Insider Tips for Exploring Smithers Q&A with Abby Cooper

In search of long line, fresh powder, friendly locals, and epic Instagram-worthy sights and scenes? Then you need to #SkiNorthBC!

Photographer and writer Abby Cooper (@AbbyDells) set out for Northern BC with SnowSeekers’ #SkiNorthBC expedition this winter. She hit 6 different destinations and chronicled her journey. I wanted to find out more about what she experienced, discovered, and what anyone looking for a Northern BC adventure simply cannot miss.

Insider Tips for Exploring Smithers Q&A

Read Abby’s full story about spending 48 Hours in Smithers »

Photo by Abby Cooper

Q1. What were your first impressions of Smithers?
ABBY: Despite never living there, it’s a picture perfect mountain town, friendly atmosphere and plethora of mountains make me feel right at home and ready to get to know my new surroundings.

Q2. Who was your best local resource for info?
ABBY: The heart beat of this town spans generations and there’s no shortage of Smithers residents ready to showcase the best of their town. Jay form Local Supply Co will always point you in the right direction for gear and snow. Blaine Estby knows a thing or two about apres in Smithers and local filmmaker Marty Clements has a good lay of the land.

Photo by Abby Cooper

Q3. What did you find most surprising/unexpected?
ABBY: I’ve always gone into the mountains which are literally a hop away from main street, but I was surprised by the opportunity to fat bike from downtown to the Riverside Trails – a very refreshing activity for a day off the slopes.

Photo by Abby Cooper

Q4. What is a can’t-miss in Smithers?
ABBY: Where to begin?! If you’re a powder-junkie you cannot miss the opportunity to stay overnight at Skeena Cat Skiing’s luxury backcountry basecamp. Don’t miss grabbing a bit at Telly’s, delicious array of cultured cuisine await here or a pint at one of the new breweries in town.

Photo by Abby Cooper

Q5. What was the most Instagram-worthy moment or place?
ABBY: Instagram haven at Two Sisters Cafe, so trendy, but I prefer the outdoors so I’ll take my coffee for a walk exploring the shops and views of Hudson Bay Mountain.

Q6. What would make you go back again and again?
ABBY: Culture and community meet bottomless champagne powder in Smithers, need I say more?

Read Abby’s full story about spending 48 Hours in Smithers »

If you go

• Tourism Smithers and Hudson Bay Mountain Resort make it easy for you to ski this season via their Ski and Stay website, home to ski and stay packages.
• For more on the terrain at Hudson Bay, check out its trail map here »
• Smithers is home to a convenient airport, with car rental options on site.

For more on skiing in Northern BC, set a bookmark to check out the SnowSeekers #SkiNorthBC expedition page on a regular basis. More stories and videos will be coming out all season long.