Epic downhill #skinorthbc itinerary

For the purposes of this itinerary, we're starting on the west in Smithers and working east, but you could just as easily go Prince George and work your way west. 

TIP: Season pass holders, be sure to check your reciprocal deals before hitting the road, to help keep the trip budget-friendly.
 

Day 1-2: ski and ride Smithers 
 

As your first stop, ideally you'll want to plan to arrive on a weekday. If you're driving, aim to get in Tuesday night for a Wednesday morning ski resort opening (Hudson Bay Mountain Resort in Smithers is open Wed-Sun). 

If you're coming by air, the resort is close enough to Smithers Airport that it's even possible to fly in and still get in some shred time in the same day.
 

Looking for resort skiing? Hit up Hudson Bay Mountain Resort (pictured above). Make sure to coordinate an end of day shuttle/drop so that the hardy among you can ski the Trail to Town.

Cat skiing more your thing? Get some wicked pow on a day or two with Skeena Cat Skiing.
 

Overnight via Ski & Stay Smithers 

You could spend a week here, exploring between the resort, cat and backcountry options in Smithers, but eventually you'll need to keep going to connect the rest of the epic #skinorthbc experience. 

Drive 319km to Fort St. James 
Overnight Fort St. James

Day 3: shred Murray Ridge 

Ready to take on the longest t-bar in North America? We've budgeted for a day of skiing here, because your legs will probably be pumped after a day of riding the T at Murray Ridge (open 7 days weekly, 10am - 4pm weekdays, 9:30 am - 3:30 pm weekends).
 

Overnight Fort St. James 

Day 4: Rest Day (optional) 

Wise skiers and snowboarders know that building in an off-day or a couple of rest days allows you to flex, in case you find great snow or connect with some especially awesome company along your way. 

Consider an extra day here, to fully take it all in. But also watch the forecast, because next, you're heading to northern BC's snowiest ski resort. 

Drive 211km to Powder King 
Overnight at Azouzetta Lake Lodge 

Day 5-6: Powder King 

PK is known for its mid-week top-ups, with the hill closed Mon-Wed. Thursdays are real here... but any day can be a pow day at Powder King!
 

When it's coming down, mid-season, it's not unheard of for Powder King to get a metre within a day. You'll want to budget a couple days to shred some of the deepest snow in BC. 

Drive 316km to Quesnel 
Overnight in Quesnel

For a bite or some apres in Quesnel, check out Quesnel's award-winning Barkerville Brewing Co.

Gear needs can sometimes crop up mid-trip; for that, you'll want to connect to Rocky Peak Outfitters.

Day 7: rest day (optional) 

Depending on your timing, you may end up with an additional flex day here, but after multiple days of shredding you may need it more than you want it. 
 

Day 8-9: Troll Mountain Resort 

Ski days at Troll are epic, with a smaller but loyal local crew you'll want to bump elbows with in the t-bar lines. (Open Thurs-Mon weekly in winter). Save room for a legendary Troll cinnamon bun to fuel your day. 

You won't find big crowds here, but you will find awesome terrain! 

Best way to get to know this place is to follow a few locals into the best glade lines and flowy runs.
 

Make basecamp for at least one night in historic Wells, where you can find some unique ways to cap off your trip, dining in a snowdome or sampling an epic scotch collection at the Wells Hotel. 

Drive 31km to Wells
Overnight in Wells 

And that's a wrap! You've stamped your passport on the complete #skinorthbc road trip.   

Want to go the other way? You can take the same trip and do it in reverse, from east to west, starting from Wells and traveling through Quesnel up to Powder King, then west over to Fort St. James and Smithers. 
 

Timing and travel tips

You'll want minimum a week for the four resorts, given these areas are not all open seven days a week. Perhaps you could do it in less if you really push, but northern BC is a place to relax and shred. 

Follow the flow, enjoy the laidback vibes of #skinorthbc and free yourself from hectic schedules and deadlines. Plan wisely and budget a down day or two to rest along the way, and you can capitalize on good snow conditions where you find them and great times when they happen.
 

Plan your #skinorthbc epic

Share this itinerary with your friends and start plotting your own powder-fuelled adventure. 

Even easier, grab this map and get a headstart on planning your route.