Whitewater
WHITEWATER SKI RESORT, BRITISH COLUMBIA
Whitewater Ski Resort is home cooked skiing, the old school kind that gives all the feels. Life takes a slower pace here where time is measured in powder turns, where wifi doesn’t exist literally, where phones don’t ring and friendships matter.
They call Whitewater, WH²O, the Powder Formula for good reason with over 39.3 feet (12 m) of snow fall a season and some of the best lift accessed backcountry in Canada found in the Selkirk Mountains. Did we mention the simple base lodge with an award wining dining menu and the funky lakeside town of Nelson down the road?
WhiteWater Resort SKi Packages – Our Favourites
We have ski packages to suit families, couples or solo skiers. Check out all our Whitewater Ski Packages.
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ABOUT WHITEWATER
THE SNOW
Whitewater is on the Powder Highway for good reason. Nearly 40 feet (12 metres) of good reason. The average winter temperature sits around 18F (-8C), so it’s cold, but not seriously cold. This temperature means, the snow is so light and dry and devoid of moisture you can’t make a snow ball stick. Imagine that. Sorry kids!
The best way to get to know Whitewater and the amazing terrain on offer across three main areas (Glory Ridge, Summit and Silver King) is to take a free 2 hour mountain tour twice a day.
Otherwise take an In Deep Guided tour of the resort for minimal cost with others of similar ability to find the best in bounds powder stashes.
Whitewater Ski Resort WEBCAM
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THE TOWN
There’s no village at Whitewater, just a base lodge and a car park. That’s part of the charm. The resort is located 13.5 miiles (22km) from the city of Nelson, British Columbia. Whitewater Ski Resort offers a daily shuttle service between the resort and the town of Nelson.
Twenty minutes from Whitewater Ski Resort, you’ll find the funky town of Nelson where most skiers and snowboarders stay – an eclectic mix of colourful heritage houses perched on a hill overlooking the west arm of Kootenay Lake.
It’s filled with baristas and craft beer, artists and outdoor gear, boutiques and bars and diverse restaurants. There’s enough to keep you entertained night after night at the end of powder fuelled days.
Try No6 for espresso and Marzano for gourmet breakfast (and lunch and dinner) and Nelson Brewing Company for organic beers.
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WHERE TO STAY
Some folks include Whitewater as a day trip from Red but we think it’s worth some serious time of its own. Bed down in Nelson at the town’s plethora of hotels, motels, inns, lodges and bed and breakfasts either lakeside or higher on the hill.
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TOP 5 REASONS TO VISIT WHITEWATER
#1. The best tree skiing in Canada – fall line glades as wide or narrow as you wish.
#2. Off the grid – no wifi reception so you can truly unplug.
#3. No crowds, and 39.3 feet (12 + metres) of cold smoke snow that’s super light and dry all to yourself, and maybe a few locals!
#4. On mountain food that is as good as the snow. Shelley Adams, the chef and author of Whitewater Cookbooks is world renowned, in fact her cookbooks have gone global. People come to Whitewater for the food almost as much as the skiing, and with good reason.
#5. Nelson’s historic town down the road. It’s authentic, it’s real, it’s worth a visit.
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RESORT FACTS
DESIGNATED TRAILS:
#Trails | Beginner | Intermediate | Advanced | Extreme |
82 | 10% | 32% | 47% | 11% |
**Marked runs include groomed, open bowls, glades, chutes, and tree skiing.
ANNUAL SNOWFALL:
Whitewater Ski Resort | 1200cm | 40 feet |
Average Winter Temperature | -8°C | 18°F |
TERRAIN:
Lift Accessible Terrain | 479 ha | 1184 acres |
Total Skiable Acres | 958 ha | 2367 acres |
VERTICAL DROP:
Vertical drop: | 623 m | 2044 ft |
Summit Elevation | 2042 m | 6700 ft |
Lodge Base Elevation | 1646 m | 5400 ft |
Glory Ridge Elevation | 2045 m | 6710 ft |
Silver King Elevation | 1900 m | 6250 ft |
Ymir Peak Elevation | 2398 m | 7867 ft |
NUMBER OF LIFTS & UPHILL CAPACITY:
Whitewater Ski Resort | 4 |
Uphill lift capacity: | 4500/hour |
NORDIC SKIING
3 miles (5km) of multi-use trails, which are dog friendly and will accommodate skate skiing, classic skiing, snow shoeing, and snow biking. Trails are track set on Friday, Saturdays, and Sundays.
