DOC POW
TERRACE, BC — Shames Mountain Ski Area, located just outside of Terrace, British Columbia, is the type of place where you can get in powder tracks with little to no effort, because they are everywhere. The big story and the top story at Shames is powder; this hill is known for getting more snow than most other lift-serviced destinations on the planet.
No rush to get to the powder
“Here at Shames, it’s a very organic experience. We are a traditional ski hill, you come here to play in the snow, period. It’s all about fun,”.
The thing that continually blows me away about Shames is the opportunity to make turns in powder conditions that last for days. At any other ski destination the pow gets gobbled up quickly, but here in the Skeena Mountain Range and the entire region of Terrace, not only do the opportunities linger, but there is no rush to get at them, because there are not many people around to eat them up.
Limited terrain delivers big smiles
If you are a fan of the backcountry, then Shames is your spot. There are a ton of incredible backcountry options, like when we hit into the runs V and Burnt Trees, which is a cool hike with some outstanding powder stashes all funnelling into a great basin that will pop you back into the boundaries.
Although the mountain may be home to a vertical of only 468 metres (1,600 feet), one chairlift, one t-bar and 30 trails, you may just want to keep Shames on your list for one single fact – a 12 metre (40 feet) average snowfall.
To put that into perpective, that's five stories of the white stuff
"Today we went over the meter stick at 5 meters … it’s buried,” said Mike Talstra. "Last year we received 190 centimetres in 24 hours and this season we received 300 cms (just short of 10 feet) in a week. In conditions like this it's like you don’t even need edges on your board or skis, it's so powdery. We get, maybe, two days of ice here, ever.”
Snowed in, schmowed in
There have been reports where it’s started to snow and it hasn’t stopped, to the point where people get snowed in up at the lodge. Luckily, there is Sneaky Pete’s to keep everyone occupied and it’s one of the local’s best kept secrets. Galloway’s is the on-mountain bar featuring a very interesting and delicious signature drink that combines a generous blend of Kahlua, Rye and milk over ice in an oversized mug from a free pouring bartender.
The mountain works with a number of hotels and lodges in Terrace to provide special packages that include both lift tickets and accommodations.
To find out more on Terrace itself, it’s lively nightlife, excellent dining options, alternate activities and it’s many amenities, visitwww.kermodeitourism.ca
FACTS & STATS
The mountain:
Vertical: 488 metres (1,600 ft), Elevation: Base area: 700m (2,300 ft), Top: 1,189m (3,900 ft)
Lift system: Double chair, t-bar and a handle tow, Trails: 28 total
Natural Glades: 45 ha (111 acres), Longest Run: 4 kilometres (2.5 miles)
Day lodge facilities: Galloway’s Mountain Bar, Panhandler Café which offers hot and cold food, ski and snowboard school, retail shop, customer service, rentals, and repairs.
Annual Snowfall: 1,200 cms (39+feet)
Shames is home to one of the most awesome volunteer Canadian Ski Patrol teams in the country.
Getting there:
Drive from Terrace:30 minutes (38km/23 miles) *Open: Wed-Sunday
The Terrace airport offers regional air service to and from Prince George, BC, plus direct flights from Vancouver, BC are available through Air Canada.
With an average annual snowfall of 480 inches (1200 cm), Shames Mountain is a powder hounds happy place. Only 35 kilometers from Terrace B.C., it offers 28 runs and plenty of access to backcountry bliss. Planning a weekend get-away is easy with five flights arriving daily from Vancouver on Hawkair or other choices from Air Canada. Rent a car at the airport using the #SkiNorthBC discount campaign then toss the bags in a welcoming room at a local inn or lodge then hit the powder.
If you go
Visit the official Terrace website to learn more about the region http://www.visitterrace.com/stage.php/events/activities
Check out the conditions at Shames Mountain here http://mymountaincoop.ca
Fly into Terrace via Air Canada and Hawkair with daily non-stop daily service: http://www.yxt.ca
For all your Travel Northern BC details, the folks from Northern BC Tourism can help make the planning process smooth. http://www.travelnbc.com
#SkiNorthBC and explore more. SnowSeekers has partnered with National Car rental to secure you a SnowSeekers preferred rate. Make a reservation online, or with an agent and in the Contract field enter XVC4SNO for a savings that could cover your ski pass cost every day.