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Ski BC's Powder Highway: Hot Springs and Mountain Towns

By Leah Adams-Chute November 28, 2018

Does soaking post-skiing muscles in steamy mineral water sound like heaven? If so, you’re in luck. Ski resorts and hot springs are situated along southeastern BC’s Powder Highway circuit, which also follows a Hot Springs Circle Route. Unless you have a few weeks to spare, you’ll need to explore this powder paradise in sections. Not to fuss—you’ll have an excuse to come back.

Here is some inspiration for a trip along BC’s Powder Highway with the perfect hot springs pairings to soothe aching quads.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort hot pools | Kari Medig

GO WEST:

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Whitewater Ski Resort, RED Mountain Resort

Revelstoke Mountain Resort has North America’s greatest vertical at 1,713 m (5,620 ft) and advanced skiers are drawn to the resort’s long, steep runs. For those looking for an even deeper powder experience, the resort has teamed up with Great Northern Snowcat Skiing to offer small group, single-day cat-ski experiences. Those who want to get higher can hop in a helicopter with Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing for a single-day heli-ski experience—the best way to earn your post-ski soak.

Heading south from Revelstoke on the highway you’ll hit Halcyon and Nakusp hot springs, both reached via a free scenic ferry across Upper Arrow Lake. Situated in the Kuskanax Valley, Nakusp Hot Springs allows you to soak amid snow-covered trees. Can’t move those relaxed muscles any farther? Book a cedar chalet for the night before hitting the next mineral springs down the road. Halcyon Hot Springs overlooks Upper Arrow Lake and you can gaze at the mountains between dunks in the cold plunge.

The Fresh Tracks Cafe at Whitewater Ski Resort | Kari Medig

You should be relaxed by now, which means it’s time to head south to the town of Nelson and Whitewater Ski Resort. You’re sure to find a dose of authentic ski culture, rub shoulders with the locals, and find some deep stashes of snow—all to yourself. Not far from Nelson is Ainsworth Hot Springs Resort with a unique horseshoe-shaped cave—with stalagmites and stalactites—to soak in after a day of playing in powder at the resort.

RED Mountain Resort | Ryan Flett

Last stop? Head for the tiny town of Rossland and RED Mountain Resort. This is the kind of ski resort you fall in love with right away and the kind of mountain town you never want to leave. Perched above town, the resort is surprisingly big with 1,085 skiable hectares (2,682 acres), 890 metres (2,919 feet) of vertical, 110 runs, seven lifts, and 360-degree descents. The kicker? You can try in-bounds cat-skiing for $10.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort | Reuben Krabbe

Go East:

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort

The mountain town of Golden is the perfect powder seeker’s paradise. Home to Kicking Horse Mountain Resort with nearly 1,133 hectares (2,800 acres), four bowls, countless chutes, and ridgelines for days, this resort attracts adventurous skiers. Less adventurous skiers can enjoy this mountain too, with easier runs on the lower mountain and a perfect après-ski perch at Eagle’s Eye Restaurant sitting at 2,346 m (7,700 ft) and overlooking a sea of Purcell Mountain peaks.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort | Zoya Lynch

Once you’ve exhausted yourself skiing, head south to Radium Hot Springs, on edge of Kootenay National Park. You can soak in the hot springs while you spot bighorn sheep balancing on cliff sides or take advantage of the on-site day spa. Just south of here is Panorama Mountain Resort with newly opened terrain last year—an additional 52 hectares (128 acres) and four new runs in the resort’s Taynton Bowl.

Surrounded by sky-high peaks, the views from this resort are spectacular and you don’t have to leave the resort for your post-ski soak. All Panorama Lodging guests can access the slopeslide hot pools where you can relax après ski. Hit the road and journey south. Fairmont Hot Springs is your next stop, with a full-service resort built around one of the largest hot springs in Canada. A small ski resort is here too, so you can ski and soak in the same day.

Fernie Alpine Resort | Reuben Krabbe

Finish your ski trip at Kimberley Alpine Resort and Fernie Alpine Resort in southeastern BC. The mountain towns of Kimberley and Fernie have it all—great skiing, friendly locals, and views of peaks in all directions. You may want to park your skis and stay awhile. That, or keep tackling the Powder Highway and head west. You’ll eventually hit Whitewater Ski Resort and you can hop on the western Powder Highway route south to north.

Want to explore smaller resorts along the Powder Highway? Check out Salmo Ski Hill, Wapiti Ski Club, and Summit Lake Ski and Snowboard Area.

For information on skiing BC’s Powder Highway and for ski offers visit here.

Alpine resorts are bordered by uncontrolled wilderness areas. Respect the boundary lines and don’t ski out of bounds. Make sure you know the Alpine Responsibility Code and learn about the danger of tree wells. AdventureSmart is a great resource to help you get informed before heading outdoors.

Header Image: Fernie | Dave Heath

Original Publish Date: December 5, 2017

WRITTEN BY: Leah Adams-Chute

From: Vancouver
Leah Adams-Chute likes to pedal bikes, wander trails, and chase snow. She spends her weekends exploring BC and all her other free time searching for cheap flights to places she's never been to.