Category: Nordic

Photos with Santa Sunday, December 22

12/12/2019

Santa Claus is coming to Callaghan Country

Enjoy festive holiday activities at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre (1st Entrance to Ski Callaghan): It's a natural winter-wonderland up here, so come, roast marshmallows by the trailside bonfire, wander the forest by snowshoe & play a game of Callaghan Country's nature bingo, participate in some natural crafting and Christmas decor, and of course get your photo with Santa!

Can't get enough of the Callaghan? This Holiday Season, treat yourself and your family to the ultimate winter experience found right here at Callaghan Country! Typically an 'older-kid' and adult-only accommodation, we exceptionally allow families with young children in our Journeyman Lodge during the Holiday Season.

Many families have already booked their Holiday stay with us but there is still some vacancies remaining through Christmas and in the New Year, so don't delay and book now for your best Holiday memories yet. ***We are pleased to honour 55% off to guests 13 yrs & under for reservations Dec.20-25 & Jan 5-7***

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Callaghan Country's Benchmark Series - How to Maximize them...

1/22/2019

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We're so proud to be hosting the 10th edition of Callaghan Country's Annual Benchmark Series! This will be our decade milestone for the Signature Social Ski Event designed to promote friendship, fitness and a reconnection to the natural world. Save the dates!

Installation #1 Sunday, January 27th, invite friends on facebook >>
Installation #2 Sunday, February 24th, invite friends on facebook >>
Installation #3 Sunday, March 24th, invite friends on facebook >>

As a series, the events provide Nordic skiers 3 opportunities over the course of the winter season to benchmark their own personal time to ski the 13.5km groomed nordic trails up to Callaghan's high elevation network and Journeyman Lodge. It's a non-competitive atmosphere and there's no need to be a pro but, proper preparations will ensure you feel like one. Here's our top tips and insights to maximize the experience...

Commit yourself and thoughtfully consider your personal goals. For beginners, we recommend your first goal is as simple as making it. No need to rush because you've got to get yourself back down the same trail, and spaghetti-legs certainly don't help! See how long the first trip takes, then set a time target just slightly shorter for the next event. Beyond time targets, it's also helpful to benchmark your physical response to each challenge.
Start it right! Hydrate as soon as you wake-up and make sure you've eaten a full breakfast. Check our current conditions page so you know what you're getting into for the day. If you have a morning stretch or yoga routine, all the better...plan to arrive limbered up. Arrive early (gate opens at 8:30am).
Team up. We recommend skiing with a buddy to ensure you're not alone on the trail and it is just more fun with a friend!
Bring snacks to make sure you have enough fuel to get to your destination and plenty of water to keep you hydrated *Please note, there is no running water at our base facilities but we do have drinks available for purchase at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre.
Review your tools. Consider Climbing/'Kicker' skins for your XC Skis. They are an excellent tool to help save energy during the long climbs into the lodge – these are available for rent at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre. If you have limited experience, we recommend using classic skis as they are better suited for long distance. If possible, use gear that you're familiar with and has already been broken in. Even if the gear is familiar, be sure to pack some extra bandaids and moleskin in the event of pesky blisters!
Bring extra clothing layers for the variety of conditions you may experience: start with thin layers (it's the first 3.5km that's a grunt), but pack some warmer layers as temperature will drop with the elevation gain. The ski out can be quite chilly once you start going downhill on Mainline Trail; that's when you'll really be grateful for the added layer!
Take it all in. On top of getting an amazing full body workout, you are in one of the most beautiful places on earth...big claim yes, but there's no hesitation making it. Let the sights and sounds of the surrounding environment energize you along the way.

Go for it! The first event is this Sunday... Advanced registration is required; this allows us to place an appropriate food order before the event. Registration closes at 50 participants. The event cost is $10 per person for registered participants + Ski Callaghan Admissions (trail ticket fee or season pass)

Call us at 604.964.0058 or email us at info@callaghancountry.com to register.

A hot chili lunch (both meat and veggie) will be served up at Journeyman Lodge from 12pm – 2pm. Event Participants are welcome to use our traditional woodfired sauna, but will need to bring their own towels.

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Freedoms of the Callaghan...

11/8/2018

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As a society, we have never been more time-starved and over-stimulated so the need to slow down, unplug and reconnect is more important than ever. Throw in an ever-looming threat of climate change and it only makes sense that more and more backcountry enthusiasts are opting to “Earn their turns” and overall self-propelled recreation is on the rise. We ache for freedom, and the wilderness calls.

