22.2 km west of McBride sits Bell Mountain, a popular recreational destination for everything from cross country skiing to hiking. It is the perfect place for anyone seeking outdoor adventures. Bell Mountain has a long history with winter sports, and it all the began in the 1970’s with a training centre.

 

McBride was home to the National Team Training Centre, founded by Canada’s first national cross-country ski coach, Bjorger Pettersen. Originally from Norway, Bjorger came to McBride in 1972 and built his own cattle ranch and ski lodge, known as the “Ranch of the Vikings.” He would bring many athletes to train up Bell Mountain during the winter, as McBride had plenty of snow fall then. He carved out many ski trails on the mountain for his students to practice on, and maintained the trails himself.

 

Many National and Olympic level athletes came to train here, including: Sharon and Shirley Firth, Rodger and Rosanne Allen with their sister Anita (who Bjorger would later marry,) Fred Kelly, Edward Day, and Angus and Rex Cockney.

 

Inuit skier and sculptor Angus Cockney had many memories of living and training in McBride. Born in Tuktoyaktuk, Northwest Territories, Angus was sent to live at a Catholic Residential School in Inuvik at the age of 13. It was here that he met Bjorger Pettersen. Angus was involved in a ski program in the early 1960’s that was run by his school. Bjorger, being heavily involved in teaching Indigenous children in the city at the time, was asked to help teach the kids.

 

Realizing Angus’ talent, Bjorger brought him to McBride to ski. Angus fell in love with the Robson Valley, and not wanting to return to his Residential School, he asked Bjorger:

“Can I stick around?”

To which Bjorger replied “As long as you finish high school.”

 

Angus lived with the Sansom family for a portion of his time in McBride, and befriended many of the local families and school classmates. He looks back fondly on his time in the Robson Valley, noting how he was accepted by everyone, regardless of his Indigenous heritage.

 

Bell Mountain also has a connection to the Canadian Championships. In 1981, the Canadian National Championships for cross country skiing were held at Bell Mountain because Tabor Mountain, the skiing trail it was scheduled to be held at, didn’t have enough snow that year. The event was co-hosted by Yellowhead Ski Club and Hickory Wing Ski Club. This was the 5th National Championship hosted by Hickory Wing.

 

Bell Mountain’s history with winter sports and recreation has not stopped. Today, it is a popular destination for skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. In the summer, it is the perfect place to hike and horseback ride! It boasts an extensive 17km trail network, including a small-warming cabin with a wood stove at the trail head and a cabin 3km in called the Pine Lake Cabin. Yellowhead Ski Club members may stay overnight at the cabin if booked in advance. From the trail head, you can hike or ski to the top of both Little Bell Mountain and Big Bell Mountain. There are beautiful views of The Rocky and Cariboo Mountains, as well as McBride and the surrounding valley.