Winter in Prince George: skiing, skating and snow activities
Prince George winter: Nordic skiing at Otway, downhill at Tabor Mountain and the Hart, skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and Coldsnap.
Updated
At a glance
- Snow usually covers the ground from November to late March; the airport averages about 204 cm a year.
- Otway Nordic Centre has about 55 km of groomed trails, about 10 km lit for night skiing and a biathlon range.
- Tabor Mountain, 20 km east, has 21 runs and 255 m of vertical served by a triple chair.
- The Hart Highlands ski hill offers beginner-friendly runs and night skiing inside city limits.
- The Coldsnap music festival warms up five days in early February.
In Prince George, winter is not something to wait out. It is a season to enjoy. Snow is reliable, sunny cold days are common, and some of the best Nordic skiing in Canada is ten minutes from downtown. Here is how locals make the most of it.
Check the weather dashboard for current conditions and read our climate guide for what to expect month by month.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
Otway Nordic Centre
Run by the volunteer-driven Caledonia Nordic Ski Club, Otway is the jewel of Prince George winters. It has about 55 km of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, about 10 km lit for night skiing into the evening, around 10 km of dog-friendly trails, dedicated snowshoe routes and a 30-lane biathlon range. The competition trails meet international FIS standards, and the centre hosted cross-country and biathlon events at the 2015 Canada Winter Games.
Day passes, rentals and lessons are available. It sits on a gravel bench above the Nechako on Otway Road, west of the city. The lights mean you can ski after work even in December, when the sun sets before 4:30 p.m.
Other places to ski and snowshoe
- Forests for the World and the UNBC Greenway on Cranbrook Hill, for snowshoeing and informal skiing.
- Eskers Provincial Park, 40 km northwest, where the hiking trails become cross-country ski and snowshoe routes.
- West Lake Provincial Park, 22 km southwest, with winter trails.
- City parks such as Moore’s Meadow for snowshoe walks.
Downhill skiing and snowboarding
Tabor Mountain
About 20 km east of the city on Highway 16, Tabor Mountain is the local downhill hill. It offers:
- 21 runs on about 73 hectares
- 255 m of vertical, from 785 m at the base to 1,040 m at the top
- A triple chairlift and a handle tow in the lesson area
- A mix of roughly 25% beginner, 50% intermediate and 25% advanced terrain
It is a friendly community hill that is ideal for families and a quick after-school or weekend session.
Hart Highlands ski hill
Right inside the city in the Hart, this small, volunteer-run hill has two T-bars, a rope tow, 11 groomed runs, rentals, lessons and night skiing. It is a great place to learn, and it is on the city bus network.
Bigger mountains are within a few hours’ drive, including resorts in the Rockies and the Cariboo.
Skating, tobogganing and fat biking
- Skating. Public skating runs at city arenas, and outdoor rinks and ponds freeze in most neighbourhoods once the deep cold sets in. Always check ice safety before going onto any lake or river; the Fraser and Nechako are never safe.
- Tobogganing. Local hills and the slopes at Eskers Provincial Park are popular with families.
- Fat biking. Many multi-use trails around the city and on Tabor Mountain see winter riding. Stay off groomed ski tracks unless bikes are permitted.
Snowmobiling and backcountry
Prince George is a gateway to some of BC’s most famous sledding country. The mountains east toward McBride and Valemount draw snowmobilers from across North America, and local clubs maintain riding areas closer to town.
If you go into the backcountry:
- Check the Avalanche Canada forecast and carry beacon, probe and shovel.
- Ride only in areas open to snowmobiles; many parks are closed to them.
- Tell someone your plan and expect no cell service.
Ice fishing
Many nearby lakes are popular for ice fishing once safe ice forms, including West Lake and the lakes of Eskers Provincial Park. A valid BC freshwater fishing licence is required. Check local ice conditions carefully and never go out alone.
Winter events
- Coldsnap Music Festival, early February: five days of concerts in venues around town (February 4 to 8 in 2026).
- Iceman, usually in February: a race since 1988 combining skiing, running, skating and swimming.
- Cougars hockey at the CN Centre all winter.
- Holiday light displays, including a well-known neighbourhood display in Van Bien.
Northern lights
At about 54° N, Prince George is far enough north to see the aurora borealis when solar activity is strong. The best chances come on clear, moonless nights away from city lights, especially around the equinoxes and in midwinter. Rural roads north and west of the city work well.
Staying warm and safe
- Dress in layers: a base layer, an insulating layer and a windproof shell, plus a warm hat, mitts and a neck warmer.
- Plug in your vehicle’s block heater on cold nights.
- Winter tires are required on most highways around Prince George from October 1 to April 30. Check DriveBC for road conditions.
- Inversions. Calm, frigid spells can trap smoke in the bowl. Check the air quality dashboard before hard exercise.
- Short days. Around the solstice there are only about 7.5 hours of daylight, so start outings early.
Related
Common questions
Is there skiing in Prince George?
Yes. Otway Nordic Centre is one of BC’s best cross-country ski areas, Tabor Mountain offers downhill skiing 20 minutes east, and the Hart Highlands ski hill has beginner and family runs with night skiing inside the city.
How cold is Prince George in winter?
Typical January days reach about −4°C with nights near −12°C, but cold snaps below −25°C happen most winters. Dress in layers and protect your face and hands on windy days.
Can you see the northern lights from Prince George?
Sometimes. At about 54° N, the city sees auroras during strong geomagnetic activity. Head away from city lights on a clear, dark night for the best chance.
Do I need winter tires to drive around Prince George?
Yes. Winter tires are required on most highways in and around Prince George from October 1 to April 30, and they make city driving much safer. Check DriveBC before travelling.
