Something Different – Skiing at Shames in Terrace

November 18, 2016 Liam Harrap

There isn’t much resort skiing in Northern British Columbia. The towns are small, isolated and remote. Nevertheless, a couple of ski hills dot the rugged landscape of the Coast Range. Shames Mountain in Terrace is one of them. Powder Magazine described it as such, “Shames receives 1200 cm of annual snowfall, laying claim to one of the deepest, most consistent snow packs in North America and it’s backcountry access is unrivaled.” The resort is perfect for those wanting to try something different, ski hard, or experience powder up to their nostrils. It’s also a great place to extend your heliski trip now if you’ve made the journey all the way up to Northern BC.

| Photo - mymountaincoop.ca
The ski map | Photo – mymountaincoop.ca 

The resort is located 35 km west of Terrace in the Shames Valley. It was established in 1990, has 28 cut runs, three chair lifts and an abundance of natural glades. It’s the perfect place for tree skiing. The season runs from December to April and is a great place to bring the family, learn to ski, or experts just looking to explore a new area.

| Photo - A Skier's Journey
Being on the coast, the amount of snow they receive can be incredible. Make sure you bring your snorkeling gear | Photo – A Skier’s Journey

While the actual ski resort is small, it only occupies 10 per-cent of their tenure. The rest is for backcountry skiing. Shames has a larger tenure than Whistler/Backcomb or Vail. The backcountry at Shames is their staple, a major draw, and treasured by the locals. Guido, our ski wizard and tech at Ripley Creek, is a proud Shames skier, clocking in many days each season. It’s his playground and where he spends his weekends.

Guido on one of his standard ski days | Photo - Guido Schelzer
Guido on one of his standard ski days | Photo – Guido Schelzer

Shames is one of the only non-profit ski hills in the world and is owned by a co-operative. Anyone can buy membership and become one of the owners. The hill is cheap to ski, a day pass is only $52.58, while passes at Whistler are around $120.00. While Shames doesn’t have the glitz and glamour of Whistler, it has options for adventure, where anyone can find their own untouched tracks. Everyone is an explorer.

Heli Coming in to pick up Heli Skiers
Skiing at a local resort adds another element to your trip with Last Frontier Heliskiing | Photo: Ashley Barker

Shames is a super ad-on to your heliski trip at Last Frontier Heliskiing. Use Shames to get your legs into heliski shape, hone your powder skiing skills, or immerse yourself in a little Canadiana. Talk to our crew [here] to see if you can extend your ski holiday in one of the best little gems in the Coast Mountains. Whatever you do: Go Ski Shames.