Cross Country Skiing : XC
Whistler : Squamish : Pemberton
Sea to Sky, British Columbia, Canada
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Cross Country Skiing - Sky to Sky Country is a haven for cross country skiers. There are networks of trails that are designated cross country routes with trail markers, warming huts and/or a lodge. And there are the snow covered backcountry wilderness trails and roads wandering the mountains leading to river valleys and frozen alpine lakes.
Whistler Blackcomb is an ideal destination for many cross country ski enthusiast because of the variety of trails and the winter atmosphere. In Whistler there are xc ski trails used to move around the community like the Valley Trail. There are parks that are cross country ski friendly nearby like Lost Lake. Further into the wilderness are the more popular remote xc country ski routes leading to Callaghan Lake, Brandywine Meadows, Cheakamus Lake, Soo Valley and Garibaldi Park.
While in the Squamish, BC area the snow covered hiking and mountain biking trails become ideal backcountry ski trails in the winter months. Some of the wilderness ski regions to consider exploring by skies are Brohm Ridge and the Diamond Head Trail located in the southern portion of Garibaldi Park.
In Pemberton BC the xc country skiing continues. The routes in this region are generally logging roads and backcountry hiking trails transformed into cross country trails after the snow falls. Some of the trails worth checking out are out on the Pemberton Icefield, Place Glacier Ridge and on Cayoosh Mountain.
Some cross country skiers arrive to the area with their own equipment and their own agenda and travel itinerary. Experienced skiers with a good knowledge of the area often head out with a well prepared group. Some of the xc trails are equipped with water stops warming huts. And knowing where they are is important. There are no room for errors in the sub zero, snow packed mountains when looking for water and accommodations.
Many arrive in the region and sign up with a tour group. The cross country skiing tour groups are well equipped, knowledgeable and some even offer interpretive tours before heading into the forests. The trails throughout the region vary in difficulty. There are trails for beginners and experts. A tour company would have the route preplanned based on ability. They do also provide lessons.
Many tour groups depart daily and offer different levels of ski packages lasting 2 hours or days. Depending on your tour, there are accommodations and meals included in many of the extended cross country ski packages. It is always best to book ahead prior to your arrival to ensure availability of your chosen xc ski adventure and guaranteeing accommodation.
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