By its very name, you might assume the Powder Highway is a paradise for snowboarders and skiers alike — but it’s also much more than that. We Explore Canada contributor Diane Selkirk walks you through how to make the most of your visit to 5 of the prominent BC towns on the Powder Highway.
The Powder Highway, stretching across the Monashee, Selkirk, Purcell, and Kootenay Mountain ranges, is renowned for its abundant snowfall. This 1000km circuit encompasses eight ski resorts in the Kootenay region and is hailed as a haven for skiers and snowboarders.
What often goes unnoticed is that the Powder Highway offers much more than just chairlifts and ski runs. Each of the mountain towns has its own unique character, a vibrant arts and cultural scene, a diverse range of culinary options, and an abundance of outdoor activities. So while you could dedicate your entire visit to the slopes, there’s so much else to explore, you may end up ditching the skis entirely.
To visit all eight Powder Highway resorts in British Columbia, you’d want at least two weeks. However, for shorter trips, you can pick and choose which communities suit you best.
We’ve narrowed it down for you by highlighting five:
5 Towns on BC’s Powder Highway to Mark on Your Map
Rossland, BC (Home of Red Mountain Resort)
When the snow starts to fly, this historic gold mining town of 4,140 residents transforms into a winter-adventure wonderland.
Located in the traditional territory of the Sinixt First Nation, Red Mountain Resort’s 3,850 acres of alpine terrain may seem like the town’s centerpiece—but it’s far from the only highlight. Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club has 40 km of groomed trails that traverse open meadows and loop through old growth forest. For those after a full wilderness experience, the picturesque Rossland Range has dozens of trails that are perfect for self-guided snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or backcountry ski touring.
After a morning of cross-country skiing through an ancient forest or snowshoeing to catch the views from one of the day-use cabins in the Rossland Range, you can warm up in the town centre. The Rossland Museum gives visitors the opportunity to delve into the town’s mining heritage and skiing legacy, while the hilly streets of downtown offer up a history lesson, as well as lots of locally-owned shops and restaurants.
Stay: Immerse yourself in the gold rush era with a stay at The Wild Turkey Inn, 2520 Kootenay Ave., a gorgeously renovated heritage home.
Eat: Try The Flying Steamshovel, 2003 2nd Ave., for casual comfort.
Don’t Miss: Always wanted to try curling? Sunday drop-in curling sessions at the Rossland Curling Club offer gear, instruction, and pickup games in a heritage atmosphere.
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Nelson, BC (Home of Whitewater Ski Resort)
As one of the most picturesque towns in the Kootenays, Nelson is a hub for arts and culture. The wide western streets are filled with diverse mom and pop shops and a wide variety of restaurants.
As you stroll, keep an eye out for some of the town’s 50 murals that depict local history—many are tucked off the main streets, just out of sight. Art lovers and history buffs will want to check out Nelson Museum & Art Gallery (formerly Touchstones) and the informative (and slightly creepy Cold War Bunker located in the basement of the Gray building.
While there’s lots of family-friendly skiing and boarding available at nearby Whitewater Ski Resort, non-skiers can also spend a serene afternoon on the cross-country ski or snowshoeing trails to get a winter fix.
Stay: Connect with local history at The Hume Hotel & Spa, 422 Vernon St.
Eat: Red Light Ramen, 308 Herridge Lane for a steamy bowl of fresh ramen.
Don’t Miss: Soak your aches away in hot mineral waters that have long been sacred to the local Ktunaxa People at the nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs.
Kimberley, BC (Home of Kimberly Alpine Resort)
Kimberley is one of the region’s many industry towns, turned recreation hub. The town of 8000 was once mostly known for its Bavarian-inspired Platzl; a downtown pedestrian strip that was created to lure folks off the highway. While a yodeling, beer-drinking Happy Hans still emerges from the square’s giant cuckoo clock; in recent years, the town’s shifted away from schnitzel to embrace its relaxed outdoor adventure vibe.
