Located in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, the Powder Highway refers to the area that boasts the highest concentration of alpine resort, backcountry, cat, heli and nordic skiing/riding in the WORLD!
How BIG is it really? It’s absolutely gigantic. The combined tenure is 7.2+ million acres. Locally known as the ‘Kootenays’ this ski/snowboard mecca is made up of 100+ ski operators along the route. That’s right – 8 Alpine Ski Resorts, 14 Backcountry Guides, 16 Backcountry Huts, 23 Backcountry Lodges, 14 Cat operators, 3 Community ski clubs, 18 Heli operators and 16 Nordic Clubs/Centres.
So let’s get down to how to tour the Powder Highway, you ski bums or aspiring “dirtbags” (an endearing local reference), on a budget:
Fernie & Fernie Alpine Resort
Stay: The Fernie RV Resort is open all winter offering the winter camper and RVer a full-service and affordable option to enjoy your favourite snow activities. Another budget offering is the Raging Elk Adventure Lodging. New for the 2021/22 season are their deluxe pods. Perfect for the price-conscious solo traveller.
Golden & Kicking Horse Mtn Resort
Stay: The Golden Golf Club & RV Resort is a close proximity to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and offers year-round RV sites. The Dreamcatcher Hostel, in a renovated heritage building is located in the heart of downtown Golden.
Invermere & Panorama Mtn Resort
Stay: Just a short drive away is the Fairmont Hot Springs RV Resort, offering winter RV sites. It is also the home to one of the largest natural hot springs (and they resort has its own family ski mountain). For budget hotels/motels, stay at the Invermere Hostel (during the winter months, the Invermere-Panorama free shuttle stops right next to the hostel)
Kimberley & Kimberley Alpine Resort
Stay: There are no hostels or winter RV parks in this community. Check out the North Star Motel for economical winter season rates (a 10-minute drive to the ski resort).
Nelson & Whitewater Ski Resort
Stay: There are no winter RV Parks in this community. Budget accommodation, includes the Adventure Hotel and the Dancing Bear Inn, both located on Baker Street in Nelson’s thriving downtown centre.
Revelstoke & Revelstoke Mtn Resort
Stay: Boulder Mountain Resort offers RV sites & Glamping options. Another economical stay includes a stay at the The Cube Boutique Hotel.
Rossland & RED Mtn Resort
Stay: There are no winter RV Parks in this community. Check out the Nowhere Special Hostel just a short walk from the hostel to the lifts at RED Mountain Resort. And, Shadow Mountain Hostel is located in downtown Rossland, a short drive to the resort and Big Red Cats.
RV rentals are available in Calgary, AB or Vancouver, BC. Shuttle services are available to most ski resorts from each our funky mountain towns. Here is a Map and info on other winter camping options in BC. And, tips on “Winter Camping for Beginners in BC“.
*** With high levels of snow throughout the region and winter driving conditions in effect, it is very important to check highway conditions and travel advisories. Winter tires are needed on your vehicle from October to April and Road Safety at Work has some great ideas for items to pack in your car such as windshield scraper & snow brush, shovel, warm blankets, snacks/beverages. DriveBC is a great resource with real-time webcams and road statuses. ***
Know Before You Go – Plan ahead so you can travel safely and responsibly. Familiarize yourself with weather, road conditions, general alerts for travellers and provincial health orders & recommendations.
Related Stories
~ 4 Reasons to Ski-Ride the Powder Highway this Winter
~ 6 Safety Tips for your Powder Highway Road Trip
~ 7 Tips to Get You Started: Exploring Powder Highway’s Backcountry
~ EV Powered Turns on a Powder Highway Road Trip
~ Funky Finds on the Powder Highway
~ Guiding Services: Powder Highway’s Backcountry
~ Learn to Ski & Snowboard on the Powder Highway
~ Planning your Powder Highway Road Trip: Local Tips
~ Powder Highway 101
~ Powder Towns on the Powder Highway
~ Slackcountry Touring at our Powder Highway Ski Resorts
~ Up the Ante: Day Packages for Cat & Heli Skiing
~ What’s New on the Powder Highway?
Top/cover photo by Henry Georgi in Fernie.
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