The Okanagan Valley and the Kelowna area are blessed with some of the best Nordic skiing and training facilities in the world. There are four nordic centres within an hour and fifteen minute drive from downtown Kelowna.
Telemark Cross Country Ski Club: The Closest Nordic Centre to Kelowna is the Telemark Cross Country Ski Club and is located on the Westside just before you reach Crystal Mtn. Resort above West Kelowna. They have over 50 km of groomed trails, both classic and skate. The Telemark Cross Country Ski Club has been operating since 1974 and have consistently improved their facility year after year. They have 4.3 km of lighted night skiing, snowshoeing trails, biathlon range, chalet, rentals and lessons. Check out their website for current conditions and updates. www.telemarkx-c.com
Kelowna Nordic: About a half hour drive (35 km) to the east of Kelowna off Hwy 33 near McCulloch Lake is an isolated nordic playground. They have over 70 km of groomed track along wooded trails catering to both classic and skating. Wide open or single track, Kelowna Nordic will give you a terrific workout without seeing another sole for hours. Their 3 rustic warming cabins along the trails can offer up a warm place to enjoy your lunch or just relax before the next journey. They also have a separate snowshoeing track that doesn't conflict with the X-C skiers. Check out their website for current conditions and updates. www.kelownanordic.com
Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre: Located just down the road from Silver Star Ski Resort near Vernon is a world class training centre used by some of the national nordic teams from around the world and has hosted some World Cup nordic events like the Sparkling Hills Masters World Cup. Sitting at 1664 m Sovereign lake Nordic Centre is one of the earliest hills to open in the Okanagan and has consistent light dry snow. Their state of the art machinery sets up to 50 km of groomed track each day from beginner to advanced in both the classic and skating disciplines. They have over 100 km of trails altogether and another 14 km of snowshoeing trails. Their Daylodge has kitchen facilities, a warm fire and a place to rest before or after a long day of skiing. Rentals and lessons are also available. Check out their website for conditions and their webcam. www.sovereignlake.com
Nickel Plate Nordic Centre: About 45 minutes from Penticton and 6 km west of Apex Mountain Ski Resort is the southern Okanagan's nordic training facility. Nickel Plate has over 65 km of groomed track for both classic and skating, 20 km of back country trails and 25 km of snowshoeing trails. Their 4000 sq foot day lodge has eating facilities, lessons and rentals available. Check out their website for more information. www.nickelplatenordic.org
Big White Ski Resort: Located up at the alpine resort of 'Big White' is 25 km's of classic and skating trails located down by the Happy Valley Day Lodge. A nice alternative when on a holiday stay at the resort.
Apex Mountain Resort: Apex offers over 50 km's of machined groomed classic and skating trails to make this destination ski resort a great place to physically test yourself or just enjoy the its beautiful tranquility.
