The Quesnel and District Chamber of Commerce has been working to beat the winter blues.
We couldn’t think of anything better than getting out and enjoying some of the winter activities we can enjoy in our own community.
The chamber and the Visitor Center have compiled a list of winter activities in Quesnel and the surrounding area.
This week we’d like to highlight the amazing skiing and snowboarding opportunities around Quesnel.
With all of the snow we’ve been getting, it’s the perfect time to hit the slopes and enjoy some fresh mountain air.
For the downhill skiers and snowboarders, check out Troll on the Barkerville Highway.
Located approximately a half hour drive from Downtown Quesnel, Troll Resort has everything you need to enjoy a day on the hill.
Troll has developed into a great mountain, with four surface lifts and 1,700 vertical feet of terrain.
While most of the runs are for intermediate skiers, there is a great teaching/beginner area and black diamond runs as well.
The runs are long, with great fall lines. The snow is 100 per cent natural, and there is lots of it.
The slopes at Troll are south facing, offering pretty views of the valley and bright sunny skiing.
The day lodge is a big rustic log building with a huge cozy fireplace. Serving up hot and delicious lunches, you’re going to love the rustic atmosphere of Troll’s lodge.
There is a rental shop on site to fit you with all the gear you need, including boots, skis, snowboards and helmets.
They even have top of the line goggles on sale. Take advantage of the available onsite training with a lesson from the ski school. Call ahead to ensure a space and make sure that you get the most out of your Troll experience.
Troll Ski and Snowboard also offers a Sunday program for kids, and a freestyle camp for kids who enjoy riding in the park and flying high over the jumps.
If you’re not interested in downhill skiing, consider trying a nice jaunt on cross-country skis.
The Hallis Lake ski trails have been developed and are maintained by the Cariboo Ski Touring Club.
These extensive and well maintained multi-use trails are located in a snowbelt, east of Quesnel and offer high quality Nordic skiing and include a 2.5 km lighted trail.
In the summer and fall, Hallis Lake is a great place for family hiking, biking, or walking. Ski all trails in a clockwise direction.
There are also trails out at beautiful 10 Mile Lake. There are approximately 10 km of cross-country ski trails set in the winter, check their website for a map of these trails. Pets can come (on leash) out to 10 Mile and enjoy the day in the snow.
Contact the Visitor Center at 250-992-8716 for more information on these fabulous outdoor winter activities and enjoy the beautiful Cariboo snow. If you’d like to contact these businesses directly, here’s their information:
• Troll Ski Resort
Box 4013,
Quesnel, BC V2J 3J1
250- 994-3200
www.trollskiresort.com
• Troll Ski & Snowboard (school and rental)
250-994-3352
iride_360@yahoo.com
• Hallis Lake
CSTC Box 4611
Quesnel, BC, V2J 3J8
info@caribooski.ca
• 10 Mile Lake
G & P Klennery Ltd.
250-397-2523
gpkleenery@telus.net
Holly Durocher is writing weekly columns for Observer to help celebrate the Chamber’s 100th anniversary.
