Get ready to conquer the legendary winter playground of the Kootenays, where world-class champagne powder blankets every peak. This season, the Powder Highway’s alpine resorts, backcountry lodges, expert backcountry guides, cat-skiing and heli-skiing operators, and Nordic Clubs are fully prepared to deliver unmatched adventures you won’t find anywhere else.
WHERE TO PLAY
The Black Jack Nordic Ski Club will soon welcome a new lodge. Although construction is ongoing, the lodge is expected to open this season. Black Jack Ski Club is recognized as one of western Canada’s top cross-country ski destinations, offering 50-km of diverse trails, exceptional grooming, dependable snowfall, and convenient access from Rossland.
Boulder Hut Adventures has partnered with Kimberley Alpine Resort to offer an exclusive one-day, helicopter-assisted ski touring experience in the Purcell Mountains. Begin your day in Kimberley, board a helicopter for access to alpine terrain, and enjoy an exceptional ski tour through BHA’s 6,070-hectares (15,000-acre) terrain, either independently or accompanied by professional guides. The package includes a comprehensive safety briefing, helicopter transportation, guiding services, and lunch. Additional heli-drop runs are available upon request. Boulder Hut Adventures also offers week-long heli-accessed lodge stays, both guided and self-guided, with full catering and additional amenities.
Chatter Creek Mountain Lodge, located near Golden, is offering cat-assisted ski touring to enhance guest access to prime areas of their terrain. This service complements their established cat-skiing packages available at the backcountry lodge. Additionally, the Cat-Assisted Freeride Tour is designed for advanced skiers and riders, providing cat access along with mentoring and coaching in remote alpine settings.
Experience an exceptional winter dining opportunity at Emerald Lake Lodge in Yoho National Park. The new Emerald Sky Dome offers an elegant, transparent setting where thoughtfully curated details and locally inspired cuisine create a distinctive atmosphere. Ideal for couples or small groups of up to six, guests are invited to enjoy a six-course chef’s tasting menu, complemented by optional wine, cocktail, or non-alcoholic pairings. Enjoy a memorable winter experience at the lodge by exploring Emerald Lake on snowshoes, embarking on a nordic skiing adventure, or hiking and snowshoeing to Hamilton Falls or Wapta Falls to admire the stunning frozen waterfalls.
Experience the renowned terrain of Island Lake Lodge with a single-day cat-skiing adventure. Designed for enthusiastic skiers and riders, this experiences offer the excitement of Island Lake Catskiing, near Fernie, without the requirement of a multi-day visit. Enjoy guided runs through pristine powder and breathtaking alpine scenery in the Canadian Rockies.
Mica Heliskiing has expanded their heli-skiing experience with an 1,022-square-metre (11,000-square-foot) lodge expansion, which includes new private accommodations exclusively for the Private Program. Guests will enjoy modern suites, a dedicated lounge, private kitchen, and an outdoor deck with a hot tub and sauna. The small-group experiences feature two helicopters for the Classic Program and an exclusive helicopter for the Private Program, ensuring an exceptional and personalized adventure.
Kids 12 years and under ski for FREE this spring (March 15 – April 21, 2026) at the Revelstoke Mountain Resort when accompanied by an adult. Revelstoke Resort’s Cupcake Carpet and Stellar Chair offer ideal conditions for beginners, providing a welcoming environment to learn and develop a passion for the sport. Young riders interested in practicing their park skills can visit the Gnome Zone, featuring beginner-friendly elements designed to build confidence. For those seeking scenic and extended runs, The Last Spike is a green-rated trail that spans the mountain from top to bottom, with access to blue and black runs for added variety during your winter getaway in Revelstoke.
Reserve your stay in Revelstoke for two or more nights directly to receive a complimentary Nordic pass and rental package at the Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club. Explore the Mount Macpherson trail system, featuring 30-km of groomed trails suitable for both skate and classic skiing. Guests can also enjoy a 6-km illuminated trail for night skiing, as well as a 5-km dog-friendly loop.
After 13 years of dedicated leadership, Paul and Megan Osak are transitioning ownership of Selkirk Snowcat Skiing. While this marks a significant milestone, they are committed to ensuring a seamless experience for all guests throughout the year. Liam Osak will be stepping in as General Manager to provide consistent leadership, while Brandon Miles joins as Selkirk’s new Operating Partner. The new ownership team is devoted to upholding Selkirk’s tradition of exceptional hospitality and personalized service.
White Grizzly, Kootenay Backcountry Guides and Wild Bear Lodge are pleased to announce their partnership – as they are offering cat-assisted ski touring in the Selkirk Mountains (north end of Kootenay Lake). With snowcat access and ACMG-certified guides, participants can look forward to covering more terrain and experiencing 1,000–1,500 metres of vertical gain per day in challenging terrain, all under knowledgeable guiding. White Grizzly Cat Skiing stands as one of BC’s most established snowcat skiing operations, ensuring a professional and memorable adventure.
CELEBRATING MOUNTAINS
In 2026, Rossland and Trail will proudly collaborate to host the BC Winter Games, welcoming the province’s premier winter athletes to the West Kootenay from February 25 to March 1. This area boasts a distinguished tradition of hosting major provincial sporting events, including the BC Winter Games in 1982 and 2006, the BC Summer Games in 1996, and the BC Seniors Games in 2011.
The Kimberley Alpine Resort is proud to host the 50th Anniversary of Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS), honouring five decades of dedication to adaptive skiing since its founding by Jerry Johnson in 1976. Join in, as they commemorate this significant milestone and celebrate the impactful history of CADS at this special event (March 8-13, 2026) in Kimberley.
The Yeti Natural Selection event returns to Revelstoke for another year (March 10-16, 2026). The best all-mountain freestyle riders in the world will come together at Revelstoke Mountain Resort, in partnership with Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing, for the crowning of a men’s and women’s champion. Expect twenty-four fearless riders hurtling down the naturally amplified and feature-rich terrain in Revelstoke.
Celebrating 50 years of homegrown stoke, Whitewater Mountain Resort has rebranded ahead of their 50th anniversary season. This milestone highlights the dedication and passion the community has invested in shaping Whitewater into an authentic destination. They will continue to deliver on deep snow, great food, and a genuine connection to the people and place that make this mountain feel like home.
IN THE KNOW | BACKCOUNTRY SKI PERMITS
The Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park stands out as a premier backcountry ski touring location, receiving an impressive 14 metres of snowfall annually. The area is renowned for housing the world’s largest mobile avalanche control program, where controlled measures are implemented to safeguard highway and railway routes. The Winter Permit System ensures the safety of skiers & snowshoe enthusiasts, by maintaining clear separation from avalanche control activities. The permit begins November 15, 2025 until the end of the avalanche control season (and if you are intending to leave the highway or parking areas, you need a Winter Permit for Glacier National Park).
Stay informed with real-time information on Winter Restricted Area access by utilizing the Rogers Pass Backcountry Access interactive map. This resource offers location tracking on GPS-enabled devices, as well as access to avalanche forecasts and live webcams.
AROUND TOWN
Situated between the lake and the mountains, Invermere Brewing Company pays homage to the classic après-adventure experience, evoking the warmth of traditional ski lodges, leisurely days on the golf course, and relaxed evenings by the lake, all complemented by exceptional company and quality craft beer.
Experience the premium collection of handcrafted spirits, thoughtfully inspired by local flavours and flora at the Stolen Bell Distillery in Golden. The upcoming cocktail lounge will offer a welcoming environment to connect with others and enjoy exceptional beverages.