Callaghan Country's Journeyman Lodge was built on sweat equity and a belief in the inherent value of exploring the world beyond lift dependency. There are no free rides to the top and no one to hand-hold you through another cookie-cutter backcountry experience. In these mountains, you’re on your own, and you’re better off because of it. An infamous Eleanor Roosevelt quote resonates..."With freedom comes responsibility." Wilderness exploration does require certain capacities and skill sets. We're excited to announce that Callaghan Country has some early season Skills Clinics to build that toolkit!

Clinic Snapshot
Prerequisites
Dates & Timing
Price & Booking Instructions

Navigation Skills for Backcountry Touring
An introductory clinic covering the basics of mountain navigation with local and established ACMG Guide, Dave Sarkany. This full-day clinic will provide participants with classroom theoretical review and on-the-snow practical skills:
-printed topographic map layout to form an understanding of projection, datum, scale, distance, and contour lines
-referencing location through Lat/Long and the UTM grid
-understanding components of standard handheld compasses
-adjusting to the local magnetic declination to be able to follow a bearing off a map
-use of resection/triangulation
These skills will be brought together for modern navigation using digital maps stored on personal phones for the purpose of navigating with the units GPS/electronic compass and altimeter.
Instructor Bio: Dave Sarkany has lived in Whistler for 27 years. He has been very active in the mountains and on the ocean throughout the region since the early 1980’s., and has specialized in guiding for the last 20 years. In the mountains Dave is recognized as an ACMG Ski Guide and Hiking Guide(Association of Canadian Mountain Guide) and a CAA Professional Member (Canadian Avalanche Association).

Equipment:

AT Skis & Skins, Splitboard & Skins, or Snowshoes
Compass/Phone
Clothing for winter environment in temps down to -15
Pack Lunch and snacks

Dave will be equipped with guide pack (first aid/communications/repair stuff)
Skill:

Moderate fitness needed (wont be going far)

Clinics offered Sunday, Nov. 25th & Saturday, Dec. 1st

7:00am sign in
7:15am class-room theory
8:30am depart in snowcat to lake
9:15am on-the-snow field class
2:30pm ski back to base (mechanized transfer available to snowshoers)
4:00pm end of day Q&A

$126.50 per person (includes Snowshuttle Seat & Ski Callaghan trail pass)

CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE NOW >>

*Online Bookings required
**All participants are required to sign a Waiver of Liability>>
**All Bookings are non-refundable an non-transferable, including in scenarios of late arrival
****Please call 604.938.0616 with any questions

Clinic Snapshot
Prerequisites
Dates & Timing
Price & Booking Instructions

'Designed for Freedom' Skate Skiing Skills
Join local high-performance Biathlon coach 'Munny' for 2 hrs of instruction & technique development to enjoy the ultimate freedoms that come as you hone your skate-ski skillset. Build confidence to explore the high altitude trails of Callaghan's Solitude Valley. Take your Nordic skiing to new heights!

-Special attention on the art of skate ski ascent and descent
-Work with your physical literacy
-Customize your coaching session i.e. "What do you want to work on?"

Equipment:

Personal Skate Ski Equipment

Skill:

All abilities welcome. The purpose of the clinic is to improve skill level.

Saturday, Dec. 15th ~ 2hrs...10am - Noon
Monday, Dec. 24th ~ 2hrs...10am - Noon
Wednesday, Dec. 26th ~ 2hrs...10am - Noon

$85.00 per person (does not include Ski Callaghan Admissions/Trail Tickets)

Click here to Book Online Now >>

*Online Bookings required
**All Bookings are non-refundable an non-transferable, including in scenarios of late arrival
***Please call 604.938.0616 with any questions

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Nordic Ski Clubs in BC's Lower Mainland

9/20/2018

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Word's out...XC skiing is an excellent multi-generational sport, ideal for people of all ages and abilities. This outdoor winter sport is social and fun, a low impact yet full body workout supporting healthy cardiovascular functions. In BC, most children learn to cross-country ski through the their elementary school's participation in the Ski S'Kool Program, but there are also a variety of non-profit, community building, ski clubs committed to growing the sport for future generations.

From age 4 to adulthood, Nordic Ski Clubs offer programs that 'encourage all individuals to be involved in lifelong physical activity and articulates the need for children, particularly those who have an interest in competing in the sport, to be given a solid foundation in physical, technical, tactical and mental capacities upon which to build their performance abilities.' The primary component of this is the Jackrabbit Programs, named after the legendary Hermann “Jackrabbit” Smith-Johannsen – a Norwegian immigrant that lived and skied to the impressive age of 112 (for real!).

