Larchhillski
Everyone tends to feel as though the interior of BC is filled with clouds for the majority of the winter season, but maybe they haven’t truly experienced BC in its entirety, or the many gems that British Columbia holds. The sunshine, the natural beauty of the mountains, the hills, trees and animals are sure take your breath away.
Just outside of the small town of Salmon Arm lies a ski hill with many treasures within itself. One of those treasures happens to be the Larch Hill Nordic Ski area, named after the Larch coniferous trees that line the trails there. The winters in Salmon Arm are never overly chilly, and the trees lining the trails hold the wind at bay, so it makes cross-country skiing there a very enjoyable experience. With nature surrounding you, it’s nice to get lost in the peacefulness and put the daily urban lifestyle behind you, even just for the day.
With approximately 125 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, you have plenty of area to roam and discover. Indulge in the outdoors and take in the fresh winter air. Although there is no fee to ski the trails, the members of the ski club highly encourage a donation so that they may keep the trails and the cabins in top shape. During your ski adventure, you are more than welcome to warm up in the heated cabin, or the other two heated shelters that are located on the trails. The trails in the Larch Hill Nordic Ski area vary in length and have an assortment of terrain so, in all, there is a trail for every type of skier, age of skier and, of course, skill level of skier. In addition, you are welcome to stroll along the trails or you are welcome to challenge yourself on skis to whatever degree you feel comfortable.
If you have grown fond of this ski location as I have, then please keep in mind that the Larch Hill Nordic Ski area hosts their annual Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet. A loppet is a long-distance cross-country ski race. The ski club’s loppet is named after one of the club’s founders and an international cross-country ski champion, Reino Keski-Salmi. With the club’s loppet originating in 1985, this year makes it their 28th Annual Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet. If you didn’t make it out this year, that’s okay – it’s an annual event!