There is no business like snow business on the Sunshine Coast

Dakota Ridge, a winter paradise offering world-class cross country skiing and snowshoeing on BC’s Sunshine Coast, is open for snow business on December 17th. Just a 40-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver, the 1532-acre plateau features thirteen kilometres of cross-country ski trails and eight kilometres of snowshoe trails. There is also plenty of space for tobogganing or a just a winters walk through old growth forests in a beautiful sub-alpine setting.

“For people that want a true escape from the city or the usual winter destination crowds, Dakota Ridge is the perfect recreational playground for all ages,” said Judy Spears, President of Sunshine Coast Tourism. “It’s an easy daytrip from the mainland but for anyone who wants to spend a night or two we  have over 130 B&B’s and accommodations to choose from on the lower Coast.”

Dakota Ridge is over 1200 metres high and rewards its visitors with amazing views of the Coast Mountains, Vancouver Island and the Georgia Straight. There is a user pay system with onsite facilities that include a warming hut with a woodstove and an outhouse with an ecologically sound holding tank. The area is patrolled during weekends by volunteer trail hosts who are available to answer questions, monitor trails, and help ensure skier safety. Dakota Ridge is accessed by 13 kilometres of a maintained four-wheel drive forest service road. Chains are recommended for safe winter travel.

For those who do not have four-wheel drive vehicles there are some local companies that provide transportation to and from the mountain as well as tours and rental gear:

Alpha Adventures offers shuttle service for self-guided touring, rentals, tours and lessons in both cross-country sking and snowshoeing. www.outdooradventurestore.ca. Talaysay Tours provides guests with safe memorable snowshoe tours suitable for families, couple and individuals with little to no snowshoe experience. http://talaysay.com/m_8.asp

For overnight accommodations winter specials include:

·       Arcturus Retreat B&B combined a two-night stay with a two-hour guided evening snowshoe excursion under the stars to create their Starlight Snowshoe Package. www.arcturusretreat.ca/

·       A Place by the Sea, a deluxe romantic waterfront B&B is offering winter specials at a huge savings. http://aplacebythesea.com/specials.html

·       For a mid-week escape, Absolute Heaven Oceanfront Suites and Spa has a mid-week winter special. www.absoluteheavenbb.com/getawaypackages.html

For more updates or more information on Dakota Ridge please visit www.scrd.ca (Dakota Ridge), www.facebook.com/Dakota.SCRD or call 604-885-6802. For more information on the Sunshine Coast please visit www.sunshinecoastcanada.com