Organized skiing began in the Larch Hills in 1973–74. Shuswap Outdoors! developed plans for a trail system, secured Canada Works funding and began building trails. The Larch Hills Ski Club was incorporated in 1980, with Stig Keskinen as its first president.

The club’s early years saw major developments, including the purchase of equipment for tracksetting, construction of the first chalet in 1983, and the launch of the Jackrabbit program in 1984. The first Larch Hills Marathon was held in 1985, later becoming the Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet. A management agreement with the Ministry of Forests was also established.

The 1990s brought continued trail development, new shelters, junior racing programs and improved grooming equipment. The Larch Hills Race Team produced athletes who went on to provincial and national levels. Volunteer efforts also expanded the trail network and introduced new events and programs.

The South Loops were developed, new shelters were built and partnerships with Shuswap Outdoors! and other organizations strengthened trail planning and stewardship. A major equipment upgrade brought the PB 200 groomer to Larch Hills in 2005. Snowshoe trails were added, the chalet was improved and hydro power and other infrastructure were installed. The Pirate Loppet grew into a major school event, supported by hundreds of volunteers.

Trail improvements continued, along with new snowshoe routes, shelters, stiles and improved facilities. Larch Hills hosted the 2012 BC Championships, and the club continued to support junior racing and school programs. In 2013, a newer Pisten Bully groomer was purchased, strengthening the club’s grooming capabilities.

By 2014, the Pirate Loppet had grown to more than 500 students, while the Reino Keski-Salmi Loppet celebrated its 30th anniversary. The same year marked 40 years since organized skiing began in the Larch Hills.

In 2015, a new Strategic Plan was developed. The plan guided LHNS activities for 2015–2018, ensuring sustainable development of trails, facilities, and programs.

Chalet Expansion Committee: Suzy Beckner, Jim Beckner, Chris Elliott, Rob Nash, Randi Ostby and Kari Wilkinson

The committee proposed a two-level, 2,400-square-foot addition. Following a strategic study, the club approved the $400,000 project with the condition that it be completed without increasing membership fees or borrowing money.

Plans were developed, fundraising began, and construction started in spring 2017. The building reached lock-up by ski season, then construction paused through 2017–18 to replenish funds before restarting in spring 2018.

Over the next 18 months, club members donated countless hours, skills and resources, while generous support came from members, tradespeople, service organizations and government grants. Dancing With The Shuswap Stars, led by Val Heckrodt and his committee, raised nearly $90,000 over three years.

Duncan Morris, builder of the original chalet, brought his expertise to the expansion, bookending his career with two important Larch Hills projects.

Project Committee: Randi Ostby, Rob van Varseveld, Craig McBride, Jeff Orchard and Duncan Moore.

The Trail Lighting Project was developed to make winter skiing at Larch Hills more accessible, safe and enjoyable. With darkness often arriving around 4 p.m., lighting improves visibility and reduces the risks of falls, collisions and getting lost.

The project proposed approximately 6 km of varied trails and shorter loops, illuminated with energy-efficient LED lighting, extending safe trail access until approximately 9 p.m.

Identified as a priority in the 2016 Larch Hills Nordic Society Strategic Plan, the project received strong community support. In 2019, it was one of four national Kraft Heinz Project Play finalists, with 256 letters of support from Salmon Arm, and received a $25,000 award.

Loops 1 and 2 were completed in summer 2021, followed by Loops 3, 4 and 5 in 2022, bringing the total to 6.5 km of lit trails. A backup generator was also added in 2022.