From Plane to Powder
It’s easy to turn the dream of a ski trip to Smithers into reality, whether it’s by road (4 hours west of Prince George) or a quick 90-minute flight from YVR and soon onto the chairlift of the #playgroundofthenorth.
What does it mean when you arrive at a destination and feel that you are at home, surrounded by people who are grateful that you are there? Welcome to Smithers, BC.
“Smithers has soul, you know why? All the structures and buildings are unique—not even three stories,” explains Squamish-based Kerri Hunter remarking on her recent Smithers ski trip that kicked off her new year.
“Coming off the airplane it was a winter wonderland as soon as you landed,” described Hunter. “We drove in snow, no pavement, just snow from the airport into town.”
WATCH: Big wide groomers in the land of no liftlines at Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers
Powder glory on the mountain is just 20 minutes from landing at the Smithers Airport| Photo Evan Dux for Snowseekers
Hunter and a ton of Smithereens want you to take a new call and head north this season. The challenge? Mix it up with a getaway to Smithers. Getting from YVR to Smithers is smooth sailing.
“Since getting back home I have had friends commenting on social and asking me, so how was it, was it easy to get there?” says Sea-to-Sky based Hunter, a snow seeker who responded to our talent call to make the trip and flew from YVR to a winter wonderland.
Hunter and a ton of Smithereens want you to take a new call and head north this season. The challenge? Mix it up with a getaway to Smithers.
YVR to Smithers is smooth sailing
“Since getting back home I have had friends commenting on social and asking me, so how was it, was it easy to get there?” says Sea-to-Sky based Hunter, a snow seeker who responded to our talent call to make the trip and flew from YVR to a winter wonderland.
On a colder day, a quick warmup at Skyline Hut and you can charge right back into action | Photo Evan Dux for Snowseekers
Smithers is nestled within the Hazelton Mountain Range of Northern BC and home to Hudson Bay Mountain Resort and a town stoked in ski soul.
“The hill is so spread out, with double-wide runs, straight fall lines and plenty of room—you feel very free when you ski here,” describes Hunter.
“We skied wide open in powder that was light and to top it off, I don’t even know if I have ever skied that kind of grooming before, because I had never seen a run in that type of epic condition.”
Smithers' local village feel
Hudson Bay as a ski hill is unique in a few ways, considering the terrain aspects Hunter mentions, but also from the village that’s weaved right into the experience.
Cabin life on a powder day on Hudson Bay Mountain in Smithers, BC | Photo: Andrew Strain for Northern BC Tourism
Cabins line the hillsides at Hudson Bay Mountain, and each has its own story | Photo Evan Dux for Snowseekers
“And to see those cabins all worked into the hill, you never see that. When you are going down the hill, you stop and you look and you say, “wow that is someone’s cabin, you ski down a little bit more and look “oh there is another one.”
(One of them happens to be the Shred Shack of Gnar, the first cabin built on the mountain and an epic story of its own).
“You are skiing through a cabin community—that is grounding, this is the reality of this place, how things originated.
“It feels good skiing at Hudson Bay.”
Above the clouds! The ski hill in Smithers is known for its legendary inversions when it's warmer up on the mountain than in the town below | Photo Evan Dux for Snowseekers
Touch down in Smithers
With Smithers’ renovated airport back to full operation, it’s easy to turn the dream of a ski trip to Smithers into reality, whether it’s by road (4 hours west of Prince George) or only a 90-minute flight from YVR and onto the chairlift of the #playgroundofthenorth
Here is the Smithers Advantage: “We rolled up for the flight in our long johns, winter boots and jackets, boarded the flight and went straight up the mountain not even 20 mins from the airport.”
She couldn’t believe the view flying in, “Hudson Bay is right there— there was an inversion going on, so there was the mountain right in the sun, with a ring of clouds below it.”
Aprés ski at the Aspen Inn's Riverhouse Resturant. Smithers is a cool mountain town with chic boutiques, après ski dining, craft breweries, live music, and tons of winter recreation at your doorstep | Photo Evan Dux for Snowseekers
Experience the Smithers vibe Hunter describes, “in Smithers you are someone, you are recognized and greeted. You feel like you are at home and everyone around you is grateful that you are there.”
What to know
Getting to Smithers
- Driving: 4h from Prince George - Smithers via Hwy BC-16W
- Flying: Air Canada also offers daily flights.
Ski & Stay in Smithers
- Where to stay? Smithers has you covered, sort through their Ski & Stay collective. This past trip SnowSeekers stayed at the well rated Aspen Inn, with dinner at their Riverhouse (where we caught up with local Smithereen Alex Cuba a few years back).
Smithers Après
- Après in Smithers is spirited and social, especially the craft brewing scene! Light up your life and hit open mic nights at the Bulkley Valley Brewery or catch some live music either there or at Smithers Brewing. Find it all on our Eat & Drink page.
Hudson Bay Mountain info
- For the full lowdown on what is in store in Smithers, visit Hudson Bay Mountain's website or Snowseeker's HBMR info.
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