Hazelton Cross Country Ski Society

Cross-Country Skiing on Gitxsan Territory

Trail Plan

The Project

Permission from Wilps Spookw

Goals

Project Phases

Trail Map

The Project

The Hazelton Cross-Country Ski Society is working towards building a 5km cross-country ski trail and a grooming and trail maintenance program. The proposed site for the trail is in the area of Rossvale Lake which is on the territory of Wilps Spookw.

The trail will be accessible year round.

In winter months the trail will serve:

cross-country skiing
snow-shoeing
snow-biking
skijoring
dog sledding

In off-season months the trail will serve:

walking, jogging, & hiking
biking

Permission from Wilps Spookw

Wilps Spookw is a Gitxsan House Group. In October 2021 Wilps Spookw granted permission to the Hazelton Cross Country Ski Society to build the proposed cross-country ski trail. Details of the working relationship between Wilps Spookw and the Hazelton Cross-Country Ski Society have been documented in a land use agreement.

Goals

Continue engagement with Wilps Spookw Government
Continue engagement with British Columbia Government (Forests, Rec Sites, and Trails BC)
Complete Archeological Overview Assessment of the Rossvale Lake area
Build a beginner/intermediate cross-country ski trail that is 5km in length
Obtain equipment needed for grooming and maintenance of the ski trail
Implement a grooming and trail maintenance program

Continued engagement with and support from Wilps Spookw Government
Develop a network of cross-country ski trails for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers
Manage a grooming and trail maintenance program to ensure a reliable and quality cross-country skiing experience for users
Cultivate a cross-country skiing community through promotional activities, cross-country ski coaching programs, and an equipment accessibility program

Long-Term Goals

Immediate Goals

Project Phases

Phase 1: Feasability Study

Value: $11,500

Timeframe: May 2021-May 2022

Status: In Progress

Engagement with Wilps Spookw Government (Indigenous Consultation)
Archeological Overview Assessment
Engagement with BC Government
Trail Layout and Estimate
Seek Funding
Grooming Equipment Research, Sourcing, and Cost Estimate
Local Artist Designs HXCSS Logo
Establish Website & Social Networking
Bookkeeping

Phase 2: Equipment Trial

Value: $40,000

Timeframe: May 2021-May 2022

Status: In Progress

Purchase Grooming Equipment
Research Snow Grooming Procedures (includes ride-a-longs with neighbouring ski clubs)
Vehicle Adaptation for Grooming
Pilot Grooming Program in Community (eg. High School Field, Silver Standard Mine Road)
Purchase Trail Maintenance Equipment
Community Collaboration for Multi-Use Trail (Snowmobilers and Skiers on Silver Standard Mine Road)

Phase 3: Construction

Value: $59,000

Duration: May 2022-Oct 2023

Status: Not started yet

Continued Engagement with Wilps Spookw Government
Continued Engagement with BC Government
Contractor Builds Cross-Country Ski Trail
Project Manager Supervises Building
Accountant
Bookkeeping
Seek Funding

Phase 4: Operation

Value: $38,000

Duration: Nov 2023-Apr 2024

Status: Not started yet

Continued Engagement with Wilps Spookw Government
Maintenance and Grooming Contractor
Trail Mulching
Signage
Seek Funding
Bookeeping

Phase 5: Expansion

Value: $46,000

Duration: May 2024-Oct 2026

Status: Not started yet

Continued Engagement with Wilps Spookw Government
Storage Shed
Cross-Country Ski Coach Training
Seek Funding
Bookkeeping

Trail Map

The trail is planned to be a 5km loop north and west of Rossvale Lake.

The parking area is located on Bulkley Canyon Road 100m from Highway 16 on the left.