Home Page

Experience Westbank!

• About Us
  
  
• Add Your Company to the Business Showcase
  
  
• Contact Us
  
  
• Table of Contents
  
  

Experience the Snow In and Around Westbank, BC.

"When the snow falls, the winter fun on the Westside begins!"

The first year we lived in the Okanagan, I was in awe at the arrival of winter. It didn't come with a blast of icy wind during a blizzard. Winter came gently - first up high and then down low. There I was walking home from school in my summer sandals (during the middle of December) and I looked up and saw snow gently dusting the top of Carrot Mountain. The snow continued to fall into the evening and during the night. When we awoke the next morning, the grass in front of our home was still green, but Carrot Mountain was snow white. This was MY kind of winter - one that I could experience from a distance (remember, I am from the prairies). It was actually several days before the snow began to fall at our elevation. Great big fluffy flakes swirled and twirled from the sky. It was beautiful. We sat on our front porch, opened a bottle of Okanagan wine, and settled in to enjoy the show. "Those crazy people from Saskatchewan!" our neighbors muttered. "Who else would sit outside in the middle of a snowstorm?"

I am rather embarrassed to admit that was almost the extent of our winter fun - sitting on the porch and watching the snow fly. It was two years before we discovered the amazing cross country ski trails on Last Mountain. It was three years before we re-discovered downhill skiing. And just this past winter, I experienced snowshoeing for the very first time. All of this, in a winter wonderland, only 15 minutes from Westbank.

So, don't do what we did and simply let winter pass you by. When the snow flies, put on your parka, toque, and mitts and head outside. There is a treasure trove of winter fun just waiting for you and your family.

Cross Country, Downhill Skiing, and Snow shoeing Just Minutes Away

It doesn't matter if you are looking for fast action on the downhill ski slopes, a beautiful trip through forest on the cross-country ski trails, or want to experience snow shoeing, one of the oldest modes of travel in Canada, Westbank and area has it all!

• Crystal Mountain: The fast action starts with a 20-minute trip up Glenrosa Road through a winter wonderland to the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort. This modest ski hill is perfect for a day of fun in the snow. Pack your skies or rent them on the mountain. Ski lessons are also available.
  
  Here's a secret for you: not many know about the incredible snowshoeing on Crystal Mountain. WOW! You'll be "on top of the Westside’s world" when you get ‘dropped off’ to snowshoe on Crystal Mountain. Bring your snowshoes, or rent them on the mountain, purchase a reasonable lift ticket, climb onto the chairlift, slowly ascend to a ridge high above Westbank and hop off again. Keep your eyes open for the trail signs with tiny snowshoe men on them, and wander among a magically beautiful, snow-laden forest for two or three tranquil hours until you’re back down at the rental cabin again. Winter at its best.
  
  
• Telemark Formal Cross-Country and Snowshoe Trails: You can't find any better trails for cross country skiing than these. The folks at Telemark know their sport. Activities throughout the winter keep this busy spot hopping. And yet, for those who want to enjoy solitude on skis, there is no shortage of beautiful trails for choose from. As well, two new formal snow shoe trails were established in 2005 by the kind folks at the Telemark Cross-country Ski Club. Keep in mind, no dogs allowed here.
  
  
• The "No Name" Trail (formally known asTelemark’s K-9 Trail): This trail which is adjacent to the Telemark parking lot is a great place to start if you are going on your very first snoe shoe or cross country ski adventure. The trail is easy to get to, fairly flat, simple to navigate, and takes just over an hour (it depends on how many times you stop to take pictures). Pack a water bottle, some lunch, and hot chocolate and you will be set for some great winter fun and exercise. If you bring your dog, remember the leash and plastic bag.
  
  

Without a doubt, this prairie gal has learned to love winter again. Who would want to go south when the real fun can be found right here in Westbank!