Early season XC skiing at Golden Alpine Holidays

The mountains of eastern B.C. are some of the first in North America to become skiable, and they're getting close right now. While we usually think of downhill skiers as fanatical in the early season - burning skis to beseech the snow gods to be kind - cross country skiers can be equally devout. Especially racers. And especially in an Olympic year.

There aren't many lodge's or resorts that work to get their terrain open for cross country skiers. The exception is Golden Alpine Holidays. During the winter the collection of four, comfortable, backcountry ski chalets are ground zero for some excellent ski touring. Visit the company's media page for some videos of ski film crews' footage from previous winters. But it also offers up its Sentry Mountain lodge for cross country skiers in the fall, as early as October 10. In years past the Canadian National cross country team has hit the 7.5 kilometers of classic and skate trails around the lodge for early season training (pictured, photo from GAH).

With the Olympics in Whistler and Vancouver in less than four months there's no doubt the team is eager to get up there again. Only the weather will determine when that will be, but as soon as the conditions are right GAH will be ready. And the offer isn't only open to the national team. Anyone can book the lodge for an early season XC fix. Five day trips, including the helicopter ride, and private XC trails are $800.