Best Places to Cross Country Ski in the Elk Valley: Boivin Creek, Elkford

Why is Boivin Creek one of the best places to cross country ski in the Elk Valley?

Tackled as a day trip to Elkford, Boivin Creek is a wonderful cross country ski for families. The kids might get tired on the way up but once you reach Wildcat hut, get a fire crackling in the woodburning stove and devour some gooey marshmallow smores, you have the ingredients for a happy day

The views are gorgeous and it has the feeling of being remote even though the trailhead is on the outskirts of Elkford.

The kids love the downhill ski on the way back to Boivin Hut. Such a blast!

What is the terrain like on the Boivin Creek trail?

Generally speaking, it is uphill to Wildcat Hut and downhill to Boivin Hut and the trailhead, with a few little bumps along the way. The views up the valley to Mt Phillips are stunning.

How far is it to cross country ski?

14.2km round trip and approximately 300m of elevation gain.

Here’s a breakdown for you:

• Trailhead to Lower left intersection: 2.3km, 115m elevation.
• Lower left intersection to upper intersection: 3.3km, 205m elevation
• Upper Intersection to Wildcat Warming Hut: 1.7km, 87m elevation
• Wildcat Warming Hut back to Upper Intersection: 1.7km 87m descent
• Turn left at upper Intersection to Boivin Warming Hut: 1.9km 156m descent
• Boivin Warming Hut to Lower Junction: 1km, 20m elevation, 35m descent
• Lower Junction to Trailhead: 2.3km, 115m descent

Anything I should be aware of?

I recommend taking a left turn at the 1st intersection (about 2.3km from the trailhead). It’s uphill for about 3km so take your time, settle into a manageable pace and enjoy those gorgeous mountains.

After leaving Wildcat hut and doubling back to the Y intersection, you will take a left to Boivin Hut. The trail follows Boivin Creek. It may feel a little steep in a couple of places for newbie cross country skiers. Getting your skis in a wedge just like a pizza slice, with bent knees will control your speed. There is a bridge on a corner- make sure you don’t overshoot it!

What should I take?

For a day trip, I would recommend that everyone has a backpack with extra warm clothes and water. It’s hot uphill work getting to Wildcat Hut and cold work getting back to Boivin Hut and the trailhead as it’s downhill – lots of wind and chilly fingers and faces.

Are the Boivin Creek cross country ski trails groomed?

The Elkford Nordic Ski Club grooms the trail a couple of times a week or after a snowfall and is track set for classic skiing. It is not suitable for skate skiing. You can check their Facebook page for the latest grooming updates.

Where can I rent cross country skis in the Elk Valley?

There is nowhere to rent cross country skis in Elford. Your best bet is at Gearhub Adventure Rentals in Fernie.

Is it easy to find your way?

Yes, take a map and/or have a mapping app on your phone. I like Gaia GPS but Trailforks works too. Alternatively, you could snap a picture of the map at the trailhead (as long as your phone battery has enough juice to last the day).

Could my xx-year-old cross country ski the trail?

You will need to decide this for yourself. We have taken a 4-year-old and towed her most of the way up on her xc skis and switched her to downhill skis on the way back (because she could downhill ski in control but not cross country ski in control!)

Do you have to pay to ski or use the Wildcat or Boivin Huts?

Donations from non-members are gratefully accepted and can be dropped off at the donation box located at the Boivin trailhead.

Trail users are encouraged to complete membership forms and become Club members. Membership forms with pricing information are available here

Is this Elkford cross country ski trail popular?

Depends where you are from and what you are used to, but no, not really. When we have been on the weekends we see a couple of groups but we have mostly been able to be leisurely at the huts and spend a good amount of time roasting hotdogs and warming bodies.

Are there any alternatives?

If 14km sounds like too far, it’s fun to do an out and back to Boivin warming hut. It is 3.3 km one way so 6.6km round trip. You don’t get the same views but it is still really worthwhile especially if you have younger kids.

How do I get to the cross country ski trailhead from Elkford?

• At the 4-way stop in Elkford turn left onto Alpine Way. Drive 450m.
• Turn right onto Fording Drive. Drive 500m.
• Turn left onto Natal Road. Drive 1.1km. The trailhead is on the left.

Now, back to the kids feeling tired on the way to Wildcat Hut and not wanting to go an ounce further?

You might want to read this article before you hit the trail 🙂