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Guide

Whitewater Resort Guide

Insider tips from our team

Whitewater Bluebird Powder © Doug Le Page 6x4

The Skiing

With its legendary deep powder and endless terrain, Whitewater attracts attention from around the world from those searching for an epic winter ski vacation. Over 2,044 feet of steeps, deeps, chutes, bowls, and glades are all there, beneath the ski resort's majestic Ymir Peak. With an abundance of natural terrain surrounding Whitewater, it is the lift-accessed backcountry skiing that garners the mountain's legendary status amongst ski tourers and off-piste snowboarders. There is also a reasonable range of beginner and intermediate terrain and the excellent value lift passes and ski school make the area popular for families.

More skiing?

Seeing as you have come all that way, why not combine Whitewater with another truly authentic Canadian resort - RED Mountain. You can do it as a day trip or split your stay between the two resorts.

Activities

At the mountain

Cat-skiing and heli-skiing are both big in the area, along with backcountry skiing. Hire a guide and get shown all the best spots.

In Nelson

Whitewater is located just a 15-minute drive from Nelson. Featuring over 40 restaurants, hot springs and a winter vibe second to none, Nelson is the Kootenay's truest gem.

Snowmobiling - over 100km of groomed trails and lots more terrain to explore.

Cross country / Nordic skiing - 3 locations near Nelson including some at Whitewater.

Ice skating, ice hockey and curling - whether you want to get on the ice or watch a match, the local ice rink has plenty for all ages.

Cody Caves - tours of local limestone caves with impressive rock formations.

Winter fishing on Kootenay Lake - the lake doesn't freeze over so you can fish all year round.

Maps

Resort Map

Trail map

Whitewater Trail Map 2023

Resort Stats

Season
Early December to early April
Nearest airport
Spokane
Flight time
9 hours 30 minutes
Direct flight
No
Transfer time
2 hours 30 minutes
Transport
Car hire or direct transfer
Elevation
6,710 ft
Vertical drop
2,044 ft
Avg snowfall
40 ft
Ski area
2,367 acres
Ski lifts
5
Runs
97
Grade
61% advanced 30% intermediate 9% beginner

Insider Tips

See our latest Whitewater Resort Guide blog posts.

Whistler Blackcomb November Snow 2025 © Matt Sylvestr
6th November 2025  -  Rollo Squire
Ski Resort Opening Dates 2025/26 - The Snow is Falling!
Wax your skis and boards, dig out your ski jacket and check your passport expiry date - the 2025/26 ski season is finally here! The snow is falling thick and fast, especially in North America, where some resorts are already open. Everything is pointing to an unforgettable winter - here's all you need to know about where the snow is falling and when the lifts start spinning.
Whistler Tree Skiing Powder © Destination BC / Blake Jorgenson
25th July 2025  -  Rupert Hatfield
The Best Ski Resorts in British Columbia
Deep powder, vast terrain, and authentic mountain towns. We've been skiing across Canada for three decades and have helped over 20,000 skiers and snowboarders find their dream resort. So who better to reveal the best ski resorts in British Columbia?
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