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.
Bryan Mitchell

Bryan Mitchell

President

 

 

Vacant

Vacant

Vice President

Johanna Wick

Johanna Wick

Treaurer

Kelsey Chamberlin

Kelsey Chamberlin

Secretary

Roger Ritsema

Roger Ritsema

Sponsorship

Sarah Gourlay

Sarah Gourlay

Communication

Ingrid Farnell

Ingrid Farnell

Director of Large

Mike Dunbar

Mike Dunbar

Membership

Jay Gilden

Jay Gilden

Hankin Director

Scott Ballhorn

Scott Ballhorn

Website/ purveyor of good times

The Board

President

Vice President

Treasurer

Secretary

Sponsorship

Communication

Director At Large

Membership

Hankin Director

Purveyor of Good Times

History

 

2008
2008

Scouting Hankin Evelyn Backcountry ski area

Early days of scoping out terrain with Mike H. and Brian Hall.

2009
2009

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.

2010
2010

Hankin Warming Hut Begins Construction

A place for friends to gather in the backcountry

2010
2010

Hankin

What dreams are made of!

2011
2011

Morning bowl in all its glory!

Plenty of alpine lines for those willing to put in the extra effort!

2011
2011

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!

2011
2011

Hankin Happiness

Take the stress of the world and wipe it away by heading into the mountains

2012
2012

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.

2012
2012

Backcountry Women's Day

50 women celebrating the joy of backcountry skiing together.  A tradition that continues today.

2012
2012

The snowplow crew taking a break

2013
2013

Skinning Up

Earning your turns with friends

2014
2014

Sampling the goods

Enjoying what Ullr the snow goddess is providing!

2014
2014

Skin track to warmth!

A track to where friends and famiy gather in the backcountry.

2015
2015

It takes an army of volunteers!

The volunteers are what makes everything possible!  Christian doing maintenance on the Hankin day use hut.

2015
2015

Straight to the goods

Boot packing straight to the goods above the Hankin day use hut.

2016
2016

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.

2017
2017

Avalanche Canada

Avalanche Canada scoping out the Hankin zone.

2017
2017

Kicking steps to heaven

A theraputic hike to the top!

2020
2020

Ongoing Maintenance

Volunteers bringing brush saws and chainsaws in to keep the brush down.

2021
2021

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.

2023
2023

Shovelling the roof

Volunteers making sure everyone who enters in and out of the Hankin hut stays safe!