Elkford: Winter in the wild

Wondering what to do this winter? When the snow flies, get outside and explore the Wilderness Capital of B.C.

At 1,300 metres above sea level—and at one of the highest elevations in British Columbia—Elkford welcomes 10 to 16 feet of snowpack annually, making it superb locale for powderhounds to sniff out fresh snow.

A nearby neighbour of the cities of Fernie, Cranbrook and Kimberley, Elkford boasts comparable downhill and cross-country conditions, without the crowds.

Explore our Winter Wonderland

From Sparwood, follow Highway 43 north until the road ends—and the wilderness begins. A hidden gem of the East Kootenay, Elkford is a high-altitude Rocky Mountain municipality that calls to the wild at heart and adventurous in spirit. Without a traffic light or big-box store in sight, Elkford’s rugged mountain ranges, iconic Canadian wildlife and untamed wilderness are truly an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. Wilderness has always been at the core of Elkford’s identity. Built in 1971, as a homestead for mining industry workers and their families, Elkford has grown to boast the amenities, recreation facilities and luxuries of a much larger city centre. This idyllic mountain hamlet currently provides over 2,500 residents with postcard-perfect views, beautifully maintained community parks, a nine-hole golf course, hiking and mountain biking trails, world-class fishing, emerald lakes and endless backcountry to explore.

Conquer the Slopes

Skip the lineups and spend more time carving up the slopes! Enjoy some fresh powder at any time of day, with a lit hill perfect for nighttime skiing and snowboarding. Wapiti Ski Club is a volunteer-operated facility, located right in Elkford. Wapiti Ski Hill offers an array of complete runs, with 1000 vertical feet of elevation gain and enough variety to keep the whole family entertained! Downhill skiing not your speed? Experience the tranquility of a winter wonderland with breathtaking backcountry views. Whether you prefer Nordic, telemark, alpine or classic cross-country skiing, you are guaranteed to enjoy exploring the endless trail systems in the Elkford region. Popular cross-country trails in town include: Boivin Creek: A moderate, 8-kilometre crosscountry skiing trail with a gradual climb, including 300 metres of elevation gain along Boivin Creek to the base of Mount Phillips. Two ski cabins are located along the way for resting

and warming up. Golf Course Trail: Visit Mountain Meadows Golf Club for a moderate ski trail with extraordinary mountain views! Enter through the main parking lot and the set track begins just to the right of the club house.

Beat the Winter Blues

Forget cabin fever: the mountains are calling! Bundle up, dig out your snowshoes or strap on some cleats and trek along the cleared trails. Some local gems include Bare Hill Lookout, Josephine Falls, the river walk and Boivin Creek. Ice fishing is popular at Grave Lake and Blue Lake, while ice climbing conditions are excellent at the frozen waterfalls in Elk Lakes Provincial Park, located just north of Elkford via logging roads. Check out the Elkford Trails Alliance at https://elkfordtrails.com/eta/ for more information about local trails. Kids (and kids at heart!) are always welcome to toboggan and play in the snow at the toboggan hill, located in the soccer field next to the District Office. Lit every evening, this classic winter activity is family-friendly! Bring your favourite sled, toboggan or snow carpet and enjoy the hill! Four-legged family members are also welcome, but please remember to keep pets on a leash and pick up after them.

Warm(er) Winter Activities

When the weather outside is frightful, head indoors and enjoy some of Elkford’s outstanding recreational facilities. Focus on your fitness or come relax in the hot tub while enjoying spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains! The Elkford Aquatic Centre has four lanes for swimming and a “beachfront” access for young children, a diving board, a slide, a whirlpool tub and a sauna. The facility, pool and hot tub are all wheelchair accessible, and the building is also home to the Elkford Public Library. Elkford’s Recreation Centre has a beautiful arena for ice hockey, shinny hockey, figure skating and public skating. Additionally, the arena is rentable for hockey tournaments, pick-up hockey and competitions. It even has a dedicated curling rink, with three sheets of great curling ice for pick-up games, and a curling lounge! For more fun indoor ideas, Elkford’s awardwinning Community Conference Centre, constructed in 2012, plays host to variety of classes for adults, children and families: from fitness to team sports, to arts, crafts and culture.

A Slice of Mountain Paradise

Haul your sled to the trails and BRAAAP! Snowmobile season in Elkford usually runs from November to May—and sometimes even longer. Experience the freshest snow, highest mountain passes, lowest valleys and basins that will take your breath away. Conditions range from beginner-friendly trails—suitable for the whole family—to virtually limitless, rugged alpine terrain for advanced sledders. Be advised that avalanche activity in the alpine backcountry is high, and riders are always required to be prepared, monitor current conditions and pack adequate safety gear. You’ll also need to carry your up-to-date permit and plates, as well as a copy of your insurance. For more information about snowmobiling trails and trail passes, contact the Elkford Snowmobile Association at www.elkfordtrails. com/snowmobile-club/. Depending on the season, Elkford has up to 100 kilometres of groomed snowmobile trails each year, offering the ultimate backcountry riding experience for riders of all kinds. If you love to shred, you’ll love exploring our backyard! Before heading into the backcountry, always plan and prepare for emergencies, wildlife encounters and extreme weather conditions. No matter how you choose to enjoy the outdoors, we ask that you practise physical distancing and follow the Leave No Trace principles of outdoor ethics. We can’t wait to see you this winter!

Get intimate with nature.