Resorts offering both Downhill and Cross Country Skiing

Downhill or flat tracks?
Resorts that offer both

By Amy Whitley

Photo at right: A skier charges through big powder at Big White. Photo courtesy of Big White Ski Resort

On a typical morning during a ski vacation with our extended family, my kids are up early donning snowboarding boots in anticipation of catching the first chair up to the peak. My parents enjoy a leisurely breakfast before hitting the cross-country trails. And I’m usually running around, finding lost gloves and forgotten helmets so we’re all ready to depart for our various activities.

When it comes to winter snowsports, my kids are adrenaline junkies. My parents are not. My husband and I fall somewhere in the middle, enjoying both the tranquility of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and the rush of downhill runs.

Because we all like to vacation together in winter, we have to find Northwest ski resorts with something for everybody. And that “everything” has to be within walking or shuttle distance: no way can we organize a car-sharing schedule every hectic morning. Luckily, this is not a hard requirement to fulfill in the Northwest.

The following resorts offer maintained, organized cross country trails or Nordic centers, and world-class downhill facilities — all within an easy commute from lodging.

Big White, Kelowna, B.C.

Located a full seven-hour car ride from the U.S. border, Big White is remote, so luckily it offers everything families need. Its pedestrian-only village allows skiers and snowboarders to grab the chair within a stone’s throw of lodging, and its network of groomed and backcountry Nordic trails start right at the “adventure zone,” a short walk from the base.

Those wanting to cross-country ski or snowshoe can do so while watching the kids climb the highest ice tower in North America, or while the rest of the family is sledding on the toboggan hill. Further out, the trails cut through beautiful Okanagan forest, where the only other “vehicles” you’ll encounter are dog sleds and their teams (don’t worry, you’ll hear them coming).

Mt. Bachelor, Bend, Ore.

Mt. Bachelor offers over 50 kilometers of groomed cross country trails at its top-of-the-line Nordic center, directly across the parking lot from the downhill area, making it one of the largest networks of terrain in the Northwest. Most of this terrain is intermediate, and winds through forests and near vistas through the Deschutes National Forest.

A major spring training ground for the U.S. Ski Team, Mt. Bachelor’s trails stay open later than most — well into May. The Nordic center is a very short drive from the main base of Mt. Bachelor, making it easy to drop family members off as you drive to this commute-only resort. Full services are available, including a waxing center for those sticky spring days.

Mt. Hood Meadows, Government Camp, Ore.

Government Camp, Ore., offers a myriad of cross-country trails at several of its area Sno Parks (hit White River for especially challenging intermediate and black diamond single-track-style trails). For convenience, while the rest of the family is downhill skiing, the Nordic center at Mt. Hood Meadows can’t be beat.

The center is located adjacent to the parking lot, allowing cross country skiers to take turns around the 15 kilometers of trails and still have time to meet the rest of the gang in the lodge for lunch. If you crave more, talk your family into a stay at nearby Timberline Lodge, where everyone skis directly from the lodge door, whether to hop on a lift or depart along a trail. Timberline’s downhill offerings are best-suited to intermediate skiers, but Nordic fans will find much challenging terrain.

A little skier takes a break for a trail-mix snack. Photo by Carolyn Price

Stevens Pass, Skykomish, Wash.

The Stevens Pass Nordic Center offers one of the more scenic Nordic trail systems, winding along the base of Jim Hill Mountain in the middle of the Cascades. Its retail shop rents equipment on the spot, and the warming hut is full service, complete with snacks and beverages. The 28 kilometers of machine-groomed runs sit just five miles from the downhill section of the resort, making it easy to coordinate rides.

Pick up a trail pass at the Nordic lodge; you need one whether cross country skiing or snowshoeing. This trail system is especially kid-friendly and perfect for beginners, with low-key trails easily accessible and loops that don’t meander too far from the base area.

White Pass Ski Resort, White Pass, Wash.

Located directly across the street from the downhill area and behind the Village Inn condos, the White Pass Nordic center yurt is the hub of cross country and snowshoe activity.

Eighteen kilometers of groomed cross country trails cut through the Wenatchee National Forest, and lessons and rentals are available. Family members can easily walk or ski here while others hit the chair lifts, and while the trailhead is centrally located, skiers nearly immediately enjoy a sense of solitude once on the trails.

Located 50 miles from Yakima, Wash., White Pass is a convenient day-use area especially for locals (area condos are a good bet for visitors).

Next time your friends and family are divided about Nordic or downhill trails, find a resort or area that supports you both — and you’ll find your vacation days are well spent.

If You Go

Big White: www.bigwhite.com
Mt. Bachelor: www.mtbachelor.com
Mt. Hood Meadows: www.skihood.com
Stevens Pass: www.stevenspass.com
White Pass: www.skiwhitepass.com

Amy Whitley writes about a variety of subjects for Gold Travel Blog publications, including her NW Kids column.

 

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