Hudson Bay Mountain

Hudson Bay Mountain is one of Canada's Ultra-Prominent Peaks, and the ski resort that shares its name stands out as well. The ski resort and mountain's name refers to the Hudson's Bay Company, which played a crucial role in the development and economy in the region. Today, the winter venue is known for its downhill trail into Smithers, British Columbia.

Located in Smithers, the ski resort is easy to reach using Highway 16, the northern branch of the Trans-Canadian Highway. The resort is west of town, along the southern portion of the mountain. Smither's Regional airport is the closest airfield, with International facilities over 650 miles away at Kelowna International Airport.

Standing Ultra-Tall

The Hudson Bay Mountain Ski Resort sits on the southern slopes of a mountain classified as an ultra-prominent peak. That means it has a topographic prominence of 4,500 feet or more. It creates conditions perfect for lots of powder and a ski season that stretches from November through April. Average annual snowfall can reach 72 inches, with several acres equipped with snowmaking capabilities to supplement Mother Nature's alpine contribution.

Hudson Bay Mountain reaches 8,494 feet (its prominence is 5,279 feet), but the ski resort only reaches 5,413 feet. That creates a lift-serviced vertical drop of 1,750 feet, with the ski area having a continuous mountain vertical measuring 3,775 feet. That produces lots of potentials down the slopes and is part of the reason that visitors flock here during the winter months.

There are lodging options on the mountain and in the surrounding communities. The Hudson Bay Mountain ski area works with several local businesses, with visitors receiving discounts on lift tickets while staying at one of these partnering facilities. Whiskey Jack's Lounge and the Coyote Cafe offer dining and resting spots where skiers and riders can take a break and meet up. Rentals, demo gear, and tune-up/repairs are available, with advanced payments recommended for ski bums planning to arrive empty-handed.

Lessons at the winter resort break down into private, group, parent/child, and "discover" packages. Most sessions last for 90 minutes, with the discover lessons covering one or two full days. Many locals participate in the Smithers Ski & Snowboard Club for extra camaraderie on the pow, and the resort also hosts CASI and CSIA instructor courses. Adaptive Skiing and Riding are supported here, and the Hudson Bay Mountain Resort is home to the Province's Special Olympics Alpine Program.

Ultra-Roomy as Well

The Hudson Bay Mountain ski area covers 700 skiable acres. There are 44 runs that skiers and riders can choose from, with the trail down into Smithers being the longest at 4.97 miles. Terrain rating break down to green/beginner (41-percent), blue/intermediate (32-percent), and black diamond/advanced (27-percent). A couple of the runs off the north face at Hudson Bay Mountain are rated as double black diamond, offering expert skiers and riders a downhill challenge.

Three lifts, including two T-bars, move guests uphill at Hudson Bay Mountain. It might be fewer than some expected, but the slopes are usually not crowded. The Local Terrain Park rounds out the fun here.