Winter in Wells

Winter adventures are waiting for you to join in one of these annual winter events:

• Cross country ski around the world at the Gourmet Ski 
• Visit Barkerville during the Victorian Christmas or enjoy there new Shamrock Tube Run
• Get the best poker hand on the annual Snowmobile Poker Run
• Join a team at one of the various curling bonspiels
• See sled dog teams in action as part of the Sled Dog Mail Run
• Troll Resort has an impressive vertical at 527m (1729ft) and the longest run of 6km

OR you can go on your own adventures and explore all that Wells has to offer such as…

SKIING

Winter is a magical time here in the Cariboo Mountains. It is not unusual for us to get over 20 feet of snowfall during a season. The Cornish Mountain Non-Motorized Trail Network includes 25 kilometers of groomed and ungroomed trails for all ability levels. The network travels through an interesting wetland where moose, ptarmigan, and wintering swans are sometimes seen and then climbs the forested slopes of Cornish Mountain for fabulous views of the surrounding mountains. Some of the trails are track-set in the winter. Track-setting is done on an as-needed basis by volunteers, and depending on recent weather conditions, track-set trails may be in less than perfect condition. Be sure to make your way up for the annual Wells Snowman Gourmet Ski Tour, a fantastic family-friendly event that involves skiing and eating in the local trail network.
With all that fluffy snow, the powder hounds take to the mountains. There are several popular areas for backcountry skiing, telemarking, and snowboarding, including Mt. Agnes and Mt. Murray. The Cariboo Ski Touring Club operates huts in the Mt. Murray area, and both areas are easily accessible for day trips from Wells and Barkerville.

SNOWMOBILING

Snowmobile use is permitted on many trails in the area. By using the specially designated snowmobile corridor through the community snowmobilers can gas-up and reach their accommodation without having to load up their snowmobiles. Riding opportunities include hill climbing at Mt. Agnes, alpine riding at Bald Mountain or Yanks Peak, and trail touring from Prince George, Likely, or Quesnel. Our area is home to red-listed Mountain Caribou. Snowmobilers must familiarize themselves with Caribou Closure Areas and avoid these areas and any Caribou that you may encounter outside of these areas.
Trails are groomed on a regular basis and trail passes are available at local outlets in Wells as well as at a specially designed snowmobiler check-in near the entrance of Wells. For more information, including up to date snow conditions be sure to check out the Wells Snowmobile Club website. The Wells Snowmobile Club has more detailed information on snowmobile use and services in the area. Snowmobiling is a great way to get into the backcountry that would be difficult to access in any other way. Remember that many of the trails are shared-use - please be courteous to other trail users such as skiers and snowshoers.

SNOWSHOEING

Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the Mt. Trail Network. Whether you are interested in sticking on the marked routes or venturing through a short cut, with all the snow that we get up here, put on a pair of snowshoes and you can go almost anywhere! Remember to leave a detailed itinerary with somebody if you are planning a backcountry adventure.

DOG SLEDDING

One of the most interesting wintertime activities in the area is Dog Sledding. Take advantage of the miles of groomed trails to tour the winter backcountry in this enduring sport. Dog sledders from right across the world come to Wells to take part in the prestigious Gold Rush Trail Sled Dog Mail Run, scheduled annually for the fourth weekend in January on a trail that starts in Quesnel and ends in Wells.

Photo by Tammy Chard