Skiing Near
Clearwater, BC
From Clearwater's own community ski hill to BC's second-largest resort — winter in the North Thompson Valley means powder days, uncrowded runs, and some of the best skiing in the BC interior.
Skiing the North Thompson Valley
Clearwater sits in the North Thompson Valley at the gateway to Wells Grey Provincial Park — and in winter, the mountains that surround the valley fill with snow. The BC interior climate delivers cold, dry powder that skiers and snowboarders love: light, consistent, and long-lasting. From December through March, the hills around Clearwater are blanketed in white.
There are two main skiing options from Clearwater. The first is Ski Tod Mountain — the community ski hill about 30 minutes from town, a small, affordable, volunteer-run hill that has served local families for decades. The second is Sun Peaks Resort, BC's second-largest ski resort, about 90 minutes south via Highway 5. Both offer completely different experiences, and many visitors to Clearwater ski both.
Beyond downhill skiing, the Clearwater area offers excellent cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. Wells Grey Provincial Park in winter is a different world — frozen waterfalls, silent forests, and a wilderness that very few people experience. If you've only seen Clearwater in summer, you're missing half the story.
Two Great Options
A community hill 30 minutes away and BC's second-largest resort 90 minutes south.
Ski Tod Mountain
Clearwater's Community Ski Hill
Distance
~30 min from Clearwater
Vertical
~300 m vertical drop
Runs
~10 runs
Lifts
2 lifts (T-bar & rope tow)
Difficulty
Beginner to Intermediate
Season
December – March (weather dependent)
Ski Tod Mountain is Clearwater's own community ski hill — a small, friendly, no-frills ski area that has been serving local families and North Thompson Valley residents for decades. Located about 30 minutes from downtown Clearwater on the slopes of Tod Mountain, it offers a genuine community ski experience: affordable lift tickets, short lift lines, and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone knows everyone.
With around 10 runs ranging from gentle beginner slopes to steeper intermediate terrain, Ski Tod is ideal for families teaching young children to ski, beginners building confidence, and locals who want a quick day on the hill without the crowds or cost of a major resort. The mountain receives good interior BC snowfall and the runs through the trees offer a classic BC ski hill experience. This is not a destination resort — it's a community treasure.
Highlights
- ▸Affordable lift tickets — fraction of major resort prices
- ▸Short lift lines — rarely crowded
- ▸Great for beginners and families with young children
- ▸Classic BC community ski hill atmosphere
- ▸Ski lessons available for beginners
- ▸~30 minutes from Clearwater motels
Tips
- ✓Check conditions before heading up — the hill operates weather and snow dependent
- ✓Bring your own food and snacks — facilities are basic
- ✓Weekends are busiest; weekdays are very quiet
- ✓Dress in layers — the interior can be cold and windy at the top
Ski Tod Mountain is a volunteer-run community hill. Hours and operations vary by season and conditions — always check current status before visiting.
Sun Peaks Resort
BC's Second-Largest Ski Resort
Distance
~1.5 hrs from Clearwater
Vertical
882 m vertical drop
Runs
137 runs
Lifts
12 lifts (including high-speed quads)
Difficulty
All levels — 10% beginner, 58% intermediate, 32% expert
Season
Late November – mid-April
Sun Peaks Resort is BC's second-largest ski resort by skiable terrain, and it's the closest major mountain to Clearwater — about 90 minutes south via Highway 5 and the Heffley-Louis Creek Road. Built around Mount Tod (the same mountain that gives Clearwater's community hill its name), Sun Peaks has grown into a full ski village with ski-in/ski-out accommodation, restaurants, shops, and a vibrant après-ski scene.
With 137 runs across three mountains — Mount Tod, Mount Morrisey, and Sundance Mountain — and 882 metres of vertical drop, Sun Peaks offers a full resort experience. The village is purpose-built and pedestrian-friendly, with a European alpine feel. For Clearwater visitors who want a big-mountain day, Sun Peaks is the answer. Many visitors base themselves in Clearwater for the Wells Grey experience and make Sun Peaks a day trip.
Highlights
- ▸137 runs across three mountains — 4,270 acres of skiable terrain
- ▸882 m vertical drop — serious skiing for all levels
- ▸Full ski village with restaurants, shops, and accommodation
- ▸Ski school and lessons for all ages and abilities
- ▸Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and tubing also available
- ▸~90 minutes from Clearwater via Hwy 5
Tips
- ✓Book lift tickets online in advance — cheaper and avoids queues
- ✓The village is walkable and car-free — park at the day lodge
- ✓Mount Morrisey has the best intermediate cruising runs
- ✓Arrive early on weekends — the village fills up by mid-morning
Sun Peaks is a full-service resort with on-mountain accommodation. Many Clearwater visitors do it as a day trip — it's a long but very worthwhile drive.
Seasonal Conditions
Early Season
December
Ski Tod typically opens in December when snow conditions allow. Sun Peaks usually opens late November. Early season can be variable — base depth builds through the month. Cold temperatures mean good snow quality when it falls.
