Cross Country Skiing... Throughout the backcountry hills and along the lower slopes of the snow mountains in almost every community in the Thompson Shuswap area are a series of cross country ski trails to choose from. In many cases the trails are well signed and posted trail maps are located at the trailheads.

in some communities located in the Thompson Shuswap region there are nordic clubs operating at the foot of selected xc ski routes. In many cases, there are wooden lodges, picnic tables, pit toilets and barrels for fire pits supplied by the nordic ski club. Maybe, on a good day a warm cup of hot chocolate will be waiting for you at one of the lodges.

Some of the xc ski trails are lit up at night providing night skiing conditions. The selection of trails in each area varies, some are groomed and some not. In most cases there are novice, intermediate and expert trails in each region. Each trail is, usually, well marked and part of a network of loop trails.

The backcountry cross country ski routes not operated by the local ski clubs are less maintained and provide a rugged experience. Some can be, as simple as following the gravel backcountry roads covered up on layers of powder snow. When xc skiing in the backcountry it is important to have a good trip plan, gps and proper equipment and clothing. Always ski in groups.

Near the community of Kamloops, BC some of the cross country ski routes to remember include the Pinantan Mountain XC Ski Trail, the Harper Mountain Ski Area, Batchelor Lake Ski Trails, Timber & Bush Lakes Ski Trails and the Lac Le Jeune Ski Routes. Also near Kamloops is the Sun Peaks Ski Resort where there are ski lessons and equipment rentals plus lodging if needed.

When near the community of Merritt, BC the cross country ski trail system to explore would be the Kane Valley XC Ski Trails. Right behind the community of Logan Lake, BC is a network of loop trails best enjoyed during the winter time cross country skiing.

In and around the Shuswap Lake area are the Larch Hills Cross Country Ski Trails, Aylmer Lake Ski Routes, Hyas Shaw XC Trails, Mount Morrisey Ski Trails, Skimkin Creek and White Lake Cross Country Ski Routes.