Just outside of town you’ll find Kimberley Alpine Resort where you can turn a few loops on the free skating rink. For something extra special, head to Kimberley Nordic Club in the evening and stretch out your legs on the 3.3km loop that’s lit for night.
Stay: The pretty Larix Hotel is family-run and close to everything you need in the Platzl.
Eat: The Biscuit Supper Club is a cozy restaurant on the Platzl that’s known for local fare and a welcoming ambiance.
Don’t Miss: For small-town hockey at its best, check out the local team, The Dynamiters—you’ll find them at the Kimberley Civic Centre.
Invermere, BC (Home of Panorama Mountain Resort)
Before heading along the final 20 km drive into Panorama Mountain, you’ll want to stop in Invermere and take a glide on the world’s longest skating path on Lake Windermere. Even if you don’t ice skate, you can walk, bike, ski, or boot skate on the 30-kilometre-plus track that winds around the lake. Maintained by the Toby Creek Nordic Ski Club (who also maintain the smaller but equally picturesque Lake Lillian Whiteway), the path is just the first of the area’s winter wonders.
The next adventure comes with a motor when you stop in at Toby Creek Adventures, located opposite the Panorama Ski Resort, and take one of the guided snowmobile tours. Even nervous beginners (like me) will be blown away by the gorgeous terrain which includes a ride through the remnants of an early 1900s silver mining town and a hike to the frozen Marmot waterfall.
Stay: The Approach at Panorama Resort: The newly refurbished hotel has a variety of room configurations—making it family and group-friendly.
Eat: Alto Kitchen & Bar is one of Panorama’s finer dining options with a focus on seasonal ingredients. panoramaresort.com
Don’t Miss: Panorama Nordic Centre has put a lot of work into their cross-country ski trails—you can even arrange for a volunteer guide who will show you around. panoramaresort.com/nordic
Fernie, BC (Home of Fernie Alpine Resort)
Fernie is a picturesque town of 6,300, with a much-photographed main street that’s framed by the striking Lizard Range. Established in the late 19th century as a coal mining settlement, Fernie’s historic downtown, with its broad streets and red-brick buildings, pays homage to its heritage (don’t miss the excellent local museum for an in-depth perspective).
Meanwhile, the presence of sports shops, cozy cafes, and galleries featuring local artisans offers a glimpse into its more recent evolution.
Located a short drive out of town, Fernie Alpine Resort offers powdery slopes, making it the perfect place for some serious snowshoeing or, for a different type of adventure, you can hop on a fat bike for a guided ride through the drifts.
Stay: Lizard Creek Lodge has ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes (or trudge in/out if you are snowshoeing).
Eat: Cirque Restaurant & Bar in Lizard Creek Lodge offers mountain views, a diverse menu, and an ice bar—making it convenient if you are staying in the lodge. Visit lizardcreek.com/cirque-restaurant-bar.
Don’t Miss: Fernie has amazing artisans, and many of them sell their work at the Fernie Arts Co-op on 2nd Ave.
Find Your Own Adventure on BC’s Powder Highway
The Powder Highway isn’t just about the skiing—it’s a gateway to vibrant local communities. Visitors can immerse themselves in the warmth of these towns, experiencing their unique cultures and embracing the hospitality of the locals.
However you choose to approach it, the Powder Highway offers an unforgettable blend of incredible snow, stunning vistas, and a welcoming atmosphere that truly defines the essence of winter exploration in British Columbia, and Canada at large.
Diane Selkirk is a Vancouver, B.C. based travel writer who seeks to get beyond the bucket list and find deeper stories about the soul of a place. She’s a strong advocate for regenerative and Indigenous tourism and works to promote slow travel experiences through her writing. Selkirk has received numerous awards and accolades for her work and has been featured in publications both in Canada and internationally, including BBC Travel, CNN Travel, The Smithsonian and Travel & Leisure. Her goal is to share her adventures and to inspire others to explore the world and make a positive impact through responsible travel.