Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Vancouver! It has been raining every day, so we decided to escape the rain by driving to Sasquatch Resort on the edge of the Fraser Valley to the East of Vancouver for Christmas day. This was the first time we’d been snowshoeing at Sasquatch, and it was incredible! Unlike the snowshoe trails on Vancouver’s North Shore, the snow was super powdery, and it was quiet. We didn’t see any other snowshoers or hikers… the ski slopes were also very empty so it’s looks like a great option for skiing on Christmas day if you’d like to avoid the crowds. Read about skiing at Sasquatch here.

The snow started almost as soon as we arrived, so we opted to explore an intermediate trail called Old Yeller. It was a fabulous way to spend Christmas morning.

Old Yeller – the basics:

Distance: 5.4 km
Elevation gain: 260m
Highest point: 1135 m
Time: 2-3 hours. We took just under 3 hours in very powdery conditions.
Cost: $15 for snowshoe passes (plus $5 for the RFID card if it’s your first visit.)
What to bring: You need waterproof walking boots (or waterproof socks) to wear under your snowshoes. I like to wear ski-pants and lots of layers. It’s always a good idea to bring some snacks (apple or chocolate, or whatever you fancy) Read through the 10 essentials.
How hard is it? Intermediate. The sections with a wide trail are easy. We found the kilometer closest to the ski slopes quite challenging in powder, BUT it would be far easier if the snow is a little compacted.

Old Yeller Trail Map

There are now 5 trails starting from Sasquatch resort. Three of them look amazing for clear days – Mount Cartmel, Mount Klaudt or the Ridge Run trail.

Old Yeller Trail – Getting started

To reach Sasquatch Resort, you need snow-tires and you must bring snow chains. From Vancouver, take Highway 7 (we normally go via Coquitlam/Maple Ridge, but you can also go via Abbortsford.) You drive through Mission and then turn on to Morris Valley Road at Harrison Mills. Lastly, turn left and drive up Hemlock Valley Road for almost 22km.

This trail is a loop, so you can start in either direction. We went counter-clockwise, so we started by following the trail for the Village Loop.

The first part of the trail was along Enzian Way, past one of the lodges. Next, the path turns back on itself, along a gully. This is where it starts getting beautiful.

The trees lining the path make it look like a winter wonderland – this is a wide, easy path. Watch out for a left turning to the Old Yeller trail which is a gentle uphill slope.

The snow became floofier and more powdery as we climbed up the trail.

It is still quite early in the season, so some of the creeks were not frozen. You need to be careful along the edges of the creek where the snow is not very supportive.

You don’t need the trail markings too much on this section as the trail is so wide and obvious. However, they are large yellow circular markers to show the route.

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Possible views!

Once you make it up all the switch backs, the trail traverses along a ridge with views over to the ski slopes and down to the resort. I have a feeling this section would be lovely on a clear day when you can see more of the surrounding mountains.

The snow calmed down a little so we could see the some of the views.

The tough section

Once we turned off the wide trail into the trees, the route is far harder to follow. We had to watch carefully for the yellow markers and make our way through the rolling slopes.

Poor Marc fell over countless times as the snow was just not supportive enough for him. He started calling me Legolas as snowshoes allow me to float on the snow.

The trail does get quite close to some trees, so be very careful near their bases. Falling into tree wells can be a major hazard for snowshoers.

It was hard work, but gorgeous.

Eventually we made it through the tough section. The trail opens out near the tube park. Once you get to this view it is a calm, easy walk back to the resort. The trail finishes under one of the chairlifts.

The Old Yeller trail is not particularly long, and doesn’t have too much elevation, but the amazing powdery conditions meant this Christmas adventure felt pretty epic. We have never attempted to walk in such deep, powdery snow before, so it was a treat, although a bit harder than we expected from the hike stats.

Driving down the mountain, we left the snow and rejoined the raining skies. We had brie and cranberry sandwiches for lunch, then made it back to the city to spent the rest of Christmas day with Archie. The cat-in-snow photo is from last Christmas as he is a bit less photogenic in the rain!

All in all, snowshoeing at Sasquatch Mountain is an absolute pleasure. The snow is incredible, there are plenty of different trail options and it was nice to be in an area that is so peaceful and quiet. What do you think? Would you enjoy an active Christmas morning, or do you prefer to stay warm and out of the rain?