
Take a ski journey of a lifetime. Slashing the powder in this region is the stuff of dreams. British Columbia’s Powder Highway, has two of the biggest resorts in North America. Caution as real vertical envy can happen here. People are drawn to the Powder Highway North for big mountain skiing and riding experience and deep snow, but it is the adventurous spirit of these two authentic mountain towns that will keep you coming back.
Two cool ski towns, steeped in history, snug against big rivers, and surrounded by massive snowy spires.
Before we dive into fresh powder. It is much easier to get here than you think thanks to our friends at Air Canada offering easy access into a variety of airports- Calgary, Canadian Rockies International and Kelowna. Air Canada Vacations takes the hassle out of booking your ski vacation, offering complete packages, great value and convenient airport access to get you skiing quicker.
Golden Rules
Early day pioneers climbed mountains, tamed trees and worked the rail lines. Today ski bums, mountain guides, adventurous souls and adrenaline junkies walk mainstreet. Between old buildings, one takes in corridor views of the famed Dogtooth Range, part of the Purcell Mountains, famous for snow. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, looms large above the community, beckoning you up, rolling out a massive display of runs across her canvas.
Ready to drop in. Many don’t realize that they are about to embark on the 4th largest vertical in North America, first a rush of joy will overtake and then next will be a reminder that you should have taken the stairs more often. Lifted to the summit by the Golden Eagle Express Gondola, where the highest restaurant in Canada is perched, you’ll take pause for the view of peaks in six National Parks. Drop into Crystal Bowl, to the Stairway to Heaven Chair, on top climb some quick stairs to the ridge top and drop in, Whitewall welcomes with powder puffs, steep goodness delivered, you’ll crank it on down to the base for another lap. Way on down- from freshies, to perfectly groomed goodness, there are runs for all appetites. Hit downtown Golden up for a variety of dining options and don’t miss frothy goodness with a sampler of craft beer at the new Whitetooth Brewery.
Stoke is always high here
Many North American mountain towns have an early history that gets white-washed, but Revelstoke’s pioneer days are practically celebrated everywhere. First the paddle-wheelers plied the waters of the Columbia River bringing supplies for a variety of gold rushes and later replaced by the clickety clack and whistle of the train, ushering in a dream to tie one end of the country to the other side. Fuel up with craft coffee and be early as you don’t want to miss first tracks.
Make tracks at Revelstoke Mountain Resort
With stunning mountain views in every direction, your neck will be sore from all the rubbernecking as you ride up the gondola. It’s easy to allow your mind to wander and dream here (ski lines that is….). Revelstoke, is big too, you’re starting to get the picture, as you drop in, enjoying the biggest vertical in North America. Head to the top of the Stoke Chair, you’ll dig right into a buffet of trees and powder, and if that does not fire your quads up, take a lap into North Bowl. After ski, plenty of apres, dining and craft shops to ramble the evening away downtown.
Be a winter explorer
More than anything, skiing Powder Highway North, is about exploration and connecting. Sure the big fall-line vertical rippers, groomers that go on for miles, deep fresh tracks and massive variety of terrain matter, but what really makes this trip different is the down to earth people, spirited, each with a story, all having this glow for life, many with humble beginnings, who simply share their love for being outside. Now this is a flu worth catching.
How to make your Powder Dreams come true
Take flight with Air Canada Vacations, offering you incredible service, complete packages including air, lift tickets, ground transportation and lodging at great value to get you skiing now and enjoying coveted slope time that matters with your friends and family.
Fly in and out of Calgary International Airport, take the scenic route through Canada’ first National Park, Banff, and everyone in your pack will enjoy the rocky and snowy spires that dot the under three hour drive to Golden, BC.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Golden, BC
Stay on mountain, ski to your door ease, as both the Palliser Lodge and Glacier Mountaineer Lodge are right next to the lift.
From Golden, BC, it is two hours, with a stop-over to view glaciers and big mountains, Rogers Pass, one of Canada’s most scenic high routes, descend down into the forested river valley before arriving in Revelstoke. Optional is to fly in and out of Kelowna Airport, with approximately a two hour drive time.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Revelstoke, BC
Stay in town and enjoy easy access to the shops and dining at the Sandman Hotel or enjoy first class ski in and ski out lodging at the Sutton Place Hotel