or read on about our winter ski to make your plans for next season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shop Operations | Trail Operations
Part One: Shop Operations...
Can I reserve a rental?
If you book instruction or tour your skis will be reserved, otherwise rentals operate on a first come first serve basis. You can use our online booking form or print off our reservation form and send it to us.
Do you offer skis and instruction for kids?
We have a limited number of kids skis with our smallest boot size being a 13-1 US or 31 Euro. Lessons and tours are suitable for kids 5-6 years or older.
Do you have family rates?
Family rates are as listed. Children (6-12) and Youth (13-18) must be accompanied by an adult on Lessons & Tours or the adult rate applies.
What are the minimum numbers for tours, instruction and rentals?
Ski Tours - require a minimum of two - Snowshoe tours, 4. The VIP tour also requires 4.
What are the maximum numbers?
We will gladly host up to 36 guests per day in two shifts-
18 guests in the morning and 18 in the afternoon.
Do you offer group discounts?
Yes, every fifth person is free when you book Tours or Instruction (Trail fee still applies).
For group rentals of 10 or more you will receive a 10% discount.
What is your guest to instructor/guide ratio?
We can have up to 6-8 guests per instructor or guide, but it usually less. For school groups we have up to 12 per instructor or guide.
Do you pick up and drop off clients?
If you book the VIP Tour, we meet you at your accommodation and accompany you back again as well. This is done by foot since our location is so close to the Village. All other services meet at our location in Lost Lake Park.
Service to Whistler Olympic Park in the nearby Callaghan Valley is done by shuttle or cab.
Is the duration of each Lesson or Tour the time on snow?
Except the VIP Tour (which is 3-4hrs hrs door to door), the duration of each activity is your time on snow.
How far in advance must we book to guarantee space?
As far in advance as possible. We will accommodate you the best we can with short notice. You can use our online booking form or print off our reservation form (PDF) and send it to us.
Do you require a deposit?
For large groups we will require a 50% deposit. Deposits are not necessary for small bookings, but we do require a credit card to confirm a booking and cancellation fees apply.
What is your Cancellation Policy?
Full refunds are limited to 24 hours or more prior to activity for indivduals or small groups. Inside 24 hrs full rates apply. For large groups, full refunds are limited to 48hrs. Inside 48hrs the 50% deposit is charged.
The Cross Country Connection reserves the right to cancel activities due to inclement weather, or events beyond our control. In this instance, alternate dates will be arranged or a full refund provided.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept Canadian and US cash, VISA, Mastercard, AMEX and Debit cards. We will not ask for payment through this web site or via email, but you may choose to pay ahead over the phone with your credit card. We also offer Gift Certificates.
What about the Canadian Dollar and taxes?
All prices listed on this site are quoted in Canadian dollars and subject to applicable taxes, called PST and GST. Rentals-only add PST (7%) and GST (6%). Lessons, Tours and their packages add only GST (6%).
Do clients need to sign a waiver?
Yes. There are inherent risks in any activity. To acknowledge this risk all participants are required to read and sign a release of liability form before their activity. You can fill this out when you arrive. Save time on the day of your event by downloading the PDF form or we can arrange to email, post or fax copies ahead of time for students or groups to sign.
What do I wear?
Dress in layers, with a shell on the outside keeping in mind you will be active at Village elevation. We do have some clothing available for sale if you require.
Do you offer commissions?
Our services are commissionable, please contact us for details.
Part Two: Trail Operations...
How many kilometers of trail are there?
Skiing - Over 30km of trails are groomed daily for Skate and Classic technique. -
Night Skiing - 4kms are lit for night skiing
Snowshoeing - Over 11kms wind through 3 loops, easy, moderate and adventuresome
(see also Lost Lake Trail Map)
When do you groom the trails?
The municipality does a great job of grooming the trails daily. The regular schedule is to groom at night so the trails set for the morning. When it snows there is a morning groomer who goes out first thing.
What is the difference between 'skate' and 'classic' skiing?
Skate skiing is out of the track, following a side to side motion on the groomed 'corduroy' snow. Skate skiing is a newer technique and is best enjoyed with specially-designed ski equipment, which we have for rental. We can teach you how to begin and master your skate skiing technique.
Classic is in the parallel set snow tracks and most likely the place to begin for novice skiers. This technique has evolved over hundreds of years and is sometimes called 'diagonal stride'. We teach classic skiing to be a low impact,aerobic activity, with emphasis on efficiency and gliding.
How long is the ski/snowshoe season?
The season usually runs from mid December to late March.
What are weather and snow conditions usually like?
We receive typical Coastal weather patterns - lots of snow followed by rain, then a cool, sunny high pressure system followed by snow again. Being in the Valley, temperatures usually range from -5 to +5 Celsius. Because of these patterns our snow base and conditions change frequently - warm wax and waxless classic skis are very appropriate.
What times are the trails open?
There is a user fee in place from 8am to 8pm daily - Lights are on until 10pm.
Are the trails easy to ski?
Easier: 12.5 km (45%)
More Difficult: 10km (33%)
Most Difficult: 7km (22%)
Most trails are one way, creating an easy flow to traffic. Call for "track" when passing.
Where do the trails begin?
You can easily walk from any point in the Village (see the map). The best place to start is the trail entrance at the junction of Lorimer Rd and Fitzsimmons Creek. If you drive, park in lot 5 off Lorimer Rd. or take the Free Village Shuttle which will drop you off on Lorimer Rd.
Are there services on the trails?
We offer a full service Ski/Snowshoe Rental and Lesson shop selling ski accessories, warm & cold beverages along with snacks. There are no public waxing facilities, but we offer waxing service.
Also on the trails, you will find water fountains and washrooms and a Warming Hut at Lost Lake.
Where can I walk, bring my dog, bike or skijorn?
There is a 2 km trail that begins near our shop and takes you to Spruce Grove Park, otherwise there is a groomed 4 km multi-use trail between Meadow Park and Rainbow Park. The rest of The Valley Trail is plowed for walking. PLEASE keep pets off the paid trail system - THANK YOU!
More questions?
Give us a call or send us an email message and we would be happy to answer any more questions you may have. If you have a question that you think ought to be here in the FAQs for everyone's benefit, just let us know.
Cross Country Connection © 2010 | Ski, Snowshoe, Mountain Bike in Whistler
info@crosscountryconnection.ca | P. 604-905-0071 | F. 604-905-0571
PO Box 1235 Whistler, BC, Canada, V0N 1B0
