What Makes Us

About WNMS

The Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society (WNMS) is made up entirely of volunteers and is proud to be celebrating 31 years as a registered non-profit society in British Columbia. Over the decades, WNMS has worked to build, maintain, and promote trails, outdoor recreation, and community events that showcase the beauty of Tumbler Ridge and the surrounding mountains. One of our signature achievements is the Emperor’s Challenge Mountain Race, the largest volunteer-organised race in BC, drawing up to 1,000 participants each year. We are currently working on plans to continue this iconic event on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Bergeron Falls waterfallThe peaks surrounding Bootski LakeHiking along the alpine on Albright Ridge
Who we Are

Our Mission

It is the mission of the WNMS to promote and develop all aspects of people-powered outdoor recreation in the Tumbler Ridge area, including the creation, maintenance, and improvement of hiking trails, cross country ski trails, and wilderness recreation facilities.

Help us grow to 150 Members
never a dull day

What We Do

Our passion is the beautiful wilderness around Tumbler Ridge and beyond. WNMS volunteers organize local events and manage trail upkeep.

Build and Maintain Hiking Trails in Tumbler Ridge, BC

WNMS designs, builds and maintains hiking trails in cooperation with BC Rec Sites and Trails and other partners.

Emperors Challenge

We organize the unforgettable Emperor's Challenge half marathon trail race. All of the proceeds from this event go towards our trail maintenance and improvement initiatives for hiking, cross-country skiing and wilderness camping

Trail Information & Mapping

WNMS provides our trail finder tool and printable maps to help you plan and navigate our favourite routes.

Itchy Feet Travel Presentations

A series of presentations held by WNMS members during the winter months sharing their travel experiences and photos, to inspire your next adventure

Quality falls frozen in the winterHiker crosses the suspension bridge over the Murray RiverBoulder Gardens rock formation
WNMS volunteer installs bench on trailGroup photo of WNMS volunteers
Our Values

Who We Are

Thee WNMS is represented by a Board of Directors and other volunteers who are passionate about outdoor activies, especially hiking and nordic skiing. Every Board member contributes dozens of volunteer hours every year in planning, organizing and participating in WNMS events such as the Emperor's Challenge, trail maintenance workbees and special projects. Our teams of volunteers participate in many events and projects, including on-going trail building, maintenance and regular ski trail grooming.

Make a difference hands on

Committed to preserving wilderness areas

Nature lovers

Over 100 km of trails managed

Supported by 30+ Volunteers

Focus on Projects

Recent Projects

Over the past year, the WNMS has completed several significant projects, including trail and campground improvements and the construction of a new 9-basket disc golf course.

New Campsite at Bootski Lake

One of the most popular, challenging and spectacular day hikes in the Geopark is Bootski Lake. Extended hikes along more distant and even more spectacular routes are now possible with the addition of a campground with level, dry tent pads, a bear cache, washing facilities and a toilet. This project was completed in September 2024 and improvements were made in September 2025.

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Work Bee

Completed in September 2025

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6

Volunteers
participated.

Expanded Campsite at Windfall Lake

The Windfall Lake trail and campsite have become increasingly popular over the years and the campsite originally built in 2016 was expanded with 4 new tent pads in 2024.

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Work Bee

Completed in September 2024

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10

Volunteers participated.

Disc Golf Course Development

Disc Golf has quickly become one of the fastest-growing outdoor recreational activities, and its family-friendly nature aligns perfectly with the WNMS vision of encouraging everyone to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors. In 2025, the WNMS Disc Golf Committee successfully negotiated a land lease with the District of Tumbler Ridge for property adjacent to the TR Ball Diamonds and Saddle Club. Thanks to the hard work of our dedicated volunteers, a 9-basket disc golf course was built in May and June 2025. This exciting new facility is already attracting visitors from near and far, creating opportunities to host tournaments while offering outdoor enthusiasts an engaging new activity in Tumbler Ridge.

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World Class

9 Hole Disc Golf Course

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Work Bee

Completed in May/June 2025

We're so Lucky to Have them

Our amazing team

We'd be nothing without our incredible volunteers who commit their free time to WNMS. From organising the Emperor's Challenge each year to cutting through deadfall on the local trails, our volunteers are priceless, and we wouldn't change them for a penny.

Dave Thompson
President

Geologist and Teacher, Dave is passionate about the outdoors, an avid hiker and a master with the chainsaw.

Paul Campbell
Vice President

Mapping and Geomatics specialist who loves to volunteer on Work Bees to keep our trails well-maintained.

Adaly Molina
Treasurer

Adaly has a love for nature and the outdoors, treasures time with her family, and finds joy in encouraging young people. Adaly's days are filled with energy, laughter, and heart.

Mark Campbell
Secretary

An outdoor adventurer and skilled disc-golfer who has the passion and skills to give back to his community.  

Adriana Matesoi
Director

Geologist and Furniture Revisionist, Adriana is a dedicated volunteer and avid hiker who never turns down an opportunity to help the WNMS.

Gerald Noksana
Director

New to the team, Gerald is a valuable resource to the WNMS with his many talents.