Whitewater Ski Resort is a skier's mountain and, in some respects, a bit of an anomaly. There's none of the glitz and hype that is so often associated with the sport – the lifts are vintage, the lodge is rustic and there are no fancy condos. Let's be clear – there is no on-mountain accommodation of any kind at Whitewater. The sole attraction here is the fantastic skiing and snowboarding, with some excellent cross-country skiing on the side.
Drive up to the lodge at the base elevation of 1,646m/5,400ft – the centre of a wide bowl below the towering face of Ymir Peak. First impressions of Whitewater? It's like cat-skiing – with lifts.
Season Ticket Holders
Whitewater has inspired many people to move to nearby Nelson. Today's visitor is tomorrow's season pass holder. The resort sells 3,500 season's passes in a community of just 10,000.
Mountain Culture
Nelsonites are passionate about their mountain, and about a mountain culture that's simultaneously laid back and extreme. They are serious when it comes to skiing and snowboarding – it comes from negotiating demanding runs and, for some, epic excursions into the backcountry.
Friendly Locals
The growing popularity of Whitewater has spawned an almost anti-marketing sentiment amongst the locals. However, while they may squirm at the prospect of longer lift lines, locals are still visitor-friendly. Ride the Summit Chair with a season's pass holder and you'll hear all about the Whitewater experience – and perhaps be shown a favourite line through the trees.
Fresh Tracks Café
Many have written about fresh tracks in Whitewater's bowls, chutes and glades, but the New York Times has also devoted a significant amount of ink to the Fresh Tracks Café, the resort's one and only restaurant. Considered to be the best in the industry, the food is homemade, nutritious and delicious. And the word is out; Whitewater was awarded #2 in Ski Magazine’s "Top 10 Best Ski Resort Cafeterias" in 2011.
Explore Nelson
With no trendy village on the mountain, nearby Nelson steps in to comfortably fill the void. Nelson and Whitewater have the same authentic quality and laid-back feel. Explore Baker Street's Victorian architecture to discover great places to eat, and nightlife that is full of surprises. Nelson puts together an exceptional cultural calendar that includes music, theatre and dance. Check the local weekly newspaper, the Kootenay Express, for more arts and entertainment information.
For more information on Whitewater Ski Resort and Nelson, check with the Visitor Centre.
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