With a base of 88 cms today, it is shaping up to be a wicked weekend re-opening on Saturday, December 22.

The mountain will be open through the holidays, except Christmas Day.

Great skiing, great riding and good food in the day lodge. Take the whole family for a fun holiday adventure next weekend.

By Michael Toay

This weekend marks the winter opening of Mt. Timothy, the family-oriented ski hill located in the heart of British Columbia's Cariboo range. Situated near Lac La Hache in the Cariboo Chilcotin, Mt. Timothy offers 35 ski runs, a variety of terrain suited to every age and level of ability and five chair lifts to get you there. Over half the terrain consists of medium to advanced trails, however there is more than enough beginner terrain to get you going!

The summit tops out at over 1,600 meters (5,400 feet) and one area does sport a vertical drop off of over 300 meters (1,000 feet) so watch your step or you'll be seeing much more of the wilderness much faster than you expected. The views are, needless to say, spectacular.

(Photo: Track packing at Mount Timothy on December 12, 2012.)

The North District RCMP and BC SAR Association wish to remind the public to please use available resources to find out about avalanche conditions and to ensure you are properly prepared before entering any of these areas this season.

Outdoor enthusiasts love to explore and call the vast northern mountains their winter playground where they enjoy snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing and other backcountry adventures.

"The RCMP and Search and Rescue are never called when people are having a good time, only when tragedy hits or someone needs help," stated Constable Lesley Smith North District Media Relations Officer. "Before you seek out your thrill for adventure, be sure you are well prepared for the potential dangers that come with playing in Canada’s snowy mountainous environments."

British Columbia is known for its beautiful backcountry, and the best way to enjoy it is in a safe and responsible manner. British Columbians are urged to learn more about the necessary outdoor safety tools and techniques that could spare a life. Outdoor adventurers can help themselves and others by being informed and staying avalanche safe.

Here are some key backcountry tips this avalanche season:

• Take a recognized avalanche skills training course (offered through the Canadian Avalanche Association).
• Have the right equipment with you, practise with your equipment and check conditions before heading out into the backcountry.
• Before you head outdoors, be sure to leave a trip plan with a responsible individual and stick to that trip plan. For a printable copy of a trip plan and to learn more about being safe when getting outdoors, visit: www.adventuresmart.ca
• Take the conditions into account and plan appropriately. Learn about avalanche safety and risks and get the most recent bulletin and weather forecast at avalanche.ca