Snowshoes & Science: A Winter Exploration of Ottomite Mountain

An intermediate snowshoe trip to explore and learn about this fascinating landscape shaped by fire, ice, and time.

Deepen your understanding of mountain landscapes and develop your winter travel skills on this intermediate level, 8 km (round-trip) snowshoe journey along the Ottomite Mountain Trail at the  Kw'ikw'iya:la Summit (Coquihalla Recreation Summit Area).

Join HMCOL Program Director, Meg Turner and guest speaker, writer and mountain guide, Cam Fenton to learn how geology, climate and elevation shape a landscape. While traveling through this rare meeting point of the Coastal Range, North Cascades, and Interior Plateau you will gain insight into four distinct bioclimatic zones and discover how dominant plant species adapt to winter conditions and why this area is able to support such ecological diversity.

Through guided discussion and on-trail interpretation, we will help you build a stronger connection to the mountain landscapes you explore by understanding natural processes, and seeing the mountains through a more informed lens. This trip also offers a satisfying physical challenge, making it ideal for those who want to combine active winter recreation with meaningful place-based learning.

Join us if you are looking to expand your knowledge of mountain ecology and geology, strengthen your snowshoeing experience, and enjoy a purposeful, rewarding day in a spectacular winter setting.

Cost: $69/person (ages 10+)

Youth under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian

Price Includes:

• Trip guides

• Snowshoe use

• Hot apple cider and light snacks

  
  

Trip leaders have a wide array of knowledge and experience to share. They are first-aid and AST certified, and have emergency communication devices for your safety.

Physical Demand:

This intermediate rated trail is approximately 8 KM total, out and back, with 317 m of cumulative elevation gain. Elevation gain is gradual with a few switchbacks.

Itinerary:

Saturday, February 21, 2026

9:00 AM - Gather in Hope (in front of the Hope Rec Centre, 1005 6th Ave, Hope) for introduction, sign liability waiver

9:15 AM - Leave Hope and convoy up Highway 5 to EXIT #217 (approx. 46km)

10:00 AM - Arrive at Exit #217, Zopkios Rest Area - Bathroom break, safety talk, gearing up...

10:30 AM - Begin snowshoeing, ascent of Ottomite Mountain with various stops for interpretive content & rest

12:30 PM - Lunch on Ottomite Mountain then start snowshoeing back to parking lot with various stops for interpretive content & rest

3:00 PM - Approx. arrival back at the parking lot 

3:30 PM - Pack up and debrief

4:30 PM - Arrive back in Hope

Be aware that times are approximate. Start and end times may vary slightly depending on speed of the group, weather conditions, etc.

Transportation:

Participants must arrange their own transportation.

Participants will gather at the Rec. Centre (1005 – 6th Avenue in Hope), and convoy in vehicles up Coquihalla Hwy to Exit #217, Zopkios Rest Area (north side)

Note: BC law requires that vehicles have winter tires at this time of year for the stretch of highway used for this program. Directions

What to bring:

While your guide will have a first aid kit, whenever you are out in nature, you should always carry your own 10 Essentials.

At minimum, you must bring the following:

• Backpack to carry all your gear

• Snowshoes (feel free to bring your own but we also have them available for your use – free of charge)

• Lunch and high-energy snack food

• Water (at least 2 litres per person) 7 Ways to Keep Water From Freezing On Your Winter Hike

• Winter hiking boots (must be waterproof. no runners please)

• LAYERS of warm winter clothes, including non-cotton base layers, waterproof jacket/coat, nylon snow or other waterproof pants, gloves/mitts, toque, warm socks

Highly recommended:

• Two poles with snow baskets per person – optional, but greatly improves stability

Meet your guides:

Cam Fenton, Group Leader

Cam is a writer journalist, and backcountry guide. He holds a degree in Anthropology from Concordia University and studied journalism at Simon Fraser University. Cam is currently working toward a Master’s degree in Creative Writing at the University of King’s College.

In short, you couldn’t be in better hands in the outdoors.

Meg Turner, Program Director

Meg considers our wild spaces her second home. Raised in the Girl Guiding community and an active outdoor family, she feels comfortable leading others and sharing her passion for the outdoors. With multiple first-aiding certifications, including Remote First Aid, participants can feel safe exploring the trails with her. Having completed her BC Adventure Smart training, Meg will surely prepare everyone well for safe outdoor programs. She is stoked to head out into the wilderness with you hiking, snowshoeing, paddling, camping - whatever fun activity we have planned, she’s in her element and excited to create a memorable place-based learning experience with you.

Cancellation:

Sorry no refunds! You can pass on your spot to someone else who meets the physical demand of the program, just please let us know as we need registration information from everyone.

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 A program may be cancelled at the discretion of HMCOL. If a program is cancelled by HMCOL, participants will receive a full refund of program fees. Please be aware that our programs run regardless of weather conditions, unless HMCOL determines that it will affect the safety of participants.

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Hope Mountain Centre reserves the right to change the location of a program for the safety of our participants and staff. No refund is offered when location is changed. 

Additional information:

Liability Waiver

Everyone ages 19 & over must sign a liability waiver form in order to participate in this program. Please take the time to read this form because you must understand and agree to it when you sign it. By signing it you are waiving certain rights, including the right to sue. These forms will be available to sign when you check in. Please seek legal counsel if you have any questions. 

Informed Consent Form

Everyone, age 18 & under must have an informed consent form signed by their parents or legal guardian in order to participate. Please contact us if you need this form prior to arrival at this program.

For more information or questions, please contact Tunde

at info@hopemountain.org or 604-869-1274