8 Activities To Try in Squamish This Winter

Posted on by Meghan

squamish-winter

Winter life in the mountain town of Squamish, BC is pretty darn good. Locals in Squamish enjoy easy access to some of the best backcountry in the world, with a multitude of ways to enjoy the winter season. It is well known that Whistler, the #1 ski resort in North American is just 35 minutes away, but don’t let that distract you from Squamish’s best kept secrets. If you are looking for unbridled, authentic and off-piste adventure, Squamish is definitely where it’s at. Here are 8 Activities to try in Squamish this winter.

Ski Touring

Get off the groomers and journey into the back-country for unspoilt adventure in the beautiful coastal mountains surrounding Squamish. With some of the biggest snow accumulations in North America, the mountains surrounding Squamish are epic for back-country ski touring through glacial alpine terrain. Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Park and Brohm Ridge are all easily accessible from Squamish and offer world-class back-country experiences.

Tubing

Grab the family and descend up the Sea to Sky Gondola to the Tube Park where the tubing action will begin. Enjoy four lanes of sliding fun, great for all ages. When you’re done retreat to the Summit Lodge for a well-earned cup of hot chocolate. While you’re up the Sea to Sky Gondola, slap on a pair of snow shoes and explore the extensive alpine terrain.

Mountain Biking

Squamish is widely regarded as one of the best mountain bike destinations in the world and part of what makes it so great is its year-round trail accessibility. Trails at lower elevations are rideable throughout the year (aside from a handful of super snowy days), and cross-country trails such as the Four Lakes Trail and Wonderland can often be great rides during the winter months.

Eagle Watching

The majestic bald eagle frequents Squamish during winter. Every year, locals and tourists flock to the banks of the Squamish River to count the eagles that sometimes arrive in the thousands. The habitat surrounding Squamish is ideal for Eagles who come to feast on spawning salmon. A great way to view bald eagles is via white water raft; Sunwolf Lodge runs Eagle Viewing Rafting Safaris daily between November and February.

Snow- shoeing

Snow-shoeing during winter is a great form of exercise and a fun way to explore the outdoors. If you can walk, you can snow shoe so the sport is accessible for all ages and ability levels. The four lakes trail and Sea to Sky Gondola are excellent spots for snow shoeing. For more of a back-country experience Elfin Lakes, Garibaldi Park and Brandywine Falls are some favourite spots amongst locals.

Cross Country Skiing

Cross Country Skiing in Garibaldi Provincial Park or the Callaghan Valley are world-class experiences. Ski through majestic old growth forest trails while surrounded by pristine glacial landscapes. More experienced skiers can enjoy overnight trips either camping or staying in alpine cabins or huts. The word first-tracks will take on a new meaning as you venture into the back-country surrounding Squamish.

Heli-skiing

Squamish offers some of the best heli-skiing in the world. The coastal mountains surrounding Squamish get slammed with some of the biggest snowfalls in North America due to the high elevation and precipitation levels. This equates to deep and abundant powder burying the mountains around Squamish. Accessing this terrain via helicopter is a mind-blowing experience and should be on everybody’s bucket list.

Snow-Mobiling

Snow-Mobilers in Squamish are blessed with unparalleled terrain in their own back-yard. Brohme Ridge is a popular snow-mobile spot amongst locals and offers expansive ocean views and deep powder turns. Located only 10 minutes outside of Squamish Brohme Ridge is easily accessible. Other snow-mobile hot spots surrounding Squamish include the Callaghan Valley and Pemberton Ice Caps.

There is certainly no shortage of things to do in Squamish during winter. Outdoor enthusiasts can take their pick from a portfolio of adventure-based, thrill-seeking activities, or can unwind amongst the pristine scenery surrounding the town. What was once the best kept secret on the Coast, Squamish is quickly being discovered by adventure driven individuals who are visiting and moving to the town because of the year-round outdoor recreation on offer. Could Squamish be for you? Why not book a personalized tour of the town and see.

About Meghan

Meghan is a real estate agent who is passionate about connecting lifestyle driven individuals to her vibrant town of Squamish, BC. Meghan was born and raised in Squamish, spent 15 years living abroad, and is now back partnering with her mother Nanci Fulton who has been selling real estate in Squamish for 30 years. Meghan loves representing buyers, welcoming them to her community and helping them find their perfect place to call home.