Beat the Rush to World Class Cross Country Skiing and Ski Touring Terrain Near Whistler, BC.
A few miles off the heavily traveled Highway 99, as the legions head to the populous slopes of the world famous Whistler-Blackcomb ski resort, a brave few with a sense of adventure and a passion for self propelled recreation in an authentic, natural setting explore the accessible yet remote wilderness of the Callaghan Valley.
Cross country skiers There are Miles, or kilometres, of classic track set cross country ski trails track throughout the Callaghan Valley area.
There are endless skiing opportunities here for cross country skiers of all abilities.
The rolling terrain is perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers, while advanced skiers will find challenges galore with the incredible variety of terrain.
This is some of the best crosscountry skiing in Canada Popular trips for Nordic skiers include skiing out to the base of a stunning glacier or along the shores of a frozen alpine lake.
In the spring, skate skiing is also an option if the weather co-operates.
While the best cross country skiers in the world have to wait until 2010 in order to experience the Nordic skiing here, those seeking a great workout close to Whistler can experience it all winter long for the next few years.
Of course, shoe shoeing is also a popular option in this region.
Backcountry skiing – Telemark and Alpine touring The Callaghan Valley, with its expansive terrain and high vertical drops, is also a prime backcountry ski touring destination.
Whether you use alpine touring or telemark skiing gear, an hour or two of gentle climbing can lead to those stellar, smooth runs through gentle powder that only the few who know the magic pull of ski touring ever have the chance to appreciate.
There are numerous popular runs and treks based out of the Callaghan Country Lodge that can give some of the best days or partial days of ski touring available on our planet, whether you are looking for steep or gentle runs.
While many opt for self guided travel in the Valley, there are also guides available to ensure that everyone gets the best out of their time here.
The Olympics When Vancouver, BC hosts the Winter Olympic Games in 2010, all of the Nordic events – Nordic (cross country skiing), Biathlon, and ski jumping will be held in the Callaghan Valley.
New facilities are currently being constructed in the Madeley Creek Basin.
Once the facilities are complete, this will be the premier location for cross country skiing in Canada.
The Nordic centre will be located approximately 8 km from Highway 99 (22 km from Whistler Village), and about 14 km from The Callaghan Backcountry Lodge, a Remote Wilderness Lodge that allows visitors to the Callaghan Valley to stay in this pristine Valley while they ski.
The Whistler Nordic Centre project includes the construction of access road upgrades and parking areas, and three permanent stadium areas for Cross Country, Biathlon, and Ski Jumping, each with a spectator capacity of 12,000 (achieved through the provision of temporary seats and standing areas) In addition, 50 km to 100 km of new trails, 90 M and 120 M ski jumps and a Biathlon facility will be built.
Various temporary and permanent facilities including a Nordic day lodge, sport operation buildings, and maintenance facility will also be constructed.
Construction of the Nordic Centre is should be completed by June, 2007 and will cost over $100 million.
The eventual goal of the Whistler Nordic Centre plan for the Callaghan Valley is to create an accessible, world-class destination for all of the Nordic sports, and to maximize year-round use of compatible outdoor recreational and sporting activities, such as mountain biking and walking trails during the summer” ..
To that end, there is already a number of great summer activities here, including hiking, hele-hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Depending upon the year, the alpine skiing season can last well into the spring on the glaciers and mountain peaks.
Callaghan Valley is also situated cloe to the "Outdoor Recreation capital of Canada" - Squamish BC [http://www.
discoversquamish.
ca].
Callaghan Country Lodge A longtime anchor for this area is the Callaghan Country Lodge, a deluxe Mountain Lodge that boosts comfort and hospitality to the adventurous who make it to this remote region far enough away from roads, traffic, and power lines to make one really feel they are “away from it all”.
The high alpine lodge nestled in a grove of Yellow Cedars gives the feel of being in Whistler before Whistler existed.
Callaghan Lodge is a finely crafted 5,000 square foot, 3 story Whistler ski lodge boasting exceptional mountain views from all of its large windows.
This mountain lodge features a large and relaxing lounge area where over-stuffed couches and armchairs are comfortably adjacent to a beautiful stone fireplace.
The mountain lodge currently offers accommodation for sixteen in eight private rooms, however with 3 pull-out couches throughout the facility, up to 22 people can be accommodated quite comfortably.
