Photo: Nordic trails file photo.

If you’re looking for some exercise in the great outdoors, rest assured that cross country skiing options will be available aplenty this winter. And really, how can one social distance any better than in serene nature? 

SPIN has prepared a list of what’s open and what’s about to open. If you’re looking to get hyped for the winter, we recommend checking out this video of Skmana Ski and Snowshoe Club produced by Tourism Kamloops, it’s sure to get you stoked for the winter. 

Skmana Ski and Snowshoe Club 

Located in Chase, the area is now open to the public for cross country skiing and snowshoeing. All ski trails are “packed and tracked,” with the exception of Sunflower Trail, which is closed due to a lack of snow

There are some hazards to be aware of, but overall it’s good to go. 

Sun Peaks Nordic Centre 

Sun Peaks Resort LLP’s (SPR) nordic trail system is open for business. The resort asks the public to ski with caution and respect terrain closures that are in place. 

Sun Peaks Nordic Centre is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

STAKE LAKE  (25 km south of Kamloops)

The Stake Lake Trails are accepting registration for the 2020/2021 season, but the trails are not yet open. 

On its website the Overlander Ski Club, which operates the 60km trail system, said they’re  waiting for more snow and sustained colder temperatures. 

Give them a follow on Facebook (search Overlander Ski Club) for more updates. 

HARPER MOUNTAIN

Harper Mountain has a tentative opening date of Dec. 12 for its operations. 

The mountain offers a three kilometre groomed trail that meanders through a forested area, and is great for both traditional cross country skiing and skate skiing. 

TELEMARK NORDIC CLUB 

The Telemark Nordic Club, located in West Kelowna, has an anticipated opening date of Dec. 5. 

The club recently delayed its opening due to a lack of snow, saying in the following: 

“We have a good base of snow, things are currently looking pretty white, and some people are already skiing and snowshoeing,” states the club’s website. “However, the base is too thin for us to do regular grooming of the trails without damaging them and making them unsafe. We  just need one more good snowfall and we’ll be ready to open.

Skiing and snowshoeing are possible right now but grooming will be limited and we will not have rentals or day passes available until Dec 5th.”

They provided the following update at the start of the week:

“We received two good snowfalls this week and we will be starting to pack the trails and do our final preparations for the coming winter. There is not enough snow yet to open officially but if this cool and snowy weather holds we anticipate being open and ready for member and public skiing by Saturday.”

KELOWNA NORDIC

This nordic skiing area got off to an early start, having opened on Nov. 11. 

They provided the following update on its website.

“There has been a fair amount of snow over the past week and we have groomed approx 55 per cent of our trails. The ski tracker system has not been activated yet by the host so there is no live reporting. All car parks are plowed. Some of the lowest trails will not be re-groomed in order to preserve snow and avoid bringing up dirt. The upper trails are good but may be soft for skating. Watch for sticks, rocks, dirt and open water. The groomer will be on the trails in daylight hours in order to see any hazards. Watch and listen for it. Snowshoeing is good.” 

Sovereign Lake 

Sovereign Lake, located near SilverStar Resort, is open.

You can see a full list of the trail that are open here.

Rates for skiing can be found here.

Big White Nordic 

Big White’s nordic trails are open for business.