Cross country skiers in this area can no longer enjoy the convenience of dual season passes.
A recent announcement by the 100 Mile Nordics Ski Society, which maintains the trails at 99 Mile Hill, and the Hills Health Ranch, which maintains the trail system at 108 Mile Ranch, states effective this season, passes sold at either location will only be valid for that location.
For many years the Hills Health Ranch and Nordics sold season ski passes that were valid at both venues.
“Unfortunately, we have been advised by Cross Country BC the insurance that covers the passes we sell is not valid on the 108 trails,” reads an email by the Nordics. “Conversely, the passes that the 108 sells are not covered by our insurance.
“We will continue to try our best to provide a high quality cross country ski experience for the community and for our members,” the Nordics add.
The Nordics' trail system operates solely on Crown land, while the 108 Mile Ranch trail system uses a combination of the Hills Health Ranch property, crown land and private property.
Revenue from ski passes goes directly to covering the cost of maintaining the trails, explains Pat Corbett, Hills Health Ranch president.
“I've been a strong believer [in the reciprocal passes] going way back into the 1980s,” Corbett says. “And it was fully supported. I wasn't the only one with that view. I felt this was the proper way to position 100 Mile House within the global marketplace and it was best for the local residents as well.”
However, this year, cross country skiers have to make a choice, he adds.
“Do they want to ski the 108 trails or do they want to ski at 99 Mile? That's the core decision.”