In the surrounding open canopy of mixed old growth yellow cedar, mountain hemlock and silver fir, and looking much like a giant bonsai forest of wind-tortured shapes that open into sweeping vistas of Georgia Strait are many kilometres of beautifully groomed ski trails.
This is the Dakota Ridge Winter Recreational Area, the newest addition to the Sunshine Coast's superb recreation facilities. Although not quite finished, Dakota Ridge will soon offer not only snowshoeing and cross country skiing, but also open air skating, a sliding and tobogganing area for kids and a terrain park for snow boarders. The Tetrahedron Outdoor Club, in partnership with Sunshine Coast Regional District parks and rec, is organizing a day of fun in the mountains to officially introduce Dakota Ridge to the residents of the Coast. Mark your calendars for Sunday, March 9, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. and plan to bring your family up for a fun day of alpine recreation and competitions.We'll be providing everything you'll need for a great day in the mountains: food, live music and bonfires to warm your bones while you take in various mountain sports competitions as well as avalanche safety equipment demonstrations. You can participate or marvel at the snow sculpture competition, test your nerves on a crazy carpet luge run or take in a show 'n' shine put on by our local snowmobile club. Featured races will include classic and skate cross country skiing, a snowshoe-ski relay, boarder cross and biker cross. Also see the chaotic smooshing race for teams of four on one pair of skis. Costumes are definitely encouraged and a king or queen of the Ridge will be crowned at day's end.
Dakota Ridge is accessed from the top of Field Road in Wilson Creek, then following 11 kilometres of well marked and plowed logging road. Good snow tires and/or chains are, however, required. Free shuttles will bring you to the trail head area from parking lot A (kilometre nine) for most traffic. Shuttles will also run from the top of Field Road for those who don't have off-road capability. For more information, call Patrick at 604-885-7294.
