Explore the breathtaking Kootenay region, nestled in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, Canada. Experience the beauty of the East & West Kootenay as you embark on a journey along the renowned Powder Highway. Prepare to be awestruck by the majestic Canadian Rockies and the Columbias, two awe-inspiring mountain ranges that elevate this destination.
THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS
The Rocky Mountains form the largest mountain system in North America, extending approximately 4,800 kilometers (3,000 miles) from northern British Columbia, near the Liard River, to northern New Mexico in the United States. Their remarkable expanse and natural beauty make them an iconic geological landmark. (The length of the Canadian Rockies is 1,460-km, approximately 900 miles.)
Kootenay Communities in the Rockies: Canal Flats, Elkford, Fairmont Hot Springs, Fernie, Field, Golden, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Sparwood and Vermilion.
Powder Highway Operators in the Rockies: Amiskwi Lodge, Campbell Icefield Chalet, Chatter Creek Mountain Lodges, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Wilderness Adventures, Icefall Lodge, Island Lake Cat-Skiing, Mica Heliskiing, Mistaya Lodge and Talus Lodge.
THE COLUMBIA MOUNTAIN RANGES
Experience the remarkable Columbia Mountains – an extraordinary range stretching 800 to 900-km (500 to 600 miles) across southeastern British Columbia, from Golden, BC to the US border in Idaho and Montana. These mountains stand proudly parallel to the Canadian Rockies, showcasing their breathtaking beauty and grandeur to all who explore them.
The three Columbia sub-range mountain within the Kootenays, are:
1 – Purcells
2 – Selkirks
3 – Monashees
(The fourth is the Cariboo, north of the Powder Highway.)
THE PURCELL SUB-RANGE IN THE COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS
The magestic Purcells proudly rise on the west side of the mighty Rocky Mountain Trench. These awe-inspiring peaks also grace the east side of Kootenay Lake and the Duncan River. This is a landscape that truly commands attention.
Kootenay Communities in the Purcells: Argenta, Cranbrook, Crawford Bay, Creston, Golden, Invermere, Kimberley, Kootenay Bay, Panorama, and Riondel.
Powder Highway Operators in the Purcells: Boulder Hut Adventures, CMH Bobbie Burns, CMH Bugaboo, CMH Purcell, Great Canadian Heli-Skiing, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Panorama Mountain Resort, Powder Creek Lodge, Purcell Mountain Lodge, RK HeliSki and Stellar Heli Skiing.
THE SELKIRK SUB-RANGE IN THE COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS
The Selkirk Mountains dominate the scenic landscapes of southeastern British Columbia (including Idaho’s Panhandle &eastern Washington). As a member of the Columbia Mountains, their imposing beauty and awe-inspiring presence has no bounds.
Kootenay Communities in the Selkirks: Ainsworth, Balfour, Castlegar, Crescent Valley, Nakusp, Nelson, New Denver, Kaslo, Revelstoke, Salmo, Slocan, Trail and Winlaw.
Powder Highway Operators in the Selkirks: Baldface Lodge, Battle Abbey Backcountry Lodge/Weber Powder, CMH Adamant, CMH Bobbie Burns, CMH Galena, CMH Gothic, CMH Kootenay, CMH Purcell, CMH Revelstoke, Great Northern Snowcat, Golden Alpine Holidays, Great Canadian Heli-Skiing, Ice Creek Lodge, Mt. Carlyle Backcountry Lodge, Retallack Lodge, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Revelstoke Ski Touring, Selkirk Mountain Experience, Selkirk Snowcat Skiing, Selkirk Tangiers Heli-Skiing, Snowfall Lodge, Snowwater Heli-Skiing, Sorcerer Lodge, Stellar Heli Skiing, Valhalla Mountain Lodge, Valhalla Mountain Touring, Valkyr Adventures, White Grizzly Adventures and Whitewater Ski Resort.
THE MONASHEE SUB-RANGE IN THE COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS
The Monashee Mountains command attention, rising boldly beside the iconic Columbia River near Revelstoke and Arrow Lakes – with the Selkirk Mountains just beyond to the east.
Kootenay Communities in the Monashees: Needles, Revelstoke, Rossland, Three Valley Gap and Trail.
Powder Highway Operators in the Monashees: Baldface Valhalla, Big Reds Cats, Blanket Glacier Chalet, CMH Gothic, CMH Kootenay, CMH Monashee, CMH Revelstoke, Eagle Pass Heli, Eleven Heli, K3 Cat Ski, Keefer Lake Lodge, Monashee Powder Snowcats, Mustang Powder, RED Mountain Resort, Selkirk Tangiers Heli-Skiing and Sol Mountain Touring.
NOTE: Many of our communities, resorts and backcountry lodges are located in two mountain ranges, so they will appear twice.
