The trails at the Salmo Ski Hill flow up through the forest to big views over the valley. It’s a good outing for an easy day hike, but an even funner option for a trail run or bike ride!
Distance, round trip: 6.7km
Elevation: +330m
Season: mid-May to late October
Difficulty:
Easy Trailhead and Driving Directions
Turn onto the Salmo Ski Hill Road off of Highway 3 and follow it to the big parking lot.
This is a multi-use trail network, so take a look at the map on the ski patrol hut. Some trails are designated for downhill biking only. But you can make a nice loop with the hiking trails by taking the Sunset/Jolly Joe trails up and then descending on Sunrise.
Up Sunset
Find the Sunset Trail taking off near the ski lodge, or look for Sunrise over by the t-bar lift. Either trail winds and climbs slowly up the ski hill on swirling switchbacks.
The Sunset Trail alternates between the open meadows of the main ski run and the dark forest. At 1.5km, look for the signed junction for the Jolly Joe trail heading up. This is a good trail to continue the climb to the top as it’s a little steeper than the Sunrise Trail.
Higher on Jolly Joe’s Trail
Jolly Joe’s Trail ascends along a creek bank, then crosses a series of boardwalks to come out across the main run with big view down the valley. Continue following it as the grade steepens near the top.
Top of the Ski Hill
At 3.4km, reach the access road at the very top of the ski hill. You’ll head right (west) towards the t-bar to get a scenic bench with the biggest valley view.
Continue underneath the t-bar and follow the access road until in descends and passes the Sunrise Trail on the right.
Down Sunrise
The Sunrise Trail descends on countless switchbacks. Around 5.2km, reach a junction where it veers off to connect to the Sunset Trail you came up. Stay left to complete the loop.
