Ski Harper Mountain, BC
Harper Mountain is one of the least well-known ski resorts in Okanagan, BC. With a variety of trails and terrain to enjoy, as well as things like a snowtubing park and a comprehensive ski school, it’s a great place for families to spend time together on vacation. Most of the trails are designated as beginner and intermediate slopes, which make it a less stressful place for first timers and smaller skiers. It’s an intimate ski resort that organizes many activities for families throughout the season. The affordable prices and small crowds ensure that guests enjoy the freedom to ski or snowboard without pressure and without the big expense found at larger resorts.
The resort is located just 10 miles from Kamloops. The area boasts many great local attractions and family owned shops. In fact, Harper Mountain is a family owned resort and has been since 1973. Kamloops is the transportation hub for the area and has been voted BC’s most friendly city. The area boasts great discounted accommodations and dining options, as well as deals on cultural events and entertainment.
Families will enjoy the atmosphere of the resorts in the general area. Most activities are child-friendly because the area specifically caters to families. Traveling with the kids isn’t difficult because the resort is only a short drive from Kamloops which can be reached easily by air from Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver, often with nonstop flights running several times a day. There’s also plenty for kids to do at Harper Mountain. They have an excellent ski school with classes designed just for kids as well as a ski and snowboarding club, a terrain park and a tube park.
Nightlife at Harper Mountain is just as laid-back and easy-going as the people in the area. There are several nearby hotels and taverns that offer après ski drinks and food. There are several great and relaxed places to sit back and enjoy a cold one after a great day on the slopes.
The mountain itself has a large enough vertical drop that it’s more challenging than some other family oriented mountains, which means that even advanced skiers in the group won’t be bored or frustrated at this family-friendly resort. But the activities and the atmosphere are really centered around guests with children so that they can come and enjoy an affordable ski vacation. Snowboarding Zone – Harper Mountain, BC:
Riders Guide – Harper Mountain has three lifts that transport up to 3,600 skiers per hour. There are two surface lifts and one triple chair which serve 15 trails. The longest run is 1,200 feet. About 50% of the trails are intermediate level and 25% are rated beginner, the remaining 25% of the trails are for advanced skiers and riders. Still, the difficult trails are challenging enough to keep advanced riders from becoming bored.
Parks and Pipes – Harper Mountain does have a progressive terrain park. It’s full of jumps, boxes, rails and other features for all skill level of park rider or freestyle skier to enjoy. The terrain park is near the T-bar on the lower part of the Spillway. Harper Mountain also has a halfpipe to practice big air and big tricks.
Out of Bounds – In addition to downhill skiing and snowboarding in the terrain park, guests can enjoy cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. There are two trails for cross country skiing that run through forested areas. They are only track set occasionally and aren’t patrolled so they’re designed for people who are familiar with cross country skiing and comfortable doing so. It’s recommended that guests cross-country ski only at least one other person or in groups. The trails are 3 and 5 km, and cross-country equipment is available for rent. There are also snowshoes available. And don’t forget the fun tubing park. For regulars, seasonal rentals are available and they also rent to individuals and groups for single days or extended periods of time.
Hangout & Hookup – Because Harper Mountain is designed for families most people enjoy après ski drinks and dining at the resort itself. However, because it’s located less than 10 miles from Kamloops, there are a variety of choices of places where one can enjoy dining and nighttime activities. The larger hotels and resorts in that area have full-service dining rooms and lounges, and there are also some that offer live music and dancing.
The Deal – Flights are available into Kamloops from many Canadian metropolitan areas like Vancouver and Toronto, with Air Canada offering many of these flights daily. Or guests can fly into Kamloops and use a shuttle service from the airport or rent a car and drive the short 10 mile drive north on Highway 5. Take Paul Lake Road east and then turn onto Harper Mountain Road.