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November 21, 2023

What's New on the Powder Highway?

As our champagne powder starts to blanket the peaks in the Kootenay Rockies, the mountains begin to lure us with their call. Along the Powder Highway, alpine resorts, backcountry lodges & guides, cat-heli operators & Nordic ski clubs are gearing up for the upcoming season.

Check out the latest on BC’s Powder Highway, including a new Quad chair at Whitewater Ski Resort, access to backcountry (within inbound terrain), more on/off mountain lodging or ways to re-fuel you for another day of epic POWDER. A trip to the Powder Highway has you covered and the stoke is running high!

NEW Quad Chairlift at Whitewater Ski Resort; photo courtesy of the Resort

WHERE TO PLAY

Introducing the game-changing addition for the 2023/24 Winter Season at Whitewater Ski Resort – with their brand new Fixed-Grip Quad Chairlift; named “Raven Chair” (the Yutlxʷ / Qukin chair, is pronounced “Yew’tulhh” in the Interior Salish dialect and “Goo-kin” in the Ktunaxa language). Prepare to be whisked away to the majestic Silver King Ridge from the main base area, effortlessly accommodating up to 1,600 guests per hour. With this incredible upgrade, they are thrilled to announce access to over 65 hectares (160 acres) of jaw-dropping gladed skiing and a selection of freshly groomed runs. But that’s not all! This expansion is set to elevate your experience at Whitewater Ski Resort with epic verticality. Standing tall at over 40 meters (or 140 feet) longer than the Summit Lift, it’s time to embrace the thrill and explore new horizons.

Map photo courtesy of Whitewater Ski Resort

Experience enhanced glading, improved snowmaking, and an additional passenger snowcat at Panorama Mountain Resort for an unrivaled on-slope adventure. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Off the mountain, indulge in a range of winter activities, from classic ice skating and snowshoeing to heart-pounding thrills. Take your confidence to new heights with a tandem paragliding experience, revealing awe-inspiring views of the Purcell and Rocky Mountain ranges; or embark on an adrenaline-fueled snowmobile tour with Toby Creek Adventures.

Monster X Snowcat; photo by Ashley Voykin/Panorama Mountain Resort

For the 2023/24 season, you can once again, conquer the legendary Mt. Kirkup at RED Mountain Resort! Hop on a snowcat from the peak of Grey Mountain and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. Experience the sheer bliss of carving through untouched powder on runs with an impressive 626 metres (2,054-foot) vertical drop, all the way back to the Grey Chairlift. At RED Mountain Resort, they pride themselves on being one of the Canadian ski resort to provide this exhilarating cat-skiing experience, minus the need for avalanche gear or a guide. Get ready to seize the slopes like never before!

Photo courtesy of RED Mountain Resort – Mt. Kirkup

Revelstoke’s Mountain Sport School expansion is nearing completion! As the resort grows, they are dedicated to enhancing the ski/snowboard experience for beginners and intermediates. Their focus on improving the green and blue runs in the Ripper Zone has been unwavering for the past few years, and they’re excited to continue this progress into the upcoming season. But that’s not all – they are also thrilled to announce the addition of a brand new learning area in the Stellar Chair zone, conveniently accessible via the Revelation Gondola. And that’s not all! Their Ski School is getting an impressive new home at the top of the Revelation Gondola, complete with a spacious seating area for group lunches and breaks, as well as top-notch classrooms for Mountain Sports School courses and camps. Get ready to take your winter adventures to the next level at Revelstoke!

Selkirk Snowcat Skiing takes immense pride in their state-of-the-art micro-hydro system that powers the lodge. While it was designed in the 90’s, it has proven to be a visionary choice considering the unexpected surge in electricity demand. Luckily, the talented staff is dedicated to minimizing their carbon footprint at every opportunity. Excitingly, they are currently working on an expansion project that will not only double their capacity but also significantly decrease our reliance on diesel, even during low water flow in winters. Stay tuned for updates as they await government approval. 

Photo courtesy of Selkirk Snowcat Skiing (The Lodge)

WHERE TO STAY

Experience the ultimate winter getaway at BaseCamp Resorts’ Northwinds Hotel Revelstoke. Formerly known as ‘Days Inn Revelstoke’, this hotel offers comfortable and affordable accommodations in the heart of Revelstoke, BC. With easy access to all the natural splendours of the area, including the renowned Revelstoke Mountain Resort, your adventure awaits. Book your stay today and discover the magic of Revelstoke this winter!

Nestled on the outskirts of the resort, the exceptional Hummingbird Lodge & Campground offers unparalleled year-round access to Whitewater Ski Resort’s thrilling outdoor activities. Winter enthusiasts will revel in the lodge’s prime location, providing seamless access to winter touring, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and educational backcountry experiences. Meanwhile, during the summer months, adventure-seekers will find our lodge to be the ultimate gateway to exhilarating mountain biking, hiking, and climbing. Join them at Hummingbird Lodge and embark on unforgettable outdoor adventures.

WHERE TO EAT

~ Bowl’d in Revelstoke
~ Chez Serge in Kaslo
~ Chilango Mexican in Fernie
~ Craft BierHaus in Revelstoke
~ Deer Park Diner in Kimberley
~ Sprout Plant Eatery in Nelson
~ The Underbelly Bistro in Rossland

Photo courtesy of Bowl’d in Revelstoke

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