Hot springs hop along B.C.’s Powder Highway
Skiing and spas are a perfect pairing. Post-powder, there’s nothing better than soaking overworked muscles in steamy mineral water.
As luck would have it, slopes and springs lie near one another around southeastern B.C.’s Powder Highway circuit, which also follows the Hot Springs Circle Route.
Ski Kimberley Alpine Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, or Panorama Mountain Resort before heading north towards Radium Hot Springs, where you can spot bighorn sheep while lounging in the hot pools in Kootenay National Park. Then, continue north to Golden and ski Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. Revelstoke Mountain Resort – the Powder Highway’s newest kid on the block – has North America’s greatest vertical at 1,713 metres (5,620 feet) and is not far from lakeside Halcyon and Nakusp hot springs, reached via a free scenic ferry across Upper Arrow Lake. And finally, Ainsworth Hot Springs, overlooking Kootenay Lake, has a unique horseshoe-shaped cave – complete with stalagmites and stalactites – to soak in after a day of playing in powder at Nelson’s Whitewater Ski Resort or Rossland’s RED Mountain Resort.
B.C.’s ski resorts’ range of offerings makes the province one of the most sought-after ski and snowboard destinations in the world.
Big White Ski Resort
Big White Ski Resort, Canada’s largest totally ski-in/ski-out village, has been voted people’s choice Family Resort of the Year by Snow Action Magazine. Melissa of Toronto says about Big White, “A true holiday is when Mommy gets to relax! At Big White, you can do that and much more! I really wish every family could experience it.” bigwhite.com
Fernie Alpine Resort
At Fernie Alpine Resort, our ‘Fernie Factor’ legendary powder (up to 37 feet a season) is just the beginning. Coupled with unforgettable terrain, including five huge alpine bowls, endless thigh burners, gentle beginner runs and a large learning area, Fernie Alpine Resort has something for any ability level. Add a charming, authentic ski town (voted coolest town in North America), great dining, exciting events and festivals, and you’ve just found your next ski destination.
skifernie.com
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is called the ‘Champagne Powder Capital of Canada.’ It’s all that and so much more! Diverse terrain for all ability levels – from steep alpine chutes to wide-open cruising green runs. And don’t forget the family skiing zone. No visit to Kicking Horse is complete until you’ve dined at Eagle’s Eye, located at the top of the Gondola. It’s the highest elevation restaurant in Canada. kickinghorseresort.com
Kimberley Alpine Resort
Surrounded by the soaring peaks of the Rocky Mountains, Kimberley Alpine Resort is popular for the amazing views. Add fresh powder and a laidback ski town, and you can see why it’s such a perennial favourite. The resort is well known for its family friendliness, an abundance of sunny days and the only night-skiing in the region. Kimberley Alpine Resort – far enough off the beaten track to avoid the crowds, but with an easily accessible international airport only 20 minutes away. skikimberley.com
Panorama Mountain Resort
Panorama is Pure Canada. A monstrous terrain expansion means the resort’s vertical is now in the top three in Canada, at 1,300 metres (4,265 feet). Panorama’s charming village, and Canada’s largest slope-side hot pools, makes it the perfect first choice for a Canadian mountain experience. Those who vacation here know, “There’s more to the mountains!” panoramaresort.com
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
Imagine the CN Tower stacked on top of itself three times; that would equal the vertical of Revelstoke Mountain Resort. The skiable terrain covers the same area as Downtown Toronto, and the resort’s total snowfall last season was the same as the height of a four-storey building. With the most vertical in North America, 1,250 hectares (3,121 acres) of skiable terrain, and more than 12 metres (40 feet) of snow last season, Revelstoke Mountain Resort offers the big mountain experience you have been looking for. revelstokemountainresort.com
SilverStar Mountain Resort
SilverStar Mountain Resort combines big mountain adventure with small-town charm. Recognized as one of Canada’s best family resorts, this 100 per cent ski-in/ski-out destination has all the amenities and activities to keep a diverse crew entertained. SilverStar, British Columbia’s third-largest resort, gets more than 700 centimetres (273 inches) of champagne powder snow every season, making it a skier’s bucket list must. skisilverstar.com
Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is magnetic. Anyone who has ever stood atop our mountains, and gazed out over the sea of peaks, and down onto our enchanted village, has felt it. That draw. The pull. The power of two side-by-side mountains, the allure of North America’s most vast and varied terrain, the celebration of a vibrant, ski-in/ski-out village, and the promise of outdoor adventures at every turn.
The limitless possibilities of North America’s premier mountain resort create their own laws of attraction – a force of nature that forges lasting connections and pulls people back, time and again. whistlerblackcomb.com
Whitewater Ski Resort
Whitewater Ski Resort is about so much more than snow! Although it sees an average of 12 metres (40 feet) of dependable dry snow each year, Whitewater is about the passion of the mountains, and the sport.
With world-renowned fresh eats and a welcoming community vibe, Whitewater will make you feel like you are coming home for your holiday. Be sure to check out the evolution of Whitewater, including the new Summit quad chair! skiwhitewater.com