwack Lake. Signs nailed high on the trunks of fir trees indicate the routes. One particularly good one runs beside the Chilliwack River between Post Creek and the provincial park at Chilliwack Lake.

Neighbouring Area
Manning Park Resort in the Cascade Mountains near the British Columbia/Washington border offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, and is the premier cross-country and snowshoeing destination in southwestern British Columbia. The resort is accessed off the Crowsnest Highway 33 on the border between the tourism regions of Thompson Okanagan and Vancouver, Coast and Mountains, and offers more than 62 miles (100 km) of ungroomed beginner, intermediate, and advanced cross-country ski trails, as well as snowshoeing opportunities.

For downhill skiers and snowboarders, the Gibson Pass Ski Area, a private operation located in the park, offers a variety of slopes and runs with its two chairlifts, T-bar and beginners’ handle tow. It also features a ski school, groomed and track-set cross-country ski trails, equipment rentals, a day lodge, and day care. Total vertical drop here is 1,417 feet (431 m). Manning Park Resort is located in E.C. Manning Provincial Park on Highway 3, 40 miles (63 km) east of Hope and approximately 140 miles (220 km) east of Vancouver (3 hours).

Winter camping for self-contained units is available at the Lightning Lake day-use area, and for tenters there is the Lone Duck winter camping area. The extensive trail system of the Cascade Provincial Recreation Area, which is accessed from Hwy 3 in E.C. Manning Provincial Park, provides the opportunity for ski touring, but no huts or shelters are available.

Premier Listings

Photo of Big Bar Guest Ranch
Big Bar Guest Ranch
P.O. Box 927, 5960 Big Bar Road Jesmond Clinton BC V0K 1K0 Home Phone: 250-459-2333Work Fax: 250-459-2400Work Phone: 1-877-655-2333Visit Website

Biographical Info

Our awe-inspiring scenery has distinguished Big Bar Guest Ranch by being rated as 1 of Canada’s Top 10 Most Scenic Rides, offering year-round horse riding and a variety of seasonal activities. Accommodations include guest rooms, self-contained log cabins overlooking the lake, teepees and campsites. Open year-round.

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