Peak Season
January – February
The best months for skiing near Clearwater. Cold temperatures lock in the snowpack, and the interior BC climate delivers consistent powder days. Sun Peaks is at its best. Ski Tod is fully operational. Expect the coldest temperatures of the season.
Spring Skiing
March
March brings longer days and warmer temperatures — ideal for spring skiing. The snowpack is at its deepest, and sunny days make for excellent conditions. Sun Peaks typically runs into mid-April. Ski Tod may close earlier depending on conditions.
More Winter Activities
Clearwater and Wells Grey Provincial Park offer a full winter adventure menu.
Cross-Country Skiing
Wells Grey Provincial Park and the Clearwater Valley offer excellent cross-country skiing on groomed and backcountry trails. The Trophy Mountain area has particularly good touring terrain with stunning views.
Snowshoeing
The trails around Clearwater and Wells Grey are spectacular in winter. Snowshoe to Spahats Creek Falls for a dramatic frozen canyon view, or explore the Trophy Mountain meadows on snowshoes.
Ice Fishing
The lakes around Clearwater freeze solidly in winter and offer excellent ice fishing for rainbow trout and other species. Local tackle shops can point you to the best spots and provide gear.
Snowmobiling
The Clearwater area has extensive snowmobile trails through the mountains and forests. The high alpine terrain above the valley offers excellent riding when snow conditions are good.
Other Nearby Resorts
Within a 2–3 hour drive of Clearwater.
Harper Mountain
~2 hrs from Clearwater · Near Kamloops
Vertical: 366 m
Runs: 26 runs
Small community hill near Kamloops — affordable and uncrowded
Visit website →Revelstoke Mountain Resort
~2.5 hrs from Clearwater · Revelstoke, BC
Vertical: 1,713 m (North America's greatest)
Runs: 80+ runs
World-class resort with North America's greatest vertical — a serious destination
Visit website →Silver Star Mountain Resort
~2.5 hrs from Clearwater · Vernon, BC
Vertical: 760 m
Runs: 132 runs
Charming Victorian-themed village, great for families and all levels
Visit website →Practical Information
Getting There
Ski Tod: ~30 min from Clearwater on Tod Mountain Road. Sun Peaks: ~90 min via Hwy 5 south to Heffley-Louis Creek Road.
Snow Conditions
Interior BC snowpack — typically 200–300 cm base at peak season. Cold temperatures preserve snow quality. Check resort websites for current conditions.
Winter Driving
Winter tires or chains required on mountain roads. Carry an emergency kit. Check DriveBC.ca for road conditions before heading up.
Rentals
Ski and snowboard rentals available at Sun Peaks. Clearwater has limited rental options — check locally or rent at the resort.
Season
Ski Tod: December–March (weather dependent). Sun Peaks: late November–mid-April.
Base Town
Clearwater is an excellent base for Ski Tod. For Sun Peaks, you can day-trip from Clearwater or stay in Kamloops or Sun Peaks Village.
Winter Driving — Be Prepared
Winter tires are legally required on BC mountain roads from October 1 to April 30. Both Tod Mountain Road and the Sun Peaks access road require proper winter tires — all-season tires are not sufficient. Always check DriveBC.ca for road conditions before heading up. Carry an emergency kit, extra warm clothing, and a charged phone.
Make the Most of Your Ski Trip
Ski Tod for the local experience
If you want to ski like a local and keep costs down, Ski Tod Mountain is the authentic Clearwater experience. Lift tickets are a fraction of major resort prices, the runs are uncrowded, and the community atmosphere is genuinely welcoming. Perfect for families and beginners.
Sun Peaks for the full resort day
If you want a big-mountain day with all the amenities — ski school, restaurants, high-speed lifts, and 137 runs — Sun Peaks is worth the 90-minute drive from Clearwater. Book lift tickets online in advance to save money and skip the ticket window.
Winter tires are mandatory
BC law requires winter tires on most mountain roads from October 1 to April 30. Both Tod Mountain Road and the road to Sun Peaks require proper winter tires. Chains are not a substitute. Check your tires before you leave home.
Check conditions the night before
Interior BC weather can change quickly. Check the resort websites and DriveBC.ca the evening before your ski day. A fresh 20 cm overnight dump changes everything — in a good way. Powder days at Ski Tod are magical.
Dress for interior cold
The Clearwater area sits in the BC interior and gets genuinely cold in January and February — temperatures of -15°C to -25°C are not unusual. Dress in proper layers: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer, and a waterproof shell. Cold hands and feet ruin a ski day.
Stay in Clearwater, ski both hills
Clearwater motels put you 30 minutes from Ski Tod and 90 minutes from Sun Peaks. You can ski Ski Tod one day and make the drive to Sun Peaks the next — a great combination that gives you both the local community experience and the full resort day.
Skiing Near Clearwater
Staying in Clearwater This Winter?
Find motels and accommodation in Clearwater — the gateway to Wells Grey and the North Thompson Valley ski hills.