There are a number of ways to engage the local Nordic community and pre-season is the best time of year to consider your options: volunteer positions, memberships, program enrolments, and special events...we've done our best to compile a comprehensive list to finding your Nordic Ski tribe this winter:

Club Name	Hub Location	Programs Offered	Get in Touch
Whistler Nordic Ski Club	Whistler	Skill Development Programs (Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit, Track Attack) Jr Racing Program Adult Skill Lessons	Email admin@whistlernordics.com Website: www.whistlernordics.com
Sea to Sky Nordic Ski Club	Squamish	Skill Development Programs (Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit, Track Attack) Jr Racing Programs Biathlon Ski Jumping Adult Skill Lessons	Email: info@seatoskynordics.ca Website: www.seatoskynordics.ca
Spud Valley Nordic Association	Pemberton	Ski S’Kool Skill Development Programs (Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit, Track Attack) Jr Racing Program Club Facilities: Nairn Falls Campground 3.5 km groomed trails; ski playground Grooming: snowmobile; Ginzu Groomer	Ph: (604) 894-6182 Email: dfflos@hotmail.com Website: https://spudvalleynordics.com/
Hollyburn Cross Country Ski Club	North Vancouver	Adult Skill Lessons Skill Development Programs (Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit, Track Attack) Jr Racing Program	Ph: (604) 942-6410 Email: info@hollyburnxc.ca Website: www.hollyburnxc.ca
The Vancouver Skiers	North Vancouver	Adult Skill Lessons Day and overnight trips to various cross country ski areas	Ph: (604) 924 3533 Email: web@theskiers.ca Website: www.theskiers.ca
Nordic Racers Ski Club	Vancouver	Adult Skill Lessons Programs for skiers with a disability	Email: membership@nordicracers.ca Website: www.nordicracers.ca
UBC Nordic Ski Club	Vancouver	Varsity Ski Team	Ph: (604) 822-3683 Email: nordicski.sc@ubc.ca

We highly recommend attending one of the upcoming Ski Swaps. Not only will you find deals on gear, this is typically a great opportunity for local clubs to feature their programs and courses as well...

MARK YOUR CALENDAR:

Sept. 29, 2018 - Nordic Swap & Expo @ the Squamish Adventure Centre hosted by the Sea to Sky Nordics
Oct. 5-8, 2018 - Annual Turkey Sale @ most of Whistler Village's Retailers hosted by Whistler Blackcomb
Oct. 6, 2018 - Whistler Nordics Ski Swap @ Whistler's Hilton Resort & Spa hosted by Whistler Nordics
Oct. 12-14, 2018 - Vancouver Winter Extreme Ski & Board Swap @ Vancouver PNE hosted by Canadian Ski Patrol
Oct. 18, 2018 - Hollyburn Cross Country AGM, Club Buy Night and Ski Swap @ Deep Cove Outdoors in North Van

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Nordic Dog Day

3/1/2018

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A Day for Powder Pooches!

Alexander Falls Touring Centre is proud to be the most dog friendly zone in the Callaghan, with access to over 27 kms of dog-friendly cross-country ski trails plus over 17 kms of dog-friendly snowshoe trails both on and off-leash!

On Saturday, March 10th, 2018:

Dogs ski and snowshoe free!*
The first 50 dogs through the gates receive a doggie bag of tasty treats and deals.
Several lucky doggie bags will have grand prizes valued at up to $125!
Support WAG the Whistler Animal Shelter, by bringing a donation of any of the following:

Bulky Stick Dog chews,
-Cans of tuna fish
-Dog and cat treats
-Dog toys - squeakies, stuffies, bones, balls, etc.
-Stuffed dog bones
-Financial donations - can be made online

Powder Pooch Parade at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre - 1pm, Sat. Mar. 10
Its the fashion-conscious canine's signature event of the season! To celebrate Dog Day at Ski Callaghan, we're inviting four-legged friends to strut their stuff in an oh-so-stylish ski outfit at the Alexander Falls Touring Centre.

*All dogs must be accompanied by a human guest. All human guests must have a valid ski or snowshoe trail ticket and gear or rentals. All tickets can be purchased at the gates and on site. Maximum 2 dogs to 1 human. Dogs are welcome on designated dog-friendly trails and parking lots. Ensure to familiarize yourself with the dog rules, etiquette, and dog-friendly trails at Ski Callaghan.

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Callaghan Country's 2018 Benchmark Series

1/16/2018

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Mark your Calendars!

The Benchmark Series is Callaghan Country's Signature Social Ski Event designed to promote friendship, fitness and a reconnection to the natural world. The series of events gives Nordic skiers 3 opportunities over the course of the winter season to benchmark their own personal time it takes them to ski to Journeyman Lodge.

