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January 23, 2024

Our Kootenay Mountain Ranges

Explore the breathtaking Kootenay region, nestled in the southeastern corner of British Columbia, Canada. Experience the beauty of the East & West Kootenay as you embark on a journey along the renowned Powder Highway. Prepare to be awestruck by the majestic Canadian Rockies and the Columbias, two awe-inspiring mountain ranges that elevate this destination.

Fernie Alpine Resort views; photo by Henry Georgi

THE CANADIAN ROCKY MOUNTAINS

Embrace the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies, the largest mountain system in North America. Stretching an incredible 4,800-km (3,000 miles) from the northernmost part of western Canada to the southwestern United States in New Mexico.

Our Kootenay Mountain Communities: Canal Flats, Cranbrook, Elkford, Fairmont Hot Springs, Fernie, Field, Golden, Invermere, Radium Hot Springs, Sparwood and Vermilion.

Our Powder Highway Operators: Amiskwi Lodge, Campbell Icefield Chalet, Chatter Creek Mountain Lodges, Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Wilderness Adventures, Icefall Lodge, Island Lake Cat-Skiing, Mica Heliskiing, Mistaya Lodge and Talus Lodge.

Fairmont Hot Springs Resort; photo by Chris Wheeler

THE COLUMBIA MOUNTAIN RANGES

Discover the Columbia Mountains, spanning an impressive 741-km (460 miles) along the Upper Columbia River. These mountain ranges stretch across British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, and Washington, offering a mesmerizing landscape.

The three Columbia sub-range mountain within the Kootenays, are:

1 – Purcells
2 – Selkirks
3 – Monashees

(The fourth is the Cariboo, north of the Powder Highway.)

Gondola Summit at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort; photo by Mitch Winton

THE PURCELL SUB-RANGE IN THE COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS

The Purcells are located on the west side of the majestic Rocky Mountain Trench, in the heart of the beautiful Columbia Valley. Also nestled on the east side of the stunning Kootenay Lake and the Duncan River.

Our Kootenay Mountain Communities: Argenta, Cranbrook, Crawford Bay, Creston, Golden, Invermere, Kimberley, Kootenay Bay, Panorama, and Riondel.

Our Powder Highway Operators: Boulder Hut Adventures, CMH Bobbie Burns, CMH Bugaboo, CMH Purcell, Great Canadian Heli-Skiing, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort, Panorama Mountain Resort, Powder Creek Lodge, Purcell Mountain Lodge, RK HeliSki and Stellar Heli Skiing.

Monster X Snowcat; photo by Ashley Voykin/Panorama Mountain Resort

THE SELKIRK SUB-RANGE IN THE COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS

The Selkirk Mountains, a magnificent range stretching across the majestic landscapes of the Idaho Panhandle, eastern Washington, and southeastern British Columbia, are a force to be reckoned with. As part of the Columbia Mountains, their grandeur knows no bounds.

Our Kootenay Mountain Communities: Ainsworth, Balfour, Castlegar, Crescent Valley, Nakusp, Nelson, New Denver, Kaslo, Revelstoke, Salmo, Slocan, Trail and Winlaw.

Our Powder Highway Operators: Baldface Lodge, Battle Abbey Backcountry Lodge, CMH Adamant, CMH Bobbie Burns, CMH Galena, CMH Gothic, CMH Kootenay, CMH Purcell, CMH Revelstoke, Great Northern Snowcat, Golden Alpine Holidays, Great Canadian Heli-Skiing, Ice Creek Lodge, Mt. Carlyle Backcountry Lodge, Retallack Lodge, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Revelstoke Ski Touring, Selkirk Mountain Experience, Selkirk Snowcat Skiing, Selkirk Tangiers Heli-Skiing, Snowfall Lodge, Snowwater Heli-Skiing, Sorcerer Lodge, Stellar Heli Skiing, Valkyr Adventures, White Grizzly Adventures and Whitewater Ski Resort.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort; photo by Mitch Winton

THE MONASHEE SUB-RANGE IN THE COLUMBIA MOUNTAINS

The Monashee Mountains stand strong, bordered by the majestic Columbia River and Arrow Lakes, as the Selkirk Mountains await beyond.

Our Kootenay Mountain Communities: Needles, Revelstoke, Rossland, Three Valley Gap and Trail.

Our Powder Highway Operators: Baldface Valhalla, Big Reds Cats, Blanket Glacier Chalet, CMH Gothic, CMH Kootenay, CMH Monashee, CMH Revelstoke, Eagle Pass Heli, Eleven Heli Skiing, K3 Cat Ski, Keefer Lake Lodge, Monashee Powder Snowcats, Mustang Powder, RED Mountain Resort, Selkirk Tangiers Heli-Skiing, Sol Mountain Touring, Valhalla Mountain Lodge and Valhalla Mountain Touring.

Powder day at RED Mountain Resort; photo by Kari Medig
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