About Us
The Bulkley Backcountry Ski Society is a passionate community dedicated of backcountry skiers and snowboarders dedicated to promoting and preserving the love for backcountry skiing in the Bulkley Valley. We are committed to safety, education, and access to the pristine wilderness, the society organizes events, and maintains trails/access for enthusiasts of all skill levels. We hope to continue by improving the quality of backcountry skiing experiences through infrastructure development, education, and advocating for the interests of backcountry users. Our emphasis on responsible enjoyment of the outdoors fosters a supportive environment for both seasoned backcountry users and newcomers eager to explore the area.
The BBSS aims to:
- Elevating the standard of backcountry skiing experiences by developing, enhancing, and maintaining facilities.
- Advocating for the interests of backcountry skiers in the management of recreational lands.
- Offering educational and skill development opportunities.
- Fostering non-motorized use of the backcountry while responsibly supporting motorized access on designated road and trail systems.
- Encouraging environmentally responsible practices within all Society-associated activities.
The Board
Jeff McKay
President
Vacant
Vice President
Bryan Mitchell
Treasurer
Kelsey Chamberlin
Secretary
Roger Ritsema
Sponsorship
Sarah Gourlay
Communication
Johanna Wick
Director at Large
Ingrid Farnell
Director at Large
Mike Dunbar
Membership
Jay Gilden
Hankin Director
History
Scouting Hankin Evelyn Backcountry ski area
Early days of scoping out terrain with Mike H. and Brian Hall.
Run 8 takes shape
Through a government grant the BBSS was able to hire Pro Tech Forest Resources to cut run 8. The excitement is becoming real.
Hankin Warming Hut Begins Construction
A place for friends to gather in the backcountry
Hankin
What dreams are made of!
Morning bowl in all its glory!
Plenty of alpine lines for those willing to put in the extra effort!
Bulkley Valley Credit Union
Bulkley Valley Credit Union has been a strong supporter of us since day 1. We wouldn’t be where we are today without their generous suppport!
Hankin Happiness
Take the stress of the world and wipe it away by heading into the mountains
Safety at the Gate
Check yourself before you wreck yourself! Do a beacon check and get the info needed to have a safe backcountry skiing experience.
Backcountry Women's Day
50 women celebrating the joy of backcountry skiing together. A tradition that continues today.
The snowplow crew taking a break
Skinning Up
Earning your turns with friends
Sampling the goods
Enjoying what Ullr the snow goddess is providing!
Skin track to warmth!
A track to where friends and famiy gather in the backcountry.
It takes an army of volunteers!
The volunteers are what makes everything possible! Christian doing maintenance on the Hankin day use hut.
Straight to the goods
Boot packing straight to the goods above the Hankin day use hut.
Planning for the future
Work in the summer time pays off in the winter! Here is Brian Hall cutting down trees so fun can be had in the winter.
Avalanche Canada
Avalanche Canada scoping out the Hankin zone.
Kicking steps to heaven
A theraputic hike to the top!
Ongoing Maintenance
Volunteers bringing brush saws and chainsaws in to keep the brush down.
Maintenance
After a decade of use the trees and shrubs need some trimming. Every fall we host a run maintenance day where volunteers come and clear the runs so the runs don’t get overgrown.
Shovelling the roof
Volunteers making sure everyone who enters in and out of the Hankin hut stays safe!