Welcome to the Cat and Heli-skiing Capital of the World
If you’re looking for your next winter adventure, the Nelson Kootenay Lake Region of British Columbia is calling your name. Here, you’ll find world-class skiing perfectly balanced with relaxed, laid-back vibes. Whether it’s enjoying a fresh craft beer, shredding untouched powder or experiencing après done right, the Nelson Kootenay Lake Region has it all for a truly epic winter getaway.
Carve the Kootenays
Whitewater Mountain Resort is just a 25-minute drive from downtown Nelson, so you can be carving fresh tracks before your local, organic coffee has a chance to cool. Enjoy it while it’s hot on the Whitewater Mountain Resort Shuttle. With multiple pick-up points around town, it will get you to the slopes in time to catch those irresistible first chair fresh tracks.
Part of the world-famous Powder Highway, Whitewater boasts 81 runs and an altitude that ensures consistent and reliable snow. The average annual snowfall is an impressive 40 feet. Powder Magazine named it “one of the best powder mountains on the continent.” With accolades like that, it’s easy to see why outdoor adventurers are drooling to get here—accessible by car, shuttle and plane.
While there’s more than enough terrain to satisfy even the most advanced rider, if you’ve been dreaming of a bucket-list adventure that takes you higher into the mountains, this is the place and time to make it happen.
Bucket-list Ski Adventures
The Nelson Kootenay Lake Region is renowned for epic cat skiing and heli-skiing—and for good reason: cat skiing was born here. Cat skiing, also called snowcat skiing, is a type of backcountry skiing where a guide drives you in a snowcat to explore remote, untouched slopes. The steep verticals and deep snow allow for more Cat Ski operations than anywhere else in the world. Snowcat-accessible terrain includes wide bowls and vertical drops where skiers can shred as much as 18,000 feet of vertical in a day.
For the ultimate bucket-list experience, try heli-skiing. Ride in a helicopter to untouched terrain and enjoy the rush of riding freshly fallen powder. With an experienced guide, you can tackle everything from long, powder-filled descents to weaving through old-growth tree glades. For advanced riders, this is truly the adventure of a lifetime. Single-day and multi-day packages are available.
Mountain Eats and Treats
Once you’ve carved your final run of the day, it’s time to do as the locals do and head for a pint of craft beer. With four breweries and over 80 restaurants, there’s no shortage of options.
With no chain restaurants, each meal is a chance to sample this region’s unique charm. The culinary scene is so diverse that you can try something new every day. Whether you’re craving Mexican, Indian, Thai, Greek or fusion, you’ll find it here. Order a cocktail with your dinner, and it’ll likely be made with a local spirit. Locally-made isn’t a catchphrase here, it’s part of the culture.
Soak in Nature’s Spa
Few things are more satisfying—or rejuvenating—than soaking your muscles after a long day on the slopes. Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort is the ultimate way to end your ski day. With a natural 150-foot horseshoe cave and a large lounging pool, it’s the perfect spot to unwind.
If you’re feeling brave, hop into the stream-fed cold plunge. Alternating between hot and cold pools is a practice known to reduce inflammation and relieve sore muscles, so your legs will be ready to rock tomorrow’s runs. The healing waters are reason enough to visit, but it’s the limestone caves that make Ainsworth truly unforgettable.
From that first local coffee to the last après cheers, the Nelson Kootenay Lake Region serves up everything you need for a winter getaway that lingers long after the snow melts.
This article was sponsored by Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism
Two mountain ranges, six communities, and one awesome experience of culture, outdoors and relaxation. Come discover the East Shore from Wynndel to Riondel, cross the glacial-fed Kootenay Lake over to Balfour, on a free ferry, and journey along the shoreline to Ainsworth Hot Springs, Kaslo, North Kootenay Lake and Nelson BC.
