Cross-Country Skiing and

Snowshoeing at the Hills Health Ranch

in British Columbia

Box 26, 108 Mile Ranch, BC V0K2Z0

Nordic skiing is only one activity at Hills Health Ranch, 800-668-2233, www.skithehills.com) which is the ultimate wellness resort in 108 Mile Ranch, British Columbia. On 20,000 acres, this is a spa and vacation resort that has programs for getaways, fitness, weight loss, and gourmet spa cuisine. Expect rolling range lands, lakes, meadows, wildlife, high vistas, and mountain tops. There are 150 km of xc ski trails, 40 km groomed for skating, night skiing, alpine ski slopes and a terrain park for alpine skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling, tubing, sleigh rides, dog sledding, and more.

Trail fees are $8.50 but they are included with accommodations at the Hills Health Ranch. There are xc ski lessons with a group for $15 per person. A couple can get lessons for $23.50 each and private lessons are $35 per person.

Rental xc ski equipment is $18 per person and $14 for skiers aged 17 or younger. A skating equipment package (skating skis, boots, and poles) is $25. Snowshoe rentals are $5 for one hour and $7 for two hours. There are guided tours that include the rental gear at $28 for a 2-hour tour and $52 for a 4-hour tour.

The Hills Health Ranch facilities include upgraded guest rooms and chalets. There are 2 dining rooms, 3 lounges, and 16 treatment rooms in the spa. Known as an award winning spa, Hills Health has many professionals on the staff including trainers, therapists, counselors, nutritionists, and others to help you.

Special packages for the Skiers B & B Weekend is $93 for a single or $68 per person for double occupancy. The Romance Package include 2 nights accommodations, 6 gourmet meals, sleigh ride, massage, unlimited skiing, use of equipment, roses and gifts at $416 per person. There's the Weekend Relaxation Retreat, the Ski n' Spa Program, and many other special packages.

Directions: From Vancouver take the TransCanada Highway #1 East to Highway 97 North to Highway 8, Hills Health Ranch is 13 km north of 100 Mile Ranch on the right. Pacific Coach Lines leaves Vancouver at 8 AM and arrives in 100 Mile Ranch at 2 PM. By air you can fly to Williams Lake and arrange for a 1-hour $60 shuttle to Hills Health Ranch.