Installation #1 Sunday, January 28th

Installation #2 Sunday, February 25th
Installation #3 Sunday, March 25th

Challenge yourself and friends to ski the 13.5 km into Journeyman Lodge. Great event to meet a new ski buddy! Sign in begins at 9:00am with the group ski beginning shortly thereafter.

A hot chili lunch (both meat and veggie) will be served up at Journeyman Lodge from 12pm – 2pm. Event Participants are welcome to use our traditional woodfired sauna, but will need to bring their own towels.

Call us at 604.964.0058 or email us at info@callaghancountry.com to register*.

* IMPORTANT Advanced registration is required; this allows us to place an appropriate food order before the event. Registration closes at 50 participants. The event cost is $10 per person for registered participants + Ski Callaghan Admissions (trail ticket fee or season pass)

NEW for 2018: Coached Classic Ski Clinic alongside the Benchmark events...

Registration is now open and space is limited so follow this link to book your spot online now >> .

Please note that the $75 clinic fee does not include lunch or Ski Callaghan Admissions/Trail Tickets. Please Call Sandi at 1.604.964.0058 for more information or with any questions.

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New Specialty Clinics

1/15/2018

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Designed For Freedom Skate Skiing Clinic - Feb 12 (BC Family Day)

This much sought after Skate Ski Clinic with local high-performance Biathlon coach 'Munny' is back for Monday, February 12th.

Customize your coaching session i.e. "What do you want to work on?"
Work with your physical literacy
Demo Salomon high performance skis
2 hrs, Max 6:1 student to instructor ratio

Registration is now open and space is limited so follow this link to book your spot online now >> for Monday, February 12th.

Please note that the $85 clinic fee does not include Ski Callaghan Admissions/Trail Tickets. Please Call Sandi at 1.604.964.0058 for more information or with any questions.

Designed For Freedom Skate Skiing Clinics- Dec 23 or Dec 31

Are you a skate skier that still struggles with climbing hills? Do you eat it on the way down? Then this clinic, focusing on the art of ascent and descent on skate skis, is for you!

On December 23rd & 31st, join local high-performance Biathlon coach 'Munny' for 120 minutes of instruction and technique to take your Nordic skiing to new heights! Pun totally intended...

Registration is now open and space is limited so follow this link to book your spot online now >> for December 23rd OR the December 31st.

Please note that the $85 clinic fee does not include Ski Callaghan Admissions/Trail Tickets. Please Call Sandi at 1.604.964.0058 for more information or with any questions.

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Ski Hounds

1/28/2017

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Cross-country skiing isn’t just for humans. Dogs love it too. With strong back legs for skis, their own built-in ski poles (…a.k.a front legs) and oodles of energy, dogs are the perfect skiing machines. Let your furry friend lead the way through Ski Callaghan’s 20+km of dog-friendly trails, with on-leash and off-leash options to suit all variety of puppy personalities. Your pooch will be thankful for the exercise, endless stimulation, and interaction with other adventure pups.

Before you hit the trails, here are a few things you should know:

The fashion-conscious canine need not worry, they too can strut their stuff in an oh-so-stylish ski outfit, just like Crusoe the Weiner Dog. Just be sure to get permission from your hound-pup before adorning them in ugly-christmas-sweater style outfits and giant goggles; a recent survey conducted amongst the Ski Callaghan puppy population shows a skew toward a preference to let their fur flow au-naturel.

Lazy mutts
For the lazier hounds out there, never fear – they can still get their fill of frill and fresh air. This intriguing ski technique is apparently tried and tested (just be sure of your skiing ability before trying this and ending up in a snowbank… aside from the potential bruising factor, your pup may be too ashamed to be seen with you after that):

Puppy Love
Just like their human comrades, winter is a harsh time for the four-legged variety. Keep their paws and pads in tip-top condition by protecting them with doggy booties or applying a balm or vaseline to the pads to stop them from drying out on the freezing snow. As cesarsway.com says on winter-proofing your dogs paws:
“Winter can be tough on our dog’s feet but good grooming and protecting the paws by using a balm or booties will go a long way to keeping your dog’s feet healthy.”

Ski Callaghan’s dog-friendly trails can be identified in pink on our trail map here. If accessing the Whistler Olympic Park dog trails from Callaghan Country, be sure to use the designated Wetland Wanderer dog trail.

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A Cross Country Skier's Bliss

10/8/2015

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Here's our Thanksgiving Ode from, Karen, one of Callaghan Country's biggest fans on cross country skis. It's her 12 Months of Callaghan Country pictorial that she's gathered over her multiple seasons of fan-hood. There's plenty to be thankful for; let's start with October...