Vintage meets new at Hudson Bay Mountain Resort
Smithers, BC There’s an undeniable truth up on Hudson Bay Mountain: it’s a ski hill built by, run by, and loved by its people. That community vibe can't be manufactured.
In Smithers, “mountain community” isn’t just a phrase. It’s ski buddies chatting on the chairlift, friends getting creative in the terrain park together, and familiar faces swapping powder stories over lunch in the chalet.
After more than 50 years of operation, Hudson Bay Mountain Resort remains the heartbeat of winter in northern BC, a place where passion for skiing runs as deep as the powder.
HIT PLAY > for a "vintage meets new" tour of Hudson Bay's friendly local ski scene
To connect the heritage with the future of this mountain, I spent the day skiing with two local riders who represent different chapters of the Hudson Bay Mountain Resort story.
The first is Tony Harris, a local legend who has been riding this mountain for decades—and it shows.
Every few turns meant another friendly stop to catch up with old ski buddies, trading stories on the chairlift, and sharing easy laughs with one another.
Tony Harris came to Smithers in 1978 and stayed for the mountain community here.
Eli Harden is a snowboard instructor at Hudson Bay Mountain Resort who represents the future generation of riders.
My day with Eli included high-fives, joking with the lift crew and lapping the park he helped build.
Snowboard instructor Eli Harden, in his happy place at Hudson Bay Mountain.
Different styles, different eras, but the same effortless connection to a mountain that feels more like family than facility.
At home at Hudson Bay Mountain
“I’ve been living in Smithers since 1978,” Tony told me, with a knowing smile on his face, before the ski story even begins.
Originally from England, he and his family moved to the north with an appetite for winter that most people can’t quite grasp until they’ve experienced it themselves. “We love winter. I can’t imagine being anywhere else.”
“One of the best parts here is skiing with my friends,” Tony said. “Riding the t-bar, the chairlift, having good conversations, and just enjoying the skiing.”
For Tony, Hudson Bay isn’t about luxury or high-speed lifts. It’s what he calls a “pure ski experience.”
Long uncrowded runs, consistent snowfall, untouched powder, sunny aspects, and terrain that rewards those who take the time to learn it. From open cruisers to alpine steeps, this mountain delivers something increasingly rare: space to ski freely.
“You can really crank it wide open on Footloose," says Tony, about his favorite run. "It’s like riding a motorcycle at full speed.”
Tony and a friend survey the wide open possibilities.
Tony reminded me that we are living in a time when everything is changing so fast, and we rarely have time to slow down and enjoy it.
With Hudson Bay Mountain, Tony explained that “it hasn’t really changed much in the last 40-odd years…equipment’s better, grooming’s better, but the hill is the same. And that’s a thing of beauty.”
New Blood, Same Spirit
This mountain tells another story, that of a much younger rider who immediately fell for what Hudson Bay has to offer. Eli arrived in Smithers four years ago and quickly found his rhythm on Hudson Bay as a snowboard instructor.
“The unique thing about Hudson Bay is the variety,” he said. “Whether you want groomers, powder, or technical terrain, this place has options.”
Eli Harden is in his fifth year as an instructor at HBMR.
Eli is also part of the volunteer crew that helps build and maintain the terrain park each season, contributing directly to how the mountain evolves.
“We decide where features go and help build the layout,” he explained.
Ski and stay in Smithers
Step in to a friendly local scene at Hudson Bay Mountain
“It’s cool knowing something you helped create becomes part of someone else’s day on the hill.”
To Eli, the park is a place to get creative and ride with friends. But just like Tony, Eli points to the people as the mountain’s defining feature.
Above all, people make Hudson Bay Mountain the great scene it is, for both Eli and Tony.
“You don’t realize how much the staff and locals make this place go ’round,” he said. “Small conversations and big laughs. I’ve learned a lot about people from quick chats on the lift.”
The Power of Community
That sense of connection extends beyond the ski runs. Hudson Bay Mountain has always been closely tied to the town of Smithers, geographically just minutes away, and socially inseparable.
For Tony, that sense of welcome is something he’s witnessed for decades. “If a stranger came to the mountain back in the day, a local would take them skiing and show them around....
We welcome people who love this mountain, and we show them our favorite runs.”
The friendly local scene at Hudson Bay Mountain is its essence.
It’s this shared ownership of the hill, the winter, and each other that make Hudson Bay more than a resort. It’s a gathering place. A tradition. A reason to stay.
Some Things Never Change
Near the end of my conversation with Tony he shared a piece of wisdom that stuck with me: “Just keep getting up here every opportunity you have. Keep skiing and keep young.”
I could feel the pride he carries for Hudson Bay Mountain and all that remains unchanged about it. Later, while skiing with Eli, I felt his excitement for the mountain’s future and its evolving terrain.
We know change is inevitable at ski resorts. Technology will evolve, terrain will be refined, and new generations will leave their mark.
But there’s one thing that will never change: the love Smithers holds for Hudson Bay Mountain.
When you Go
Getting here is easy with direct flights daily from Vancouver with Air Canada, or take on a #skinorthbc road trip:
drive 4h15 from Prince George via Hwy BC-16W
drive 4h from Prince Rupert via Hwy BC-16E
Where to stay score discounts on lift tickets and stays through skiandstay.ca
Ski run recommendations
Tony and Eli shared a few of their favourite runs. Here's a quick rundown:
Expo: follow the chair down, an absolute blast with great snow
Cold Smoke: has a pitch where the ground drops from below your feet and you get to just rip.
Footloose: It’s "like riding a motorcycle full speed-you can really crank it up," says Tony.
Upcoming events
Feb 7-8 Community weekend: Houston/Fraser Lake
Feb 21-22 Community weekend: Prince George/Vanderhoof
Feb 28 CSP Trivia Night
For more info check out https://tourismsmithers.com/
Sociable be sure to connect to the #skinorthbc scene, by tagging #smithersbc #skinorthbc and us, at @snowseekers, so we might feature you.
