Introduction
Harper Mountain is a small, family-run ski hill located just outside Kamloops. It offers a steady mix of terrain, dependable snow, and a low-key setup that caters to locals and visitors alike. With night skiing, a terrain park, snowshoe trails, and tubing, it delivers more than just alpine runs. The hill has been around for decades and continues to operate on the same principles it started with: consistency, accessibility, and a strong connection to the community.
History of Harper Mountain
Harper Mountain began with Max Daburger, who arrived in the Kamloops area with experience from the Bavarian Alps. He cleared the slopes and installed the original handle tow using an old truck engine. A T-bar followed shortly after, and by 1977, a fixed-grip triple chairlift had been added. In the early 1980s, night skiing was introduced, expanding access for working locals and school kids.
Since the beginning, the Daburger family has remained hands-on. Today, the resort is managed by Max's son Norm and his wife Lisa. Family members continue to play a direct role in operations, from managing lifts to helping in the lodge. Rather than grow for growth’s sake, the resort has focused on staying consistent, serving the local community, and keeping things simple.
Terrain and Trail Layout
Harper Mountain offers around 400 acres of skiable terrain with a vertical drop of 1,400 feet. Its 16 marked runs are served by three lifts: a triple chair, a T-bar, and a handle tow. Trails are divided into 25% beginner, 50% intermediate, and 25% advanced, allowing a wide range of ability levels to feel comfortable.
Popular runs include Big Bend, which offers a smooth, consistent pitch, and Cliffhanger, which brings a steeper challenge in a shorter stretch. While the hill is compact, it offers enough variation for skiers and snowboarders to develop skills or enjoy a low-key day on familiar terrain. Side hits and natural rollers give boarders extra elements to work with.
Snow Conditions and Weather
Harper Mountain averages around four metres of snowfall each winter. Its north-facing slopes help retain snow longer into the season, preserving conditions and limiting melt. Most snowfall occurs between December and February, with skiing often stretching into March or early April.
The hill's lower elevation and forested setting reduce wind exposure, contributing to more consistent surface conditions. As of late April 2025, base depth stood at 136 centimetres. Grooming crews refresh the main runs nightly, while less-travelled sections sometimes keep soft snow for days after a storm.
Terrain Park and Night Skiing
The terrain park sits on lower Spillway and is accessed via the T-bar. It features small-to-medium jumps, a variety of rails, and a box line, all suited to intermediate riders. The layout shifts during the season, keeping sessions fresh for those who ride it regularly.
Night skiing runs Thursday through Saturday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Lighting covers green and blue runs off the lower lifts. During evening hours, the lodge stays open, serving food and drinks, while the hill fills with local families and students from Kamloops schools.
Winter Activities Beyond Alpine Skiing
Harper’s snowshoe trails are open daily and include a lift-access option for those looking to hike down from the top. The routes wind through forested areas away from ski runs, offering quiet and low-traffic conditions.
The resort also supports cross-country skiing with 16 trails that loop through the back of the property. These aren’t machine-groomed to Nordic standards but provide a solid backcountry-style experience for skiers who enjoy ungroomed routes.
The Snow Town Tube Park features a dedicated lift and is especially popular with families. With no uphill walking required and equipment provided, the park runs smoothly and stays busy throughout the day.
Backcountry touring is also an option. The Powder Highway route allows skiers and splitboarders to skin up to the summit before descending via the marked alpine runs. Touring is most common early in the morning or after lift hours.
Services and Amenities
The day lodge, a log-built structure with a large central fireplace, serves as the resort’s gathering place. Communal seating makes it easy for groups to connect, while the kitchen offers a short menu of burgers, chili, fries, coffee, and soft drinks. Though there’s no bar, the lodge is licensed.
Rental gear is available for both skiing and snowboarding, including boots and helmets. The equipment is functional and maintained regularly, serving mostly beginners, visitors, and students. The rental process is simple and efficient.
The ski school offers private and group lessons for all skill levels. Weekday programs support local school groups, particularly for grades 4 and 5, who often ski for free through regional promotions. Instructors focus on progression and building confidence on the hill.
Lift Tickets and Season Passes
An adult day ticket costs around $68. Seniors and teens pay approximately $49, while children ski for $33. Separate pricing applies to night skiing, which remains an affordable evening option. Family packages are available and help reduce the overall cost.
Season passes are the better deal for regular visitors. Adult passes are priced just under $850, with discounts for youth, juniors, and families. Early bird pricing and promotions for local residents help maintain community access throughout the season.
Local Role and Community Ties
Harper Mountain operates as a community hill. Most guests are from Kamloops or surrounding rural areas, and regular visitors often know each other by name. Local ski races, school nights, and holiday events reinforce the connection between the hill and the city.
Volunteers help with competitions and terrain park builds. The Daburger family is often visible throughout the day, working alongside staff and regulars. Their continued presence keeps the resort grounded and reinforces a long-standing sense of familiarity.
Conclusion
Harper Mountain doesn’t aim to compete with large-scale resorts. Its strength lies in being accessible, consistent, and grounded in the local ski culture. Snow holds, lifts run, and regulars return year after year. For Kamloops-area skiers and boarders, Harper remains a dependable choice that’s close, straightforward, and built by the same people who ride it.
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