The Kootenay folks never shy away from the wintry chill. As the rest of the world may retreat indoors, we embrace the cold and turn it into an opportunity for adventure.
In this mountain paradise known as The Powder Highway, winter means breathtaking snow-covered peaks and endless possibilities. The people of the Kootenays make the most of every moment, illuminating the longer nights with their boundless energy, as we revel in our hometown winter celebrations.
WE CELEBRATE!
In the towns across the Kootenays, you’ll find hardy outdoorsmen and women (and their children) stepping willingly into chilled air with their neighbours. Check red, hands mittened, the season is welcomed with winter carnivals, festivals and the general shenanigans the Kootenay culture is known for. Here are a few of our Kootenay winter celebrations (by community):
FERNIE
46th Annual Griz Days Winter Festival – February 28 to March 2, 2025
Celebrating 45+ years, the event offers jam-packed family activities. Some of the events planned for March includes, Griz Days Story Walk, SnowGolf at the Fernie Golf Club, Griz Days Parade, Junior Griz & Extreme Griz Competitions, Fireworks, turns at the Fernie Alpine Resort and more.
GOLDEN
Introducing EmberFest; a metamorphosis from the Snow King’s Masque Parade. This festival signifies a powerful combination of creativity, community, and connection – the trifecta that fuels our existence. Participate in the warmth and unity of the bonfire; share your anecdotes, performances, and artistic ventures that truly mirror our resilient spirit.
Freeride World Tour – February 7 to 13, 2025
The Freeride World Tour will be back in 2025, at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, in Golden, BC. With a packed lineup of the best female and male freeriders from around the world!
KIMBERLEY
Flannel Fest – February 13 to 16, 2025 (TBA)
This family-friendly event has locals and visitors dress up in Kootenay-style “in your favourite flannel”. Some of the annual events include: a Fat Bike Poker Run, the Chubby Wheels Enduro Fatbike Race, the Elks Poker Night and the Flannel Fling Disc Golf Tournament at Bootleg Gap Golf Course.
As for contests, check out the Shirley Rossi Backyard Snow Sculpture contest, Best Dressed Flannel Pet, a Flannel Art Contest, Kimberley’s Best Bear Competition and the Royal Flannel Couple photo competition.
NELSON
Kootenay Coldsmoke Powderfest – February 21 to 23, 2025
The festivities run throughout the weekend at Whitewater Ski Resort – with various ability levels, it is the perfect way to get into backcountry touring, work on perfecting your backcountry skills, or learn new tricks while cruising in bounds terrain with coaches and instructors. This festival is for all ability levels, and there are plenty of in-bounds workshops for both snowboarders and skiers.
Blast Beer Fest at Whitewater Ski Resort – March 22 to 23, 2025
Join them in a celebration of the extraordinary local breweries and distilleries in their region! Experience the finest local brews while indulging in our mouthwatering Whitewater pow chow at our thrilling on-the-snow beer garden. Cast your vote for the beer that steals your heart, groove to live music, and soak in the breathtaking view of Ymir Peak. Let’s make this a memorable experience together!
Natural Selection Tour – Mar 10 to 17, 2025
The Natural Selection Tour, where 24 of the world’s top snowboarders from throughout the sport compete in dynamic, natural venues, returns with three stages and two live events in 2023. The Tour ups the ante in its third year with head-to-head live competition in all-new Canadian and Alaskan venues and with a brand new first stage format, “duels”. Natural Selection Duels are designed to bring out riders’ creativity and highlight new zones and snowboarding’s diverse styles. The eight men and four women to come out on top of Natural Selection Duels will converge for the Yeti Natural Selection Revelstoke based out of Revelstoke Mountain Resort.
Revelstoke’s Beer Festival – April 5 to 6, 2025
Get ready for an epic ski trip to Revelstoke with an incredible twist! Join us on the mountain for the exhilarating Revelstoke Beer Festival, a celebration of craft beer and spirits. This two-day event offers three ticketed options, each guaranteeing an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss out on this perfect combination of adventure and indulgence. Secure your ticket now for a higher level ski experience, entry to the festival, and your very own commemorative sample mug!
Blizzard Music Festival – January 22 to 26, 2025
The Blizzard Music Festival runs annually, the last weekend of January (during Winter Carnival), in Rossland, BC. Fourteen years strong and still delivering unparalleled energy! Join them for the esteemed Canadian winter music festival, showcasing an extraordinary diversity of genres – from rock and folk to blues, hip-hop, and electronica.
Rossland Winter Carnival – January 23 to 26, 2025
The Winter Carnival started in 1898, this is Canada’s longest-running winter celebration – and, according to the carnival’s present-day organizers, how skiing got its start in Canada. This community and family-oriented activities will decorate this historical weekend, with lots of reasons and ways to celebrate — Ice sculptures, snow slides, tobogganing, skating, local business specials, and more!
