‘The Powder Highway’ refers to a collection of ski resorts in British Columbia, famous for some of the deepest snow in North America.
In Canada, we’re pretty spoiled. We have ski resorts around just about every highway corner, so how do you choose? Many people are loyal to their local ski resort or have a favourite near their home town. However, if you haven’t had the extreme pleasure of riding the resorts on the Powder Highway yet…here are the top 10 reasons why we think you should;
10) The BEST Snow
That’s right, we’ve said it. The Powder Highway resorts have the best and the deepest snow in the region – Fernie Alpine Resort is known for getting up to 37 feet of snow a season! That’s more than enough to cover a 3 story building!
9) Ski In/Ski Out Villages
Every resort on the powder highway has a picturesque village to ski right into in the base area. It’s hard to top the views of the Canadian Rockies and the views from the restaurant patios at the resorts on the Powder Highways are nearly impossible to beat!
8) Warm Temps
British Columbia in general, is known for having a mild climate with pockets of high precipitation locations and in the winter that translates to the more often recognized ski bum term of ‘PUKING SNOW’. Oh, did I mention it has the best snow? See point 10.
7) The Mascots & Legends
Many, if not nearly all resort towns have a mascot – someone the community loves to admire and sometimes they have long told legends that go along with the story. Our favourite might be the Legend of the Fernie Griz – the Griz is known for bringing the amazing snow to Fernie Alpine Resort each season by shooting his musket into the clouds above. For the full story see the Fernie website. Another one of our favs is actually a real life mascot – Boo The Bear lives at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, rescued as a cub after his mother was shot in the wild, Boo has been living at the resort for years. You can go see Boo in the summer months living in the largest protected Grizzly Bear habitat in the world and in the winter he hibernates under the snow. Where else can you say you snowboarded right by a sleeping bear?
6) Summer
Okay, so this one is a bit off topic, but riding doesn’t JUST refer to skiing or boarding. Many of the resorts on the powder highway offer downhill mountain biking as well as a lot of other super fun summer outdoor adventures – including hiking, aerial park, ziplines and more!
This summer – check out what is being called ‘the toughest Via Ferrata in North America’ at Kicking Horse, or if that’s a little too hardcore for you take a thrilling walk across the suspension bridge instead.
5) Mountain Top Dining
Maybe the view from the base areas is possible to beat…. Many of the resorts on the Powder Highway also have Mountain Top Restaurants or eating areas to really take in the best views of the Canadian Rockies. For some real eye candy, stop by Eagle’s Eye at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and see the views of 6 National Parks, enjoy your lunch at the Kootenay Haus at the top of Northstar Mountain at Kimberley Alpine Resort and look onto the historic T-bar just outside the windows or warm up at Lost Boys Café in Fernie and stare in awe at the Lizard range and view of the town below on a clear day.
4) Bowls, Chutes and Tree skiing for days
There’s a TON of terrain to hit on the Powder Highway from huge alpine bowls to gentle slopes. In short, the variety of skiing terrain is limiteless!
3) After Hours Fun
If you haven’t heard yet of the biggest party in the Rockies, you’ll need to check out Fernival at Fernie Alpine Resort – bringing a huge band for a free outdoor concert to close down each ski season! What about the mid season Wrangle the Chute party at Kicking Horse? Not only is it an intense week of Free World Qualifier events, it’s followed by an epic after-party each season.
2) True Canadian North Ski Towns
Canadians are known for being some of the friendliest people in the world, and the ski towns are known for being some of the most authentic and beautiful! Authentic ski towns like Kimberley and Golden, B.C are rich in history and friendly locals who love to share their knowledge, while Fernie has been voted The Coolest Town in North America by Rolling Stone Magazine and more recently the Greatest Canadian Outdoor Town by Get Out There Magazine.
And the number one reason to ride the powder highway …..
1) So many choices, literally on one highway.
What’s your jam? Cat skiing? Heli Skiing? The Powder Highway HAS it, comprised of downhill ski resorts, Nordic centers, heli & Cat skiing operations as well as back country lodges. Whatever you’re in the mood for, it’s on the Powder Highway.
Get a quote for a resort on the Powder Highway before August 31 to save.
