The Ultimate Winter Activity Guide for Pemberton
Winter is finally here. Although it can bring cold and cozy weather, that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. There are plenty of adventurous activities to part-take in all season long. Try sled skiing, take an Avalanche Skills Training course, bundle up for ice fishing, take the family cross-country skiing or ski tour on the famous Mount Currie. There are endless opportunities to get outside and enjoy all winter has to offer in Pemberton!
Photo: Broken Boundary Adventures
Broken Boundary Adventures
Hit Pemberton’s famous sled access terrain, Rutherford and Hurley Trail Head, to experience snowmobiling or skiing like no other. Save yourself a long walk by using snowmobiles to access skiable terrain for the descent of a lifetime. Imagine heli-skiing or cat-skiing turns, but you’re in the driver’s seat. This guided tour will take you to the best snow for bottomless turns. Leave the lift lines behind and head into the backcountry, but don’t go unprepared. You will need touring skis, split-board, and avalanche safety equipment (shovel, beacon, and probe). Your professional guide will run through how to use the gear effectively if it is your first time. Once everyone is on the same page, it’s time for the fun to begin. And don’t forget to pack your snorkel!
Further your Education:
If you are interested in growing your knowledge in the mountains, sign up for an Avalanche Skills Training course (AST 1). Learning to identify avalanche terrain, read the basics of snow science, and efficiently use your avalanche gear is essential for the safety of yourself, touring partners, and other outdoor enthusiasts. The mountains can be unpredictable, and it’s your job to make safe decisions. So do yourself a favour and book into a course.
- Sled AST 1 with Broken Boundary Adventures
- Whistler Blackcomb AST 1+ with Extremely Canadian
- Backcountry Progression Course with Altus Mountain Guides
Photo: Pemberton Fish Finder
Pemberton Fish Finder
When you think of Canada, what springs to mind? Many have said the most Canadian thing they’ve ever heard of is ice fishing. Who else would willingly bundle up in 18 layers, cut a hole in the ice in hopes of catching a fish? Canadians. It’s time to layer up to get the authentic Canadian experience; the experts at Pemberton Fish Finders will take you to the best fishing holes in the Sea to Sky region.
Fish for Rainbow trout, Bull trout, Kokanee, Cutthroat, and Pike minnows, some trout reach up to 10lbs. Don’t forget your camera; reeling in the big one is a moment you won’t want to miss sharing with your friends!
If you are looking for a little more action, you can fly fish for Steelhead in the Pemberton rivers. The Steelhead runs from November until April; they can reach 24-42” and weigh up to 35lbs. Don’t miss out on this unique BC experience that you’ll talk about for years to come!
Cross-Country Skiing
Take the family for a fun race around Pemberton’s cross-country tracks. Located just south of Pemberton, Nairn Falls campground trails are groomed for pristine classic or skate skiing each morning. From 2-6 PM, the cross-country trails are open for the public on Tuesday-Sunday. They are maintained by local cross-country enthusiasts volunteering for Spud Valley Nordic Association.
Rejoice in breathtaking views of Mount Currie while you enjoy a fresh cider from the Beer Farmers as you take a lap on their family-owned farm. This fourth-generation family farm has built a network of trails the length of their farm, including tracks that follow along the Pemberton River. The Beer Farmers is open seven days a week and is free to the public.
Down the road from the Pemberton Valley Lodge, North Arm Farmers lies with freshly plowed tracks for cross-country skiing. Stay and indulge in the lunch special and a delicious coffee. Look through their wide variety of winter farm produce as Mount Currie sparkles in the distance.
Take a break from conventional downhill skiing, and join the free the heel movement for an evening. Enjoy a stroll through the forests or check off your workout for the week; cross-country skiing is the challenge you didn’t know you needed.
Photo: Extremely Canadian
Heli-Assisted Ski Touring / Heli-Charters
The magnificent Mount Currie towers over Pemberton, with all its glory. Its many couloirs and drainages make it seem impossible to ski. If you’re looking to check off some famous lines and couloirs, consider hiring an ACMG guide to plan your route. Book a Heli-Assisted Ski Touring trip with either Extremely Canadian or Blackcomb Helicopters for endless pow turns and extraordinary views. The professional guides will meticulously study the avalanche conditions, finding you the safest zone to lap all day with prime snow.
Then, choose to fly out of Pemberton or Whistler to your predetermined location and start the day with an epic descent. Depending on the group’s speed, you’ll average 4-5 laps in infinite powder before being picked up and returned to the Heli-base. Avoid the crowds, spend the day in the secluded backcountry, surrounded by breathtaking mountains for the most memorable ski day.
For the most experienced backcountry skiers/riders, try booking a Heli-Charter in the surrounding Pemberton area. Many locals dream of one-day skiing these impressive mountains. So gather four of your best backcountry mates, create a trip plan, study the avalanche conditions, and book a charter with Blackcomb Helicopters. This charter is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that friends and family will envy for years to come.
Now don’t be fooled; a lot of preparation is necessary for the success of these trips. Ensure you have all the avalanche safety gear, tuned touring skis or split-board, emergency gear, ropes, harnesses, and a GPS or Inreach. Most importantly, know your route. Included an alternative descent just in case the conditions are variable. Skiing/riding in these zones is the ultimate bucket list item for any experienced skier.
Winter in Pemberton can be a magical experience for all. You can even join the locals around One Mile lake, for a beautiful scenic skate or friendly game of hockey. There is endless opportunity for adventure around every corner; treat yourself and the family to a vacation you’ll never forget. Take advantage of the unique activities the Sea to Sky region has to offer; who knows when you’ll be back? We hope so. This guide is only a taste of all Pemberton has to offer!
Posted: Thursday, December 09, 2021
