2022/23 Guide to Kelowna Nordic Ski Areas | 7 Places to Go Cross Country Skiing Kelowna, BC | 2023 Guide
AJ Hazzi, REALTOR®
After becoming a Realtor® in 2002, AJ Hazzi noticed a gap in the real estate market...
After becoming a Realtor® in 2002, AJ Hazzi noticed a gap in the real estate market...
7 Places to Go Cross Country Skiing: Kelowna, British Columbia | Kelowna Nordic Ski Areas
This guide shows you 7 places to go cross country skiing near Kelowna, BC.
Cross country skiing - also known as nordic skiing - is a great way to enjoy winter in Kelowna and the Okanagan Valley.
You’ll breathe in crisp & refreshing air, cruise through tall pine & fir trees, and see some friendly faces along the tracks. Nordic skiing is also a great cardio and strength exercise that works your entire body - including legs, arms, chest, shoulders, and back.
You can rent classic cross country skis, skate skis, and snowshoe equipment from places like Fresh Air Concept, MEC, and Play It Again Sports in Kelowna, or buy your own cross country gear in town from Kelowna Cycle, Fresh Air, or Sport Chek.
Pro tip: Before you go cross country skiing, check the trail conditions and temperature so you can pick the right ski wax for the day - this expert step makes a world of a difference on how well you can glide and how hard you’ll need to work. Snow temperatures near Kelowna usually range between -10 degrees to 0 degrees Celsius.
Telemark Nordic Club, West Kelowna, BC
Telemark Nordic Club is known as one of the best places to go cross country skiing in the Okanagan Valley. Telemark features over 60km of nordic trails for both skate and classic skiers that are groomed daily. Trails range in difficulty from green (easier) to black (most difficult), but most are blue (more difficult).
There’s also a great network of snowshoeing and winter hiking trails, and a biathlon track with a target shooting range. If you’re new to the sport, equipment rentals and lessons are available on site. After your workout, you can warm up in the day lodge with a cup of tea, bowl of soup, or your own bag lunch.
Cross Country Ski Trails at Telemark
Our favorite trails at Telemark are Squirrel (Green, 1.5km), Telemark (Blue, 6.8km), and Panorama Ridge (Black, 5.4km). Check the latest trail conditions and snow temperature before you go.
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Google Map | Glenrosa Rd, West Kelowna, BC V4T 2G3
30m drive from Kelowna, BC to Telemark Nordic Club, West Kelowna
Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club
Kelowna Nordic Ski Club is a cross country skiing area next to the McCulloch lakes with 75km of wooded ski trails and 75km of snowshoe trails. On a clear day, you’ll get pristine views overlooking the Okanagan Valley as you glide along the tracks.
Also known as the McCulloch Cross Country Ski Trails, Kelowna Nordic’s terrain is suitable for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers. Along the way, you’ll pass a number of warming huts to eat lunch, have a drink, or catch your breath. Rentals and lessons are available via the day lodge, but do book ahead.
Note: The Kelowna Nordic Ski parking lot is notorious for vehicle theft, so keep your belongings secure before you head out!
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Google Map | McCulloch Rd, Kelowna, BC V0H 1N0
48m drive from The City of Kelowna to Kelowna Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Club
Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre
Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre is a ski and snowshoe club near Vernon with 105 km of groomed classic and skate ski trails from beginner loops to advanced trails. There’s also a network of well-marked snowshoe tracks. As one of the most popular XC ski areas, Sovereign Lake has tons of ski programs, lessons, and competitions throughout the season. If you buy a Pooch Pass, you can bring your dog on your adventures at Sovereign Lake; check the trail maps page for details.
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Google Map | 250 Sovereign Lake Rd, Vernon, BC V1B 3M6
1hr 16m drive from Kelowna to Sovereign Lake Nordic Club
Nickel Plate Nordic Centre, Penticton
Nickel Plate is a nordic centre with 56 km of groomed classic & skate ski trails located 41km west of Vernon in the South Okanagan. Fast elevation changes, great snow conditions, and gorgeous views make for an exciting day of XC skiing. You can rent gear, including snowshoes, from the Nickel Plate lodge. If you’re serious about improving your skills, you can set up ski lessons on site.
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Google Map | Nickel Plate Rd #2600, Hedley, BC V0X 1K0
1hr 30m drive from Kelowna to Nickel Plate Provincial Park
Larch Hills Nordic Society, Salmon Arm
Located 20 km from the Town of Salmon Arm, Larch Hills is one of the largest cross country skiing areas in the Okanagan with 170 km of trails (56 km of which are groomed trails), and 19km of snowshoe trails. Experience skiers will appreciate the long distance trails, great snow conditions, and valley views from the upper trails. In the summer season, you can go hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding on the Larch Hills trails.
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Google Map | 300-398 Larch Hills Rd, Salmon Arm, BC
1hr 35m drive from Kelowna to The Larch Hills Nordic Society
Big White Ski Resort
While it’s best known as a downhill ski area, Big White Ski Resort has a solid network of cross country skiing and snowshoe trails. While they’re not the best in the valley by anyone’s measure, if you’re renting a cabin or condo on your Big White trip, the nordic trails make a great diversion from the usual tubing, skating, and apres ski activities.
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Google Map | 5315 Big White Rd, Kelowna, BC V1P 1P3
1hr drive from Kelowna to Big White
Silver Star Resort, Vernon
SilverStar Resort, located 24 km northeast of Vernon, BC, is home to 105 km of groomed XC trails, making it the largest groomed XC area in Canada.
With a range of green, blue, and black trails (most are dog-friendly) there’s something for the whole family. Stop at the warming huts along the way for a snack and social banter with your fellow skiers. If you want to stay overnight, you can rent one of the colorful cabins in SilverStar’s quant mid mountain village.
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Google Map | 123 Shortt St, Silver Star Mountain, BC V1B 3M1
1hr 10m drive from Kelowna to SilverStar
SilverStar XC trail map (JPG)
Kelowna Cross Country Skiing FAQs
When does the cross country ski season start in Kelowna?
The nordic ski season in Kelowna typically starts in mid or late November once the snowpack is deep enough to form a base for machine grooming. The Kelowna nordic ski season typically ends with a final groom in mid April.
Where can I get cross country skiing lessons in Kelowna, BC?
You can get cross country skiing lessons (Nordic skiing lessons) at the following locations near Kelowna, British Columbia.
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