If the dreary weather is getting you down there is a place to go, a place like no other. The Tweedsmuir Ski Club is gearing up for another great season, with the rope tow up and running every Sunday, a beautiful new overnight cabin for rent and 30 kilometers of groomed cross country ski trails.
Located in the Rainbow Range about 95 kilometers from Bella Coola, the Tweedsmuir Ski Club has been operating in the area for 50 years. Made up of a varying group of ski, snowmobile and outdoor enthusiasts, the Valley has been fortunate to have such dedicated individuals volunteer their time to maintain and expand on these operations.
The overnight cabin, ski cabin and rope tow are located approximately two kilometers from the East Branch parking lot. The overnight cabin is available for rent and sleeps six adults. The rope tow offers beginner to moderate skiing and it suitable for all ages and skill levels of skiers. For fees check out their website at www.tweedsmuirskiclub.com.
The 30 kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails are easy for everyone to enjoy and are free of charge. Between them volunteers Duane Pedersen and Lyle Enderud have been grooming these trails for nearly 30 years and they are always in tip-top shape.
You can start the Old Highway Trial and the Pedersen Trail from East Branch Parking Lot or the main cross country ski area located approximately five kilometers east of East Branch, which now has a large parking lot to accommodate visitors.
The main area has four ski trails: The Meadow Loop, The Forest Trail, the Old Highway Trail and the Pederson Trail with varying distances of two to 12 kilometers.
If you are not a skier there is still plenty to enjoy. Strap on some snowshoes and you are ready to hit the trails and take in the beautiful views. The club also represents snowmobilers and provides for a groomed trail to access alpine areas and many of the snowmobiles help out with projects and transportation to and from the ski hill.
Most often you will find clear skies and some sunshine at the top of the Hill, and with this wet and wild winter season, the ski area is looking more appealing than ever. For more information check out their website www.tweedsmuirskiclub.com or the Facebook page “Bella Coola Ski Hill.”
If you can support the club by joining and paying a small annual membership fee it helps cover the cost of maintaining the cross country trails, maintenance on the facility, and gives you a better rate on the cabin. Forms are available on the website.