It is a a fantastic Whistler ski lodge in the true Whistler backcountry.
Callaghan Country’s vision is to become the most renowned and respected mountain adventure wilderness resort in the world.
Cross country skiers There are Miles, or kilometres, of classic track set cross country ski trails track throughout the Callaghan Valley area.
There are endless skiing opportunities here for cross country skiers of all abilities.
The rolling terrain is perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers, while advanced skiers will find challenges galore with the incredible variety of terrain.
This is some of the best crosscountry skiing in Canada Popular trips for Nordic skiers include skiing out to the base of a stunning glacier or along the shores of a frozen alpine lake.
In the spring, skate skiing is also an option if the weather co-operates.
While the best cross country skiers in the world have to wait until 2010 in order to experience the Nordic skiing here, those seeking a great workout close to Whistler can experience it all winter long for the next few years.
Of course, shoe shoeing is also a popular option in this region.
Backcountry skiing – Telemark and Alpine touring The Callaghan Valley, with its expansive terrain and high vertical drops, is also a prime backcountry ski touring destination.
Whether you use alpine touring or telemark skiing gear, an hour or two of gentle climbing can lead to those stellar, smooth runs through gentle powder that only the few who know the magic pull of ski touring ever have the chance to appreciate.
There are numerous popular runs and treks based out of the Callaghan Country Lodge that can give some of the best days or partial days of ski touring available on our planet, whether you are looking for steep or gentle runs.
While many opt for self guided travel in the Valley, there are also guides available to ensure that everyone gets the best out of their time here.
The Olympics When Vancouver, BC hosts the Winter Olympic Games in 2010, all of the Nordic events – Nordic (cross country skiing), Biathlon, and ski jumping will be held in the Callaghan Valley.
New facilities are currently being constructed in the Madeley Creek Basin.
Once the facilities are complete, this will be the premier location for cross country skiing in Canada.
The Nordic centre will be located approximately 8 km from Highway 99 (22 km from Whistler Village), and about 14 km from The Callaghan Backcountry Lodge, a Remote Wilderness Lodge that allows visitors to the Callaghan Valley to stay in this pristine Valley while they ski.
The Whistler Nordic Centre project includes the construction of access road upgrades and parking areas, and three permanent stadium areas for Cross Country, Biathlon, and Ski Jumping, each with a spectator capacity of 12,000 (achieved through the provision of temporary seats and standing areas) In addition, 50 km to 100 km of new trails, 90 M and 120 M ski jumps and a Biathlon facility will be built.
Various temporary and permanent facilities including a Nordic day lodge, sport operation buildings, and maintenance facility will also be constructed.
Construction of the Nordic Centre is should be completed by June, 2007 and will cost over $100 million.
The eventual goal of the Whistler Nordic Centre plan for the Callaghan Valley is to create an accessible, world-class destination for all of the Nordic sports, and to maximize year-round use of compatible outdoor recreational and sporting activities, such as mountain biking and walking trails during the summer” ..
To that end, there is already a number of great summer activities here, including hiking, hele-hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, and photography.
Depending upon the year, the alpine skiing season can last well into the spring on the glaciers and mountain peaks.
Callaghan Valley is also situated cloe to the "Outdoor Recreation capital of Canada" - Squamish BC [http://www.
discoversquamish.
ca].
Callaghan Country Lodge A longtime anchor for this area is the Callaghan Country Lodge, a deluxe Mountain Lodge that boosts comfort and hospitality to the adventurous who make it to this remote region far enough away from roads, traffic, and power lines to make one really feel they are “away from it all”.
The high alpine lodge nestled in a grove of Yellow Cedars gives the feel of being in Whistler before Whistler existed.
Callaghan Lodge is a finely crafted 5,000 square foot, 3 story Whistler ski lodge boasting exceptional mountain views from all of its large windows.
This mountain lodge features a large and relaxing lounge area where over-stuffed couches and armchairs are comfortably adjacent to a beautiful stone fireplace.
The mountain lodge currently offers accommodation for sixteen in eight private rooms, however with 3 pull-out couches throughout the facility, up to 22 people can be accommodated quite comfortably.
It is a a fantastic Whistler ski lodge in the true Whistler backcountry.
Callaghan Country’s vision is to become the most renowned and respected mountain adventure wilderness resort in the world.