NIGHT SKIING
Not offered, head to Nelson for lots of après ski.
SEASON DATES & OPENING HOURS
Whitewater is usually open from early December to early April each year.
WINTER HOURS OF OPERATION
9.00 am – 3.30 pm Note: These times are provided by the ski resort and can vary based on external conditions, day of the week, school, and public holidays.
GETTING THERE
City | Driving Distance (km) | Driving Distance (mi) |
Castlegar | 44 | 27 |
Creston | 125 | 78 |
Cranbrook | 231 | 144 |
Spokane, WA | 240 | 149 |
Osoyoos | 262 | 163 |
Penticton | 323 | 201 |
Kelowna | 346 | 215 |
Kamloops | 459 | 285 |
Banff, AB | 509 | 316 |
Calgary, AB | 619 | 385 |
Vancouver | 661 | 411 |
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THINGS TO DO AT WHITEWATER
TERRAIN PARK
You’ll get plenty of air and have a bird’s eye view of the spectacular mountains of Whitewater, whilst your ripping it up in the Whitewater Terrain Park. A favourite with the locals, this hidden gem, this resort, is fast becoming a must-do ski destination for snowboarders and skiers alike.
The grooming team have their hands full every night, whilst you après, moving bucket loads of deep powder snow, to shift around to make the berms, jumps, and half-pipes ready for you to explore each day. Riders can showcase their crazy skills on a variety of creative park features. You won’t be disappointed.
Tribute Boardshop is a core snowboard, backcountry, skateboard, lifestyle apparel and accessories retailer located in the heart of Nelson, British. Drop in and say hi to guys, and share your shredding stories. In this laid-back ski town, there’s always time for a story, and pay tribute to the mountains.
SNOW SCHOOL
Ski school here offers the usual group and private lessons but smattered amongst them are some insanely good programs including the full day Beyond the Piste program to get you into the off piste terrain with tips and tricks to float through powder, glide through trees and have the confidence to handle it all. Book ahead.
COVID-19 Policy: The resorts’ products, programs and prices may change or vary for the upcoming 2020/21 season as they continue to act in accordance with the instructions of the BC Ministry of Health and other Government officials.
RENTALS
Avoid those expensive airline baggage fees, and hassle, and leave your gear at home!
There is a rental shop on-mountain at Whitewater, and they guarantee to have all the skis and boards to best fit your approach to our mountain’s wide variety of terrain. Heading into the backcountry to enjoy the amazing terrain and deep pow surrounding Whitewater? They have a solid selection of avalanche safety, and touring equipment, to kit you out for any of their avalanche or backcountry courses. They’ve got your back covered, literally.
The wilderness of Whitewater is breathtaking. If you are into Nordic skiing, their Nordic fleet includes both classic and skate skis, as well as snowshoes.
Contact us from more information on the Whitewater Ski Resort rentals.
RETAIL SHOPPING
You don’t go to Whitewater to shop, but if you do then you can grab some merchandise in their store in the base lodge. Otherwise head into Nelson and wander Baker Street for artisan products, antiques, adventure gear, interior design, outfitters and more.
Nelson is also known as the Number One Small Arts Town in Canada, with artisans and craftspeople in abundance. Local art hangs on many café walls, and you’ll find artisans’ wares at several local markets.
Craft Connection, an artist co-op in downtown Nelson, has a gallery and shop space to showcase some of our artisans’ best work. The store itself features more than 150 artists and artisans.
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THINGS TO DO
You come to Whitewater to ski so you’ll most likely spend your spare time stretching, skiing or eating.
You could go heli skiing with nearby Stellar heli skiing, take a trip to Ainsworth Hot Springs for some mineral soaking or check out Touchstones Museum that some say is haunted.
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APRÈS SKI
Head straight to Coal Oil Johnny’s Pub in the base lodge for après beers and soul food at the end of the day.
In Nelson try Mike’s Place British style pub for après beers, Marzano for pizza and vino, Finley’s and Sage wine bar for tapas style après, Bloom for late night DJ dancing and Spiritbar Showroom for events.
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Whitewater Ski Resort, ©EB Adventure Photography
Why Whitewater?
Because life was meant for skiing and snowboarding. As the locals say, it’s all about the vibe. Fresh turns with your neighbour. Euphoria after a long day of powder shredding, fuelled by great food, and the feeling of being disconnected to reconnect. Get ready to unplug, fuel up and enjoy, because at Whitewater high fives are free, and encouraged, even with social distancing!