Most visitors come to Newfoundland only in the summer months. Unfortunately they don’t know what they’re missing out on. Put Newfoundland on your map, unless you don’t enjoy winter. It has some incredible backcountry snowboarding spots. With some being easily accessible, it makes backcountry snowboarding or skiing more attainable. From glades to wide open rolling hills to gnarly steep chutes, there’s something to please everyone. Let me introduce you to my Top 3 backcountry snowboarding spots.
TOP 3 Backcountry Snowboarding Spots
Tablelands
Most people have seen the orange colored mountains (ophiolites) from Gros Morne National Park. And maybe even hiked to the top. However, when they transform themselves into a white snowy world different terrain opens up. Only a hour and half away from Corner Brook, the Tablelands make for a perfect day of backcountry snowboarding. To top it off, when you park in the Tablelands parking lot you can even ride all the way back to your car. Just don’t wait too late in the Spring when the snow melts at lower elevations. A locals favorite is the Trout River bowl which is wide open and sees a few avalanches. Always be cautious. On the other hand if you want something more challenging head over to Winter House Brook canyon where there are tons of different chutes to choose from.
Blow Me Down mountains
I don’t think many people venture out this way in the winter since I’ve always only seen caribous there. These mountains are also partly orange (ophiolites) in the summertime and have similar terrain as the Tablelands. The Blow Me Downs are less than 45 minutes West from Corner Brook at the mouth of the Bay of Islands. In order to go backcountry snowboarding here you will need to hike in or use a sled. Nevertheless they make for a perfect weekend adventure. We usually hike in from Blow Me Down Nature Trail and set up camp below a bowl where you can access lots of various types of terrain.
Lewis Hills
Another one of those orange (ophiolites) mountains which is also home to Newfoundland’s tallest point, the Cabox at 814m. Backcountry snowboarding in the Lewis Hills can be slightly more challenging as you will need a snowmobile. Most people access them via Logger School road off the TCH about 10 km South of Corner Brook. From there it’s a hour or two by snowmobile. Once there, a playground opens itself with rolling hills and some canyon areas. You would ideally want to make a base camp there but I have been in the Lewis Hills for a day adventure. The weather can drastically change in there so keep your eyes open.
All that said, the Tablelands, Blow Me Down mountains and Lewis Hills are only a fraction of the backcountry snowboarding potential in Newfoundland. There is much more to explore and few people. If you want to read Wildly Intrepid’s backcountry snowboarding stories click here. Like I have mentioned in one of my previous post don’t forget that Avalanches do happen even in Newfoundland. Always be ready for the backcountry riding and read my tips.
Live Wildly Intrepid!
Carpe Diem
Alex
