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Guided Backcountry Tours Cross-Country Skiing and Hiking in the Bowron Lake Chain, Cariboo Mountains and throughout British Columbia THE WINTER TRIPS 1, 3, 4-DAY AND 5-DAY TRIPS

SKI THE BOWRON CHAIN                                                          

Be one of a select few who visit the Bowron Lake Chain in the winter. The mountains are fabulous, dressed in their snowy mantle. We depart from the now-deserted reception centre to ski over the snowy portages and down the frozen lakes. Your guide takes you safely through the best terrain and makes sure that you always travel over the strongest ice in spectacular scenery. Each night we arrive in a snug cabin with a stove. By day we travel in whatever weather nature sends us and your guide ensures that you have the best possible gear and are as warm and comfortable as possible. The lakes are beautifully desolate this time of year. However, all the wild animals leave their story to be interpreted. Otters drag deep trenches with their bellies through the snow, moose wander through the forests and across the lakes, wolves take advantage of the light snow cover on the lakes to travel extensively around the chain. These animals, and more, leave their tracks to be read like a book by you and your guide. In the evening, relax on your bunk by the fire, go for a moonlight ski, enjoy the brilliance of the star-filled sky or perhaps enjoy the Northern Lights. If the weather permits, you will have the opportunity to see and try kite-skiing, and even to optionally spend a night in an igloo!

Itinerary

FOUR DAY EAST-SIDE TRIP (to Isaac Lake)

Day 1   takes us up over two portages and across two lakes to finally reach a cozy cabin on a small bluff overlooking Indianpoint lake and the associated mountains. By the time we hit the second lake of this day, we know we are deep in the wilderness with only our companions, the snow and the creatures of nature.

Day 2   takes us up the Indianpoint Lagoon. Here we choose our route carefully to avoid thin ice created by moving water and natural upwellings which provide a curious spectacle, keeping holes open in the ice all winter. Travelling over the Isaac portage we arrive at the beginning of Isaac Lake. Then we spend a glorious day skiing across the north arm of Isaac Lake to the base of Wolverine Mountain. From here we ski down the main arm to Moxley Creek cabin.

Day 3   sees us skiing back on our old trails, (if they're still showing!), enjoying the return view, and admiring the tracks of animals who've chosen to follow our well beaten path rather than use precious energy making their own.

Day 4   and we ski back to civilization with long glides back down over the portages, which offer gentle downhill relief to tired travelers.

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE Minimum 3 people $675/person. (Group rates available for 5 or more people)

Ask about our 5 day Temperate Rainforest Excursion. By adding an extra night at Moxley Creek we have the opportunity to explore more of the mountains and the only Inland Temperate Rainforest and, most biologically productive environment in the world. We'll explore this forest and mountain environment, on Nordic gear, in a safe and friendly way and return to our base at Moxley Creek in the afternoon. 

THREE DAY WEST-SIDE TRIP (to Bowron Marsh)

The West Side of the Bowron Lake Chain offers a completely different travel experience than our East Side Trip. We take you to places that cannot be visited at any other time of the year, despite the fact that we only cross one lake, and have no portage trails! In addition, we spend two nights at the same location, allowing the group to really enjoy the comfort of the cabin.

Day 1 We assemble at the Head of Bowron Lake and head south 7.5 km, by crossing the lake and travelling up the east side. As we round the dog-leg a spectacular view of the mountains in the interior of Bowron Lake Park frame the Bowron Slough, one of the most beautiful and unique marshlands in the world. Another 4 km over the frozen slough brings us to a river crossing to our cabin, where we get comfortable, and then set out on an unencumbered ski tour onto Swan Lake.

Day 2 The normal fabulous breakfast is followed by a day trip over the Bowron Marsh. The river winds endlessly back and forth below high mountain peaks, and we'll spend the day skiing along sections of it, exploring frozen backwaters, checking out marshlands that can only be accessed in the winter, and otherwise ski touring our way through a variety of terrains. Tracks of wolf, moose, muskrats, mice, marten, ravens, trumpeter swans, otters, fox and other wildlife are common. We return to the cabin late in the afternoon, with the luxury of having it all set up for us!

Day 3 Depending on conditions, we might take a short ski before heading back up Bowron Lake. The orientation, and open lake landscape here make the possibility of engaging in some novel and exciting kite skiing very likely in one direction or the other!

CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE Minimum 3 people $525/person.

All our gear is carried on light sleds which are pulled behind us, making skiing light and enjoyable, even in deep snow. Due to the nature of this trip, the number of participants is limited to a maximum of six. Previous experience in cross country skiing is an asset but not necessary. We travel on light, touring or back country XC gear which is available for rent if necessary. Sleds and all food as well as transportation from Wells are included in the cost. Winter sleeping bags, backpacks and sleeping pads are also available.

One participant marveled, "I don't think I've ever traveled anywhere for four days and not seen another person. This has been a very special experience".

If you've canoed the Bowron Chain then this is a must-do! There is nothing more exhilarating than skiing over the same place that you were canoeing in the summer. 

We don't specify departure dates until you do! Pick a weekday departure date from January to March that suits your schedule and we can accommodate you!

One Day Bowron Lakes and the Cariboo Goldfields

Stay in Wells at the unique Mountain Thyme Guest House and enjoy unique guided ski tours to secret stashes that few people see at any season, and many of which are only accessible in the winter! Visit our DAY TOUR PAGE for details, options and prices

CLIENT REVIEWS:

To download a short video created by a satisfied client click: BowronLakeMarch09.wmv (9 mB)

To read a story review by another satisfied client click:  Douglas County Oregon Newspaper Story

For more photographs visit: Whitegold Adventures

1 Day Ski and SnowShoe Tours

We have some of the most unique terrain in the world, and we know how to access it! Come to Wells/Barkerville/Bowron Lakes and stay each night in our luxury accommodation. Spend the day going somewhere you never imagined existed! Visit our Winter Day Tour Page for Details!

5 Day Trips, and additional self-propelled, and resort based activities available. Wells has fantastic accomodation and groomed xc trails, Barkerville has deep snow in a historic townsite, Troll Mountain is 20 minutes away with on-hill accomodation and 1700 feet of vertical. Excellent backcountry telemark trails are also here. Contact us for details.

BOWRON XC SKI WILDLIFE TOUR SPECIAL: Purchase a 3 or 4 day Cabin assisted XC Ski Trip for 4 or more people before Jan 10(for departure after January 26) and bring the next person free! More details and trips at the Frog Adventure Page.