Winter Specials

Winter, The Coolest Time to Explore the South Cariboo

Ask any local, and they will tell you that winter is the coolest time to get out and explore the South Cariboo. Winter hits the region in late November, laying down its snowy blanket. White powder shrouds the vast forests and covers the mountain peaks, rolling hills and alpine meadows. It freezes the waterways and covers swamps, wetlands, brush and blow-down with a uniform carpet of snow - making winter backcountry travel just plain easier.

The snow-covered hills and forests of the South Cariboo provide the ideal landscape for a myriad of winter activities. Here you can take a cutter ride Ice Fishing down a quiet country lane, hire your own dog team to explore snow-laden trails, take a snowmobile to the top of the world, have a skate on a frozen pond or participate in an energetic shinny match.

Heli-skiers and snow-boarders head up to the powder - or if that is a little too daring, there are some gentler, family-oriented ski hills. One can strap on some snowshoes to follow the tracks of the region's bountiful wildlife, sit meditatively with fishing pole by a hole in the ice or ride a horse through the snowpowdered plains. Then, after a day of exploring, a roaring fire and hot drink warms the chilled - and there is the opportunity to take in the sauna. Strapping on a pair of snowshoes is a fun, traditional, and very peaceful way to explore the South Cariboo's beautiful, snow-laden back-country in winter.

Alpine Skiing: Sun Peaks

The BC Interior is known throughout the world for its light, dry ”Champagne Powder”. Join us to be there on a powder day to discover what the ski term ‘blower’ truly means. Why is the snow so good? Thanks to the geographic location in the BC Interior, Sun Peaks is protected from the mild, coastal weather caused by the Coast Mountains. Prevailing storms come from the Pacific Ocean and rise and cool as they pass over the Coast Mountains before reaching Sun Peaks Resort.

Scenic outdoor winter skiing at Sun Peaks near Crystal Waters Guest Ranch

Enjoy Champagne powder snow at Sun Peaks Resort in the heart of the BC Interior

Olympic Gold Medallist and Female Athlete of the 20th Century, Nancy Greene, calls it home: Sun Peaks has a reputation for reliable snow conditions that has been proven over 40 years of operations. 3,678 skiable acres of terrain, 881 meters of vertical, 122 runs, including 12 glade areas! One of the largest ski resorts in the province and the country! Enjoy a variety of terrain: two alpine bowls, cruising green and blue runs, steep and deep, and gladed stashes loaded with powder, allowing everyone to choose their favourite run.

And it’s just a short hop away

We offer one-day trips to Sun Peaks, starting early morning at the ranch and coming back in the evening, upon request.

Other winter wilderness fun

Experience the excitement and adventure of speedy snowmobile tours at Crystal Waters Guest Ranch

Choose a fast run and experience the excitement and adventure of speedy snowmobile tours
Or you decide for a more quiet, yet terrific experience by exploring the surrounding woods on cross-country skies or snowshoes
Solid frozen Crystal Lake offers a great surface for iceskating or playing icehockey.
Ice fishing enthusiasts are invited to spend a day in the sunshine, patiently waiting for the big catch.