Winter Fun at Harper Mountain Near Kamloops
byImagine you had a winter bucket list, filled with activities, adventures, and delicious eats, along with a budget that won’t break the bank. What if I told you I can serve that up to you right now thanks to my first-hand experience while on assignment with SnowSeekers last winter? It’s as easy as following these simple steps and planning your visit to Harper Mountain, located just 30 minutes from Kamloops.
Fuel Up in Kamloops
Arrive in Kamloops by plane or car, and fuel your body up for a day of Harper Mountain adventures at Hello Toast (428 Victoria St, Kamloops). Omelettes, scrambles, bennies, French toast, hot cereals and more. Kamloops is a great basecamp for winter fun in BC, with awesome eats, craft beer, and so many opportunities to explore the outdoors.
Harper Mountain, A Family Hill
Harper Mountain is owned and operated by the same family since 1973, and chances are you’ll meet many of them during your visit – in the rental shop, on the slopes, or having lunch in the lodge. Speaking of family, half day lift passes for a family of 4 (2 adults, 2 juniors) is less than $130!
Downhill, Snowshoe, Tubing
There’s 400 acres of terrain and a 1,400 vertical feet in elevation to explore and savour some epic views of the region below. You can start with a lesson (that includes your lift ticket and rentals for the day) or head right up in the lift or handle tow to ski or snowboard. There are 16 named runs, consisting of 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 25% advanced. Even on a blue sky day in January, I never once waiting in line at the lift.
The lift-assisted tube park is an experience of its own! Slide all day or get a night tubing pass this season. Grab and go lunch at the lodge and warm up by the fire pit between slides.
The snowshoe trails range from a 870m loop to 3km. I took the Powder Highway trail from near the tubing park up to Chase On to get some photos at sunset from about 1,300m. The cross country trail (on my list for next time) is a 3km loop through a forested area as well, without the 100m-200m elevation gain.
Après in the Lodge
Warm up by the fire, perhaps with a cup of cider or mulled wine. If you need a snack, I recommend the poutine (the large is LARGE) or the chicken caesar salad. Up for night skiing? Head out under the lights on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.
When You Go
- For more information about Kamloops and to start planning your trip, head to the official website.
- Read more on SnowSeekers here »
Visiting before Christmas? Catch the CP Holiday Train as it rolls into Kamloops on December 15, 2019. It’s a dazzling light display like no other – on a train that’s been traveling across the continent – paired with a FREE concert with Terri Clark, all in support of local food banks. This event and more can be found on the Kamloops event calendar.
