In winter, Wells Gray Country is transformed into a very different world: many locals look forward to the arrival of snow and ice, and getting out on their skis, snowshoes, dog-sleds and snowmobiles.

The winter weather is generally moderate: from December through to March the temperature is most often between -2ºC and -5ºC. The occasional cold snap might plunge it down to -25ºC or less for a week or two, but this is balanced by the warm ‘Pineapple Express’ wind, which can take it to several degrees above zero. In the valleys the snow-cover ranges between a few centimetres and half a metre or sometimes more: up in the mountains it’s more like 3m to 4m of fine powder in the average year.

So this gives us the perfect setting for all manner of winter fun: local businesses offer packages focussing on particular activities, or combining several for the complete winter experience. Just follow the links on the left to find-out more about the satisfying alternative to the glitz and expense of the alpine resorts!