Ski Canada: Phoenix Mountain

By Amanda May
Staff Writer
Rockies.com

Phoenix Mountain is situated in the Canadian Rockies just northwest of Grand Forks. Phoenix calls itself the best little mountain in British Columbia, attracting a regular crowd of local skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts all winter long.

The hill has a unique community atmosphere. The resort is operated by the Phoenix Alpine Ski Society, a non-profit run by local community members.

Although Phoenix only has 11 trails, the ski hill offers easy and difficult trails. The resort classifies its runs as 20% beginner, 50% intermediate and 30% advanced. The longest run is almost a mile long at 5,000 feet (1,524 m).

The ski area has 800 feet (243 m) of vertical rise. At its base, Phoenix Mountain sits at 4,000 feet (1,219 m). At its peak elevation, the mountain rises to 4,800 feet (1,463 m). The area is serviced by a T-Bar and a tow rope.

Despite its relatively low elevation, most years the snow at Phoenix Mountain is plentiful. The north facing slopes are particularly great, even late in the season. The average temperature is 23 F (-5 C).

The season at Phoenix runs from December to late March. The lifts run from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday through Tuesday and 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays for night skiing.

Night skiing is open to the top of the mountain and above the downhill area at Marshall Lake, there is an extensive network of cross-country skiing trails of varying levels of difficulty.

The cafeteria at the lodge offers delicious treats like mushroom burgers, BLTs, pizza, loaded nachos, hot apple cider and steamy bowls of soup, perfect for refueling during a long day on the slopes. There are also great restaurants, cafes and bars in nearby Grand Forks.

To reach Phoenix Mountain ski area, head west of Grand Forks 13 miles (21 km) or head east from Greenwood 11.8 miles (19 km) on Highway 3. There, the highway meets the Phoenix Hill Ski Road, which is marked by an overhead sign. Go north 4.9 miles (8 km) on the ski road to reach the resort.

Telephone: (250) 442-9838
Snow Phone: (250) 442-9838