Reinventing Cross-Country Skiing
Nordic skiing, still a traditional mode of transportation for Laplanders, is a stylish and modern sport for those seeking peace and exercise in beautiful Whistler, B.C. From the elegance of the classic stride to the athletic and speedy laps of the skate skier, there is nothing quite like gliding through the silence of deep winter amongst towering trees sparkling with fresh snowfall.
Whistler has become a West Coast mecca for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. Three venues offer up some 160 kilometres of freshly groomed trails to explore, with casual routes for kids and newcomers as well as advanced sojourns for more experienced skiers seeking maximum pleasure from hammered heart rates. Nestled beside Whistler Village, Lost Lake Park provides 32 kilometres of trails that meander among welcoming terrain, including superbly lit night skiing around the cinematic vista of the frozen lake. Smaller side-trails snake their way up among the upper golf course, with plenty of challenging climbs and fast downhill’s. Dedicat- ed snowshoe trails also provide easy access for stomps through the crisp and clean air. Rentals and lessons are available at Cross Country Connection—located in Passiv-Haus, a green wonder of energy-conserving architecture—just north of the Day Lots.
Just a short drive south of Whistler lies the Callaghan Valley, home to two adjoined Nordic venues. While Whistler Olympic Park is famous for hosting the Nordic events at the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, Callaghan Country has its own backcountry lodge located deep in the wilderness for overnight stays. Both expansive areas have a mix of easier and intermediate loops as well as longer forays that explore the steeps of the surrounding Valley. Visit the Day Lodge to warm beside the fire, plus all the necessities of a cafeteria, rentals, and lessons. Dog lovers can let their pets loose at the dedicated romp track; ski touring parties can purchase access passes for the backcountry.
If there is one place where Nordic ski culture comes together to celebrate the sport’s enthusiasm for winter, it’s at a loppet. From February 28 to March 1, Whistler Olympic Park will host Sigge’s P’ayakentsut, featuring mass-start competitive events for skiers of all levels plus skills and learning for kids. Newcomers, grommets, experienced racers, and volunteers alike are welcome for what promises to be a weekend of sizzling skinny-ski action.
www.whistler.com/activities/nordic-